We are thrilled to share the many milestones achieved in 2019!

Moving Towards Design and Construction

Qualified contractors were invited to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) to design, build and perform transitional operations and maintenance for the new 11.5 million gallons per day Advanced Water Purification Facility and new 16 million gallons per day Water Recycling Facility. Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2022 with the goal to be operational in 2025.

1,400 People Toured the Demonstration Facility Tours are available year-round for individuals, clubs, civic organizations and school classes to see how the purification process works and learn why it's needed in East County. This year more than 1,400 people took a guided tour and 7,000 people have toured the facility since 2015. To schedule a tour,  click here .

Students Came to Tour and Learn About Water

Teachers love our field trips and the news is spreading! Field trips show the next generation the steps being taken in their community to help solve environmental challenges in a fun and educational way. Students participate in interactive, hands-on activities while learning about the future of water. More than 700 students visited the facility from schools all over East County. Our youth will reap the benefits of the water reuse programs being planned today and will be the next generation of water leaders. An A+ for everyone!

A New Brew with Purified Water          First we partnered with Ballast Point to brew beer from purified water produced at our Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility and next we made coffee! More than 200 glasses of iced coffee were served at the East County Water Festival, made from water purified at our Demonstration Facility. Talk about creating a buzz!

"Water Journeys" for Girl Scouts

Two hundred Girl Scouts from all over San Diego County visited education stations at our Visitor Center in 2019. The Scouts touched membranes and filters, cleaned water by squeezing dirty water through filters, planted succulents, played games and more! All visiting Scouts earn a project patch and the program helps them earn an achievement called the Wonders of Water Journey. We love the chance to make new friends.

More Funding Secured! One of the key project goals is to produce 30% of East County's water at a competitive cost compared to imported water and to control wastewater treatment costs. Helping achieve this goal, more than $36 million in grant funding has been secured for the $528 million project with more grant applications in progress! In addition, the project was selected in October 2019 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to apply for $342 million in funding from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans.

Awards Recognized Public Communication Efforts

Four communication awards were earned by the East County Advanced Water Purification Project this year - highlighting our commitment to outreach and education. Our community outreach effectively shares the benefits and need of key water reuse projects and especially the importance of the East County Advanced Water Purification Project.

Joint Powers Authority Formed The formation meeting of the East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority (JPA) took place in late 2019 to serve as the governing body for the East County Advanced Water Purification Project. The JPA Board includes representatives from Padre Dam Municipal Water District, the City of El Cajon and the County of San Diego. Additionally, Helix Water District is an ex-officio member.

Happy 2020! Let's salute yesterday's achievements and welcome tomorrow's bright future in 2020!

Schedule A Tour

East County Advanced Water Purification C/O Padre Dam Municipal Water District 9300 Fanita Parkway  Santee, CA 92071 (619) 258 4613

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