Padre Profile: Dave Roberts
When Dave Roberts learned about the role of Water Quality Specialist, he knew it was his calling. After taking courses at Palomar College and working at Padre Dam as a Utility Worker and Valve Technician, he's now in his dream job. Find out how Dave's job ensures clean water flows to your tap. View the video here.
New Board Member Director Rocky Qualin
The District’s Board of Directors has appointed Rocky Qualin to the Board of Directors to fill the vacancy in Division 5 as the result of the recent passing of James Peasley. Qualin took the oath of office at the Board meeting on September 7, 2022 and then participated in his first meeting. Qualin will hold office for the balance of the unexpired term which expires December 2, 2022. 
 
“My interest in being part of the Padre Dam board is to ensure that my community is provided with safe and reliable water and sewer services at the lowest costs possible,” stated new Board member Rocky Qualin. “I believe Jim’s service on the Board was achieving this and I hope to continue down the successful path he created as I fill this roll.” 

Qualin is the only candidate for the Division 5 seat for the next four year term which will begin in December 2022 and go through November 2026. Therefore, Qualin will be reseated into the Division 5 seat in December for the next four year term. 

Qualin is a long-time Santee resident. Qualin graduated and earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from San Diego State University.  In addition to serving on Padre Dam’s Board Qualin also serves on the Board of Governors for the Grossmont Hospital Foundation as well as the Board of Directors for the local non-profit Lion’s Camp Jack, which sends foster & at-risk youth to summer camp.
Water Professionals Appreciation Week
California celebrates Water Professionals Appreciation Week in early October. Skilled water professionals at Padre Dam are on call 24/7, 365 days a year to ensure safe and reliable water, wastewater and recycled water services for our community.
Conserve Water
With Rebates
Have you explored all of your water conservation options lately? Padre Dam customers may be eligible for rebates on items including:

  • High-efficiency clothes washers
  • High-efficiency toilets
  • Rotating sprinkler nozzles
  • Rain barrels and cisterns
  • Irrigation controllers
  • Soil Moisture Sensor Systems
  • Flow Monitors
  • Turf Replacement

For more information visit www.padredam.org/conserve
Construction Begins on the East County Advanced Water Purification Project
Crews have started working to build the East County Advanced Water Purification Program facilities. This Program is a collaborative partnership between Padre Dam, the County of San Diego, the City of El Cajon and Helix Water District.

Construction includes:
  • Water treatment facilities, located north of Santee Lakes.
  • An 11-mile purified water pipeline from the treatment facility through Santee and Lakeside, ending at Lake Jennings.
  • Two additional 3.5-mile pipelines, constructed south of the new facilities past Carlton Oaks Drive to East Mission Gorge Pump Station near Highway 52 and 125 intersection.

Normal work hours will be 7 am to 5 pm Occasionally work may need to be outside these hours based on construction needs and to reduce impacts. Construction for the entire project is expected to be complete in late 2025.
For approximately three months, extensive truck traffic will occur as dirt is trucked in to fill the grade where the foundation of the treatment facilities will be located. Trucks will exit Highway 52, travel east on Mast and then north on Fanita Parkway past Ganley. Truck trips will occur Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The Program will be constructed in phases through late 2025 by different specialized and qualified contractors. Throughout the project we will share schedules and work descriptions on an interactive map.