Emergency Storage Project

By Ann L. Peay

The first dam construction in San Diego County in 40 years will provide Olivenhain Municipal Water District customers with an emergency source of water for catrosphic and drought protection.

How this cooperation was achieved exemplifies why it is important to have capable and dedicated people representing the public. Even though Olivenhain had obtained all the approvals necessary to begin the Project, after years of effort, it actively promoted the inclusion of CWA into a win-win proposition. Olivenhain's construction cost would be reduced by $10 Million and CWA would obtain additional storage capacity for it's member agencies with a larger dam. As a member agency, OMWD also receives additional emergency allotments from CWA.

The approval and construction of the largest roller compacted dam in the country was only the first step for Olivenhain. To purify the emergency water, Olivenhain has analyzed, and evaluated membrane filtration systems. These systems are state-of-the-science in capability with minimal environmental impact. The need for facilities with this capability is demonstrated by a $4 Million EPA grant awarded to OWMD for the construction of Ultra-Filtration.

The saga of Emergency Storage seems obvious in hindsight but projects like this just don't happen. It requires people of vision, energy and dedication. It requires the ability to understand the big picture but implement the critical details. It requires sensitivity to the political realities without losing sight of the customers' needs. More than anything else it requires continual education and the commitment of personal time. Olivenhain Municipal Water District is successful and progressive in the water world and I take pride in helping make that a fact.