San Diego Water Agencies Receive Outreach and Education Program of the Year Award
Encinitas, CA—WateReuse Association of California has honored Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District at its annual conference in San Diego with the 2025 Outreach and Education Program of the Year award. The award recognizes the three agencies’ 2024 Water Career Day, where they educated students and veterans about careers in water, wastewater, and recycled water.
The event welcomed high school and community college students, as well as military veterans exploring post-service careers. Each agency engaged with attendees at interactive stations, performed demonstrations on real-world infrastructure, and offered insight into the industry’s wide variety of career pathways.
“LWD Board President Rolando Saldana noted that “We are honored to receive this award recognizing Water Career Day. By engaging high school and college students, we hope to inspire the next generation to consider careers in the water and wastewater industry – vital services that protect public health, the environment, and our community’s future.”
“SEJPA is proud to have hosted Water Career Day at the San Elijo Water Campus. This event reflects our commitment to investing in our community and preparing the next generation of water professionals. By inspiring students and veterans to explore careers in water, we advance our mission to provide safe and reliable recycled water and wastewater services that protect public health and the environment.” – Kristi Becker, San Elijo JPA Board Chair, City of Solana Beach Council Member
“With firsthand experience across various areas in the water industry, these students are more equipped to choose their future career paths," said OMWD Board President Matthew R. Hahn. “Water Career Day fostered a stronger appreciation for careers in the water sector among the next generation.“
Formed in 1990, WaterReuse Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the beneficial and efficient uses of high-quality, locally produced, sustainable water sources for the betterment of society and the environment through advocacy, education and outreach, research, and membership. WateReuse California is a state section of WateReuse Association.
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Olivenhain Municipal Water District is a public agency providing water, wastewater services, recycled water, hydroelectricity, and operation of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Organized in 1959, OMWD currently serves approximately 87,000 customers over 48 square miles in northern San Diego County.
The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority is a local leader in environmental stewardship, providing award winning wastewater treatment and recycled water services for the communities of Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe.
Leucadia Wastewater District was formed in 1959 to collect, transport, and treat wastewater and provide recycled water for irrigation. LWD provides service to about 60,000 customers in a 16-square-mile area that includes La Costa, Leucadia, and the Village Park area of Encinitas. LWD manages about 4 million gallons of treated wastewater daily.
For Immediate Release
September 22, 2025
Contact
Kimberly A. Thorner
General Manager, Olivenhain Municipal Water District
760-753-6466
kthorner@olivenhain.com
Michael T. Thornton
General Manager, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority
760-753-6203
thornton@sejpa.org
Paul J. Bushee
General Manager, Leucadia Wastewater District
760-753-0155
pbushee@lwwd.org