SANTEE, CA, MARCH 27, 2018 -- Padre Dam Municipal Water District received the 2018 Recycled Water Community Outreach/Public Education Program of the Year award from WateReuse California for the East County Advanced Water Purification Program. WateReuse presented the award at their annual Conference on March 26, in Monterey, Calif.
The East County Advanced Water Purification Program will create a new, local, sustainable and drought proof drinking water supply using state-of-the-art technology to purify East County's recycled water. The full-scale water recycling program will produce up to 30 percent of East County's current drinking water demands and reduce dependence on imported water.
"Public education and outreach is a vital component to the success of the East County Advanced Water Purification Program," said Allen Carlisle, CEO and General Manager of Padre Dam Municipal Water District. "The goal of our efforts has been to raise awareness and educate the community about the purpose, need and benefits of the project and begin changing public attitudes about potable reuse."
Key tools of the public education and community outreach program include an overview video, an animated video for families, speaker's bureau, website and an extensive tour program that welcomes the public, schools, scout groups and civic organizations from throughout San Diego County, California and even international visitors.
"The communication efforts have not only offered a learning opportunity but have succeeded in achieving pivotal opinion-changing experiences for our community," added Carlisle. "The outreach program has instilled confidence in the treatment process, highlighted the professionalism and competence of Padre Dam's operations staff and reinforced the benefits and need of the program."
Engineering planning, research, outreach and governance planning are currently underway in preparation for construction and implementation. The East County Advanced Water Purification Program is a partnership between Padre Dam, Helix Water District, the County of San Diego and the City of El Cajon. Padre Dam is currently the lead agency and the partner agencies express support for the Program through memorandums of understandings and funding support for the Program. Visit www.eastcountyAWP.com for more information about the program and to tour the demonstration facility.
About WateReuse Association
The WateReuse Association is a not-for-profit trade association for water utilities, businesses, industrial and commercial enterprises, not-for-profit organizations and associations. Its members represent more than 200 communities and 60 million utility customers around the country. The mission of the WateReuse Association is to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of water reuse and to advocate for laws, policy and funding to increase water reuse.
About Padre Dam
Padre Dam provides water, sewer, recycled water and recreation services to approximately 100,000 residents in East San Diego County including Santee, El Cajon, Lakeside, Flinn Springs, Harbison Canyon, Blossom Valley, Alpine, Dehesa and Crest. The District currently imports 100% of its drinking water supply and treats two million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater at its Water Recycling Facility. Please visit www.padredam.org for more information.
