Issues
Control Water Rates
I will fight to keep our water rates down. I will maintain constant vigilance over OMWD’s internal costs and oppose wasteful and unnecessary spending. I will challenge our water wholesalers, demanding fiscal control so unreasonable cost increases are not passed on to us! For example, in June 2023, I was one of the few San Diego County Water Authority Board members who voted against what I believe was an unreasonably high wholesale rate increase. I will continue to be vigilant in those efforts.
Manage Our Imported Water Supplies
Despite an unusually wet 2023 winter, the Colorado River, which we rely on for over 70% of our water, remains in a severe drought. Lake Mead, which supplies our water, is less than 35% full. Fortunately, San Diego County is better positioned than most places to withstand water shortages because of your water conservation efforts, recycling, water reuse, and limited local water sources. Nevertheless, we must carefully manage our water resources for long-term reliability.
Manage Our Water Resources in an Environmentally Responsive Manner
Every decision we make must consider environmental and social impacts. For example, while expanding ocean desalination could improve our water reliability, it also has significant environmental consequences; it is expensive and energy-intensive. Our policies must balance “big-ticket” solutions against other less intensive and expensive ones and seek creative solutions.
Encourage Access to OMWD’s AquaHawk ™ Portal.
With AquaHawk, you can monitor your water use by the hour, reducing your water bill by as much as 15 percent! I have supported OMWD staff's rollout of the system and to providing access customer support. Thousands of OMWD customers monitor their water use online thanks to their efforts. If you haven’t yet, here is the link to get you started http://www.olivenhain.com/mywateruse/:
Explore Alternative Sources of Water Supply
We do not receive enough rain in San Diego County to meet our local needs. OMWD is exploring the feasibility of locally sourced groundwater from the San Dieguito Valley to reduce our reliance on others. The Board will soon make important decisions about whether to go forward with this project. You can learn more about it at https://www.olivenhain.com/your-water-supplies/san-elijosan-dieguito-valley-groundwater-project/.
Increase District Transparency
Promoting transparency and accessibility in public meetings is crucial for fostering trust and accountability in our communities. My OMWD board was one of the few water agencies that did not provide remote meeting access. In January 2023, I recommended staff explore live public streaming. My objective came true in August 2023 when the Board adopted my recommendation. From now on, all OMWD public meetings are accessible through Zoom. Just go to the agenda for information and join! I encourage citizen participation. We need more input from you!
News and Updates
December 12, 2023-Conservation. Turning salty groundwater into fresh drinking water
12 Dec 2023, 19:54
December 1, 2023-Water Authority Saves Money and Water in Three-Party Water Deal
01 Dec 2023, 21:09
November 30, 2023- Association of California Water Agencies Conference
31 Nov 2023, 11:38
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