San Elijo Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Published on 4/1/2023
Our trip to visit the San Elijo Wastewater Treatment Plant on 3/7/23 was a big success. Thirteen members heard about the increasing need and use for treated wastewater for irrigation and the emerging demand for potable water. The plant is working to solve stormwater collection issues that arise when torrents of debris-laden water come into a system designed for one specific and narrow range of supply. Following is the write-up of the visit by member Rita Sudman:
About a dozen members of the League's Water Committee met March 7 with the management of the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority. Mike Thornton, General Manager, briefed the group on the more than 57 years of operation of the plant. He noted that the plant was built for wastewater but about 20 years ago they formed a JPA to develop a recycled water delivery business. It was thought in the early days that local agriculture would be the biggest buyer of the recycled water but it soon became apparent that agriculture was declining and urban uses would be a growing market for the recycled water. Their four person board of directors is made up of city council members of Solana Beach and Encinitas with service provided to 40,000 customers in other areas including Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe. Their official mission is protecting the environment and public health through wastewater, stormwater and recycled water service. In recent years there have been major studies conducted by the organization on potable reuse plans. Partnerships with 4 local water agencies allows them to sell the recycled water at $1,740 an acre foot. About 2,000 acre feet a year in recycled water is sold to these partners. Mike noted that this price per acre foot was less money than it would take to recycle salt water from the ocean or even to purchase most imported water. He said some landmark local institutions are using their recycled water including the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Scripps. Stormwater capture and reuse is a newer element of their operation. It poses some challenges but Mike believes in its potential including environmental benefits. There is also an ongoing upgrade to the wastewater treatment program. In answering questions, Mike said the City of San Diego's Pure Water program is a major step forward to help get the San Diego area to use less imported water. After the discussion, the group was given a tour of the wastewater treatment and recycled water plant and the new stormwater capture facilities. Some of the participants who have toured other treatment plants agreed that the San Elijo plant was a very clean and up to date facility.