The Water Utilities Department is responsible for purchasing water from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) and delivering it throughout the City for domestic, commercial, irrigation, and fire protection purposes. The City has a direct water filtration plant that treats up to 25 million gallons per day of water received from the SDCWA and a reverse osmosis plant that treats up 6 million gallons per day of local brackish groundwater from the Mission Basin. Reservoirs are maintained at levels to prevent any interruption of service to the public, and waterline repairs are made at all hours of the day or night.

The department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater collection and treatment facilities. This system includes over 450 miles of pipelines, two wastewater treatment plants, 34 sewer lift stations, and an industrial waste inspection program. The City’s sewage is presently treated at full secondary treatment level according to EPA standards.  The City has a goal of zero sewer spills.  The City also coordinates implementation of the Clean Water (storm water) program, recycling programs and implementation of the Waste Management contract. Our Water Conservation program educates the public on ways to save water.