September 2023 Water Update:

On August 25, 2023 the City of Escondido Water Treatment Plant started treating and distributing water from Lake Wohlford, our local water source. In preparation for this, the Treatment Plant proactively adjusted the treatment process and increased monitoring to better deal with this particular water source, which tends to have a lot of taste and odor challenges, especially this time of year. Despite the Treatment Plant best efforts, the taste and odor issues have remained in the water, however the water is safe to drink.

• The water will, at all times, meet Federal and State Water Quality Standards and the water is completely safe to drink;
• Lake Wohlford has been a source of water in Escondido for over 100 years;
• With increased water supply in the local system, the amount of source water from Lake Wohlford was increased;
• Any change in the source water may cause temporary changes in the taste and odor of the water;
• Some people are more attuned to these changes and may notice an “earthy” or “musty” smell in the water;
• The changes are aesthetic and are being addressed in the treatment process as soon as possible. In addition, the amount of water being treated from Lake Wohlford has been decreased.
• It may take from several days up to a week for the odor to decrease.
• If you have additional questions, you may call 760-839-4668.

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Water is delivered every day to the people in Escondido in quantities and pressures to meet their needs. Little thought is given to the water system that supplies them. This is a tribute to the people in the Water Division who are continually meeting the customer's needs for safe and reliable, high quality water.

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 as amended has resulted in the establishment of strict water quality standards. Adhering to these guidelines ensures the water system has to deliver safe water to their customers with no compromises to public health. Safe water is free from pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms, toxic materials, and any other substances that could be harmful to customers.

The Water Division supplies water to approximately 150,000 residential, commercial, and agricultural customers with water from the Escondido-Vista Water Treatment Plant. The plant treats all raw water before it is delivered to customers.

The Water/Canal Division maintains the joint Escondido-Vista canal bringing water from Lake Henshaw to Lake Wohlford.

The Water/Field Operations Division employees provide maintenance and operations of the water distribution system. This system consists of approximately 25,000 service meters, 423 miles of pipelines, 50 pressure reducing/regulating stations, 5 pump stations and 11 reservoirs that must be capable of delivering water at the desired flow rates and pressures while maintaining optimal water quality. Staff also maintains the recycled distribution system.

The Water Division operates the City's two lakes, which are used for recreational purposes as well as water storage and supply.

Water Conservation programs, such as rebates and residential landscape workshops, are managed by the Environmental Programs Division