Construction Complete on San Elijo Joint Powers Authority Advanced Water Treatment System

The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority (SEJPA) has completed construction of its Advanced Water Treatment System at the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility (SEWRF). 

The new advanced water treatment system consists of microfiltration and reverse osmosis equipment. This will help improve the quality of recycled water and reduces the overall concentration of salts and minerals that sometimes limits how recycled water is used. This project also provides for strategic storm water/urban run-off capture and treatment, which will help reduce runoff and pollution to the San Elijo Lagoon and surrounding beaches.

In elaborating on the benefits of this treatment upgrade, Mike Thornton, the General Manager commented: “The Advanced Water Treatment System is a major step forward in our agency’s commitment to protecting the ocean, the environment, and public health. This project expands our ability to produce safe and reliable recycled water by approximately 180 million gallons per year. More importantly, recycled water is locally produced and drought resistant. Add those benefits to the ability to protect the lagoons and beaches by accepting some urban runoff and first-flush storm water, and we really think this project is winner for our community.”

Mark Muir, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, said, “Over the past 10 years, our management team and staff have developed a world class water reuse facility to ensure we don’t waste a drop of valuable water.”

Bottled water companies and some municipal water districts commonly use microfiltration and reverse osmosis systems. Scaled down versions are also offered for homeowners. By installing this equipment at the SEWRF, the stage has been set for future projects that will help enhance and meet water supply needs in north San Diego County. 

The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority (SEJPA) protects the water quality of the ocean by treating and disposing of wastewater for the Solana Beach, Cardiff, Olivenhain, and Rancho Santa Fe communities. SEJPA owns and operates the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility located in Cardiff by the Sea. The agency operates a recycled water utility that provides approximately 1,300 acre-feet of recycled water annually in partnership with the City of Del Mar, San Dieguito Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. 

–SEJPA Press Release