The Olivenhain Municipal Water District has received a 2026 Project of the Year award for pipeline replacement work along Rancho Santa Fe Road near the Encinitas-Carlsbad border.
The award, presented by the American Public Works Association’s San Diego and Imperial County Chapter on May 21, recognized the district’s replacement of about 1,600 feet of aging 12-inch potable water pipeline beneath the roadway.
Water district officials said in a news release that the project improved drinking water reliability while minimizing impacts in a heavily traveled corridor near two schools.
“This project was in a highly trafficked corridor that connects two cities and includes two schools, and staff worked diligently to minimize traffic and community impacts,” district board Secretary Christy Guerin said in the news release. “We are proud to have APWA recognize the incredible effort involved in completing this vital project that increases drinking water reliability for our customers.”
According to the district, staff members identified the aging pipeline for replacement after using a video inspection tool known as a See Snake, which determined the pipeline had reached the end of its useful life. The discovery resulted in the Unit A Rancho Santa Fe Road Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project.
The work took place along a heavily traveled corridor near two schools. OMWD officials said the district coordinated with the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to reduce traffic disruptions and maintain safety during construction. The district also said the work was completed on time and within budget.
