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HWD
at-a-glance
 Helix
Water District is a progressive industry leader, providing high
quality water, through an efficient and reliable system. Our innovative
and dedicated employees and Board members maximize human and technological
resources, providing superior service to our customers.
The
Helix Water District covers an area of nearly 50 square miles,
serving the cities of La Mesa, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, the community
of Spring Valley, and various unincorporated areas near El Cajon.
Helix
operates as a public agency under Irrigation District Laws of
the State of California. The District is governed by a Board of
five Directors elected to four-year terms by registered voters
in the divisions in which they live. Also see Board
of Directors.
The
Helix Water District Board of Directors meets in an open meeting
on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 2 p.m. in the
Helix Water District Board Room located at 7811 University Ave.
in La Mesa. The agenda is posted in the lobby and on our website.
See
Board of Directors.
Helix
Water District's history dates back to 1885 when the San Diego
Flume Company built Cuyamaca Dam, a diverting dam on the San Diego
River, and thirty-three and one-half miles of wooden flume to
bring water to the people of San Diego County. Subsequently the
Flume Company was sold to the Cuyamaca Water Company. In 1913
the La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District
was organized. In 1926 the District purchased the Cuyamaca Water
Company and became an operating water agency. For more details,
see Helix History
Less
than 20% of our water is local runoff from winter rain and snow
releases from Lake Cuyamaca and natural runoff into El Capitan
Reservoir. The rest is a blend of water from the Colorado River
and Northern California. This water is purchased from the San
Diego County Water Authority, who in turn purchases its water
from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Helix
Water District owns Lake Jennings and Lake Cuyamaca. Helix also
has storage rights of 10,000 acre feet in El Capitan Reservoir
for water from Lake Cuyamaca, San Diego River tributaries, and
imported water. Treated water is stored in the 30-million-gallon
Grossmont Reservoir and 21 other storage tanks located throughout
the District. The District has a total storage capacity of 63
million gallons for filtered water. For more information, see
Reservoirs & Lakes.
Helix
Water District customers receive water treated at Helix's R. M.
Levy Treatment Plant in Lakeside. The water is continuously monitored
and tested during and following the treatment process. Our state-certified
lab uses the latest analytical instruments and testing methods.
Helix's treated water consistently meets all federal and state
standards for quality and safety. A detailed Water Quality Report
is available on request. Click to view The
Report.
The
Helix Board is committed to programs that educate the public about
water issues and conservation. The 35-year-old school education
program is active at all grade levels and includes a tour of our
Lake Jennings watershed. Helix also has a speaker's bureau to
share with the public the latest in water issues. For more information,
click Education.
Helix's
per-capita usage of water was 20 gallons per day lower in 1998
than in 1988. This drop in usage is largely due to the many conservation
programs offered by the District. These programs include replacing
high-water-use toilets, showerheads and washing machines with
water-saving models. We anticipate an even lower per capita use
as customers begin using water-efficient landscape techniques
after visiting the Water Conservation Garden. For more information,
click Conservation.
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