Helix Water District

Helix History (1970-1979)

1970
A 33-pound catfish is caught at Lake Jennings. The Johnstown Tank is built. Pipeline replacement projects are accelerated. Tunnel Hill Pump Station is rebuilt to look better and operate more efficiently.

Charles Sweetwood displays the 33-pound, 9-ounce Channel Catfish he caught in Lake Jennings. That was a record setter in 1970. The current record for the lake is a 60-pound Blue Catfish.

At the same time
Apollo 13 is sent to the moon. "Catch 22," "Airport," and "True Grit" are popular films. The Beatles sing "Let It Be."

1971
Two of the six filters at the Treatment Plant are converted to dual media (coal and sand). Helix's representation on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors increases from 3 members to 4. The Johnstown Pump Station is built.

At the same time
Fighting in Vietnam spreads to Laos and Cambodia. The 26th Amendment, allowing 18-year-olds to vote, is passed. An earthquake hits northern Los Angeles. Amtrak begins service. "Jesus Christ Superstar" opens on Broadway. "Riders on the Storm" and "Stairway to Heaven" are on the radio.

1972
The Environmental Impact Report becomes law, forever changing the District's planning process. Board members are Harry Griffen, Mabel Bryan, John Gibson, Bob Rundell and Nat Eggert. Consultant James M. Montgomery studies partnering of facilities with the Rio San Diego Municipal Water District.

At the same time
The Watergate break-in surfaces. Richard M. Nixon is reelected. "Cabaret" and "The Godfather" are the big films, but... Shelly Winters swims for her life in "The Poseidon Adventure." "All in the Family" is popular on TV. "I Am Woman" and "A Horse with No Name" are popular songs.

1973
California Legislature approves change of District name to Helix Water District and allows the District to continue operating under Irrigation District Law. New rate structure eliminates volume discounts. Several land leases are granted in El Monte Basin.

At the same time
Nixon announces he is going to personally investigate the Watergate break-in. The gas crisis continues with long lines at the pump. "Sleeper" and "Last Tango in Paris" are in the theaters, along with "American Graffiti." Elton John sings "Crocodile Rock." Chevy is selling Vegas, Ford offers the Maverick, and Dodge has the Dart.

1974
The District has a population of 182,800, with 45,124 meters. Additional sedimentation basins are planned to upgrade protection of quality and service. Bi-monthly billing procedure modified to improve cash flow. $11 million bond issue for system improvements approved by Helix voters. CA Senate Bill 490 allows collection of charges for installing and maintaining fire hydrants.

At the same time
President Nixon resigns from office. NASA was conducting the Skylab missions. Patty Hearst joined her kidnappers, the Simbionese Liberation Army, and robbed a bank. Streaking was in.

1975
Clarence Watters replaces Byron Miller as General Manager. Chase Avenue portion of flume replacement completed. 87% of the 37,724 acre-feet of water used by Helix Water District customers is imported. Price of imported water is $58 per acre-foot.

At the same time
Sentencing continues for those involved in Watergate, except for Nixon who is pardoned by Gerald Ford. The 13-cent postage stamp is passed. Billie Jean King and Jack Nicklaus are popular sports figures. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is filmed. Mood Rings and Pet Rocks are big sellers.

1976
California has a near record drought. Risk Management is considered to lower skyrocketing liability insurance. Total number of services is 46,750 - up from 38,000 ten years ago. Helix Board concerned about enormous increases in government regulations.

At the same time
America celebrates its Bicentennial with the Freedom Train and the ringing of the Liberty Bell. The first Concorde jets are placed in service. Viking I and II lands on Mars. Jimmy Carter is elected President. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Logan's Run," and "Carrie" are in movie theaters.

1977
Hewlett Packard 3000 Series II system is purchased. California experiences driest year in history. Intensive water conservation effort helps lower water use by almost 3,000-acre feet. Adoption of Safe Drinking Water Act focuses attention on water quality - Helix Water District meets new standards.

At the same time
The space shuttle "Enterprise" is test flown at Edwards Air Force Base. OPEC oil embargoes lead to another gas crisis. "Star Wars," "Annie Hall," and "Saturday Night Fever" are the big films. "Dancing Queen" and "You Light Up My Life" are among the top songs. For family cars Ford has the Fairmont, Chevy offers the Impala, and AMC has the wide-body Pacer. The height of the CB radio craze.

1978
District Board members are Bob Rundell, Warren Buckner, Harold Ball, Mabel Bryan, and Nat Eggert. Grossmont Reservoir is reconstructed. The previously open storage reservoir is now an underground storage facility, thus improving water quality and reliability. Helix begins supplying water to Padre Dam and Otay Water Districts through an agreement with the San Diego County Water Authority. California experiences a major drenching, causing reservoirs to spill.

Rebuilding Grossmont Reservoir as an underground storage facility was the third phase of a voter approved $11 million bond construction project. This view shows the support columns for the enormous roof, now under the major portion of Harry Griffen Park.

At the same time
Disco dancing is the rage. Pope Paul VI dies, then Pope John Paul I dies. Prop. 13 passes. The King Tut treasures go on tour. "Grease," "Coming Home," and "Animal House" are released. "Stayin' Alive," "Macho Man," and "YMCA" are the big dance songs.

1979
Highest rainfall since 1889 causes Lake Cuyamaca to spill (73.07 inches!). District completes final of four phases of $11 million capital improvement project. The District joins other water agencies throughout the state to form a Joint Powers Authority for the purpose of obtaining general liability coverage.

At the same time
The U.S. embassy staff in Iran is taken hostage. Meetings for the SALT agreements takes place. "Apocalypse Now" and "Kramer vs. Kramer" are the top films. Sony introduces the Walkman.

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