By Kate Breece
HWD Public Affairs

	xCarlos Lugo

LA MESA, Calif. - Today, Helix Water District Board President DeAna Verbeke announced that Director of Engineering Carlos Lugo has been selected as the new general manager of the Helix Water District.

Director Verbeke noted, "After a comprehensive process with a number of qualified candidates, the board has determined that Carlos Lugo is the best person for the position. His 20-plus years of experience at Helix and leadership style will sustain the organizational excellence of the District and maintain the outstanding service we provide our customers."

There were 61 applicants for the position, including a number from out of state. Of those, several extremely well qualified individuals were extensively interviewed by the board. The selection was made public after this morning's board meeting.

Lugo's appointment will become effective after the board formally approves his employment agreement at the Feb. 1 board meeting.

Lugo has been with the Helix Water District since 1991. He began his career in the Helix engineering section as an assistant engineer. He became director of engineering 10 years ago where he currently oversees a staff of 25.

Lugo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University. He is a member of American Water Works Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Public Works Association, and is a licensed professional engineer.

Helix's engineering section includes planning design, right of way, survey, and inspection. Lugo has full responsibility for, and oversight of, the District's Capital Improvement Program. Under his direction, the District embarked on an ambitious Cast Iron Replacement Program, which replaced an average of five miles of pipe per year over the past 10 years, with the goal of removing all remaining cast iron pipe from the District within the next 10 years.

Between 1998 and 2002, Lugo oversaw the upgrade to the R. M. Levy Water Treatment Plant from 80 million to 108 million gallons per day and the addition of Ozone as the primary drinking water disinfectant.

Helix Water District serves 267,000 customers each day with a staff of 146.