News Flash

Posted on: April 5, 2023

Water Supplies and Conservation

Center, Sean de Guzman, Manager of the California Department of Water Resources Snow Surveys and Wat

In response to recent historic rainfall and snowpack in parts of California, Governor Newsom rescinded the mandate requiring all water utilities to activate their Level 2 water conservation measures. 

Helix Water District’s Board of Directors vote...

Learn more about the drought

Highlights
Posted on: November 14, 2022

Go Paperless

woman on tablet

When it's time to pay your water bill, we send you an email or text message reminder that shows the amount due. Click a button to pay from your online account and you're done. Or click a button to view your bill statement online, then pay.

Follow these ste...

Sign up for eBills

Highlights

News Flash

News

44 Stories
Posted on: November 27, 2023

County residents - attend a workshop, get a FREE rain barrel

Image of rain falling on roof

Have you considered the amount of rain that you can capture for your property? Just one inch of rain on 1,000 square feet of roof or hardscape produces over 600 gallons of free water. Now is the time to prepare your property to capture rainfall. ...

Read on...

News
Posted on: November 17, 2023

Helix Water District wins Golden Watchdog Award

Tunnel Hill Tanks under construction.

Last night, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association honored Helix Water District with a Golden Watchdog Award in Municipal and Educational Services for the district’s Tunnel Hill tanks project that resulted in a $6.3 million cost savings for its custom...

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News
Posted on: November 16, 2023

Helix Water District recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Image of Helix Board of Directors, General Manager and Director of Administrative Services with an a

Helix Water District is the recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the district’s fiscal year 2023-24 budget document. This is the highest award in governmental bud...

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News
Posted on: November 15, 2023

Helix Named Finalist for Golden Watchdog Award

Helix Water District is honored to be named as one of four finalists for the 27th Annual Golden Watchdog and Fleece Awards presented by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association

Helix was nominated for the Golden Watchdog Award in Municipal and...

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News
Posted on: November 8, 2023

Saturday is Veterans Day

Veterans Day Image for News Page.

This Saturday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Because we’re in San Diego, there’s a good chance you know a veteran – a family member, friend, neighbor or coworker – who would appreciate a “Thank you&rdq...

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News
Posted on: November 1, 2023

Take a look at our Annual Report

Want to know what your water bills pay for? Then browse our newly published Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23. The report walks you through the work we do at Helix Water District to maintain the:

Water supply;

Water storage;

Water treatment;

Water distrib...

Read on...

News
Posted on: October 24, 2023

Bill assistance available for qualifying customers

Couple trying to pay bills

Do you or someone you know need help paying your water or wastewater bill? You may qualify for the state of California’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, also known as LIHWAP.

LIHWAP offers income-qualifying customers up to $15,000 to help pa...

Read on...

News
Posted on: October 6, 2023

Helix Wins Orchid Award for Demonstration Garden

Colorful low-water use plants on display at Helix Water District's demonstration garden.

The San Diego Architectural Foundation honored Helix Water District with an Orchid Award for ‘Landscape Architecture’ for its WaterSmart Demonstration Garden. The award was presented at the annual Orchids and Onions architecture and design awards gala las...

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News
Posted on: October 7, 2023

Celebrating our water professionals!

Water Professionals Appreciation Week

This week is Water Professionals Appreciation Week and we are celebrating the teams and individuals responsible for keeping water flowing to sustain us, protect our health, run our businesses and make our communities thrive. 

Water professionals w...

Read on...

News
Posted on: September 27, 2023

View the winning photos of our Lake Jennings Photo Contest

Lake Jennings with sky reflecting on water

Helix Water District is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Lake Jennings Photo Contest, with this year’s first place in the adult category going to photographer Billy Ortiz of Lakeside for his image “Reflection.”

&n...

Read on...

News
Posted on: August 25, 2023

Helix Water District’s service area NOT under boil water advisory

Hand holding clear glass being filled with water from faucet.

Helix Water District's service area is NOT under a boil water advisory. Our water continues to meet all drinking water health standards. You may continue to use Helix water as usual. 

A boil water advisory has been issued for California A...

Read on...

News
Posted on: August 21, 2023

Helix recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Helix water administration office showing landscape and building

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) announced that Helix Water District received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its fiscal year 2021-22 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

The district's An...

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News
Posted on: August 9, 2023

Avoid surprises with a flow monitor device.

hose running in grass

When we know how much water we use at home, saving water becomes much easier. One of the best ways to manage your water use is by purchasing and installing a flow monitor device. These devices monitor your water use and alert you of leaks and high usage. ...

Read on...

News
Posted on: July 27, 2023

See our 2023 Landscape Contest Runner-Up

Water-saving runner up landscape

Meet Joanna and Larry Henning on Lemon Avenue in La Mesa. They are our runner-up winners for the 2023 WaterSmart Landscape Contest, a contest that promotes beautiful, water-efficient landscapes and rewards people for their inspiring gardens. 

The ...

Read on...

News
Posted on: July 25, 2023

Helix Water District named Water-Energy Leader Gold

Climate Registry Gold

The Climate Registry has recognized Helix Water District as a Water-Energy Leader Gold organization after the district reduced its electric use by 15% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.

The Climate Registry made the announcement this month after the Univ...

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News
Posted on: July 21, 2023

Bill assistance available for qualifying customers

Couple trying to pay bills

Help is available for customers who are struggling to pay their water bill. Grants from the state of California are funding two programs – one to help customers who are behind on their water bills and one to help customers with future water bill...

Read on...

News
Posted on: June 29, 2023

Historic home wins 2023 Landscape Contest

Landscape contest winner in front of winning landscape

Helix Water District is happy to announce our 2023 Landscape Contest winner, Joy Andrea, a retired school teacher and resident of La Mesa for over 50 years. 

The annual competition recognizes residents for their outstanding water-efficient landsca...

Read on...

News
Posted on: June 28, 2023

Material Project of the Year Award for Tunnel Hill Tanks

tunnel hill tank at sunset.

Our Tunnel Hill tanks rehabilitation project has saved the residents and businesses we serve $6.3 million and is earning accolades from professional engineers throughout the San Diego region. On Thursday, the San Diego section of the Structural Engineers ...

Read more about Tunnel Hill tanks

News
Posted on: June 27, 2023

Have confidence in your tap water

Smiling senior woman clutching her reuseable water bottle.

Helix Water District's newly released 2022 Water Quality Report shows that throughout 2022, we continued to deliver healthy, top-quality drinking water that outperforms federal and state standards.

What’s in water depends on where it comes from. As water t...

Read on...

News
Posted on: June 14, 2023

Helix Water District awarded $10.3 million grant

aerial at lake jennings showing outlet tower.

June 8, 2023 - California’s Department of Water Resources announced that it has awarded Helix Water District $10.3 million in grant funds for the district’s drought resilience and drinking water supply reliability project. Helix was on...

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News
Posted on: June 15, 2023

Watch: Videos highlight career opportunities in water

Staff showing student how we test water quality

If you have ever wondered what working in the water industry is like, check out these two videos. 

Every day, trained water professionals work behind the scenes to keep clean water flowing to our faucets which supports the health, safety and quali...

Read on...

News
Posted on: June 8, 2023

You’re in the right place, see our new billing page

You might have noticed a different login page if you pay your water bill online. Don't worry, you're in the right place. The new page is part of our recent upgrade to our online services.

If you already have an online account, you do not ...

Read on...

News
Posted on: May 25, 2023

Last weekend for Lake Jennings spring photo contest

Lake Jennings at night

This Memorial Day weekend is the last weekend to take photos for the 13th annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest! Take advantage of this weekend’s catfish opener and extended hours to get your prize-winning photo.

The Spring Photo Contest offers partici...

Read on...

News
Posted on: May 23, 2023

Rebates available for flow monitor devices

Pink piggy bank in green grass

One of the easiest ways to save water AND money is by getting a rebate on a flow monitor device. These devices monitor your water use and alert you of leaks and high usage. They can help you avoid unexpected increases on your water bills and help prevent ...

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News
Posted on: May 22, 2023

Two amazing students win Helix scholarships

Stephen Abkin holding certificate and posing for photo with Helix Board

On May 17, the Helix Water District Board of Directors honored Valhalla High senior Lily Martinez and Grossmont High senior Stephen Abkin as the 2023 recipients of the district’s Robert D. Friedgen and Dr. Lillian M. Childs college scholarships.

Martinez, ...

Learn more about recipients

News
Posted on: May 21, 2023

National Public Works Week, May 21-27

Construction workers repairing infrastructure

Helix Water District’s Board of Directors has proclaimed May 21-27, 2023 as National Public Works Week. We would like to recognize the thousands of public works professionals who connect our world through public works.

These professionals provide...

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News
Posted on: May 19, 2023

“Being Water Wise Is” student poster contest winners recognized

Helix Board awarding poster contest awards to students

We honored local student artists for their winning posters for what “Being Water Wise Is” at an awards ceremony during our board meeting on May 17, 2023.

Each year, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of the district’s wholesal...

Read more...

News
Posted on: April 6, 2023

Helix awards mini-grants to four schools

Congratulations to the recipients of our 2023 education mini grants - El Cajon High School, Fuerte Elementary, Lemon Grove Academy Elementary and Saint Kieran Catholic School.  Each year, we offer a number of $250 mini-grants to schools within ou...

Read more about school mini-grants

News
Posted on: March 31, 2023

Spring to Lake Jennings

Kayaker

It is finally spring! From March 31 to April 16, we are extending our hours at Lake Jennings and adding activities so you can experience all that spring and the lake have to offer.

Located just minutes away in Lakeside, Lake Jennings is the perfect place t...

Read on...

News
Posted on: March 28, 2023

Helix Staff Saving Customers More Than $2 Million

A plant operator working on an ozone generator at Helix's water treatment plant.

The ozone disinfection system at Helix’s R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant was installed in 2002 and, after 20 years of service, needed an upgrade. When the cost to outsource the project came to an estimated $3.5 million, the plant staff decided to do the w...

Read more about our ozone system

News
Posted on: March 6, 2023

Scam alert

Person in orange jumpsuit with toolbox knocking on front door

On Monday, March 6, a Helix customer reported that two individuals said they were Helix Water District employees and requested to enter the customer’s home to test the plumbing. 

Please be vigilant - impostors sometimes pose as utility w...

Read on...

News
Posted on: February 22, 2023

Watch: Construction complete on Tunnel Hill tanks

Aerial image of two tanks in Helix Water District service area

This month, we completed an extensive rehabilitation of our Tunnel Hill tanks, which are located above Interstate 8 near the Los Coaches exit. These tanks store and provide water to thousands of customers in Lakeside and El Cajon.

The first phase of the pr...

Read on...

News
Posted on: February 16, 2023

Never pay a fee with electronic checks

Professional woman with reuseable water bottle

Our payment processing vendor recently issued an email to autopay customers regarding changes to credit card and debit card payment fees. Thankfully, these fees do not apply to customers using electronic checks. 

If you are already paying your Hel...

Read more about eChecks

News
Posted on: February 7, 2023

Wet January bolsters Helix's local water supply

Photo: Lake Cuyamaca under clear skies and Stonewall Peak in background. (Credit: April Vasquez/Unsplash)

This winter is off to a wet start across California and here in San Diego, as well. When winter storms find their way to San Diego, they change how mu...

Read on...

News
Posted on: January 17, 2023

2022 in Review: Infrastructure Investment

Orange traffic cone.

Infrastructure describes the physical systems we use and rely on every day to bring water to you. Last year, Helix reinvested $16.1 million in our water treatment and distribution infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the next 75-100 years. Here’s a s...

Read more about investment in infrastructure

News
Posted on: January 12, 2023

WaterSmart Landscape Workshop Series - Register Now!

Citrus aurantium

An investment in a water-efficient landscape will pay big, long-term dividends – a smaller water bill every two months, less maintenance, more living space and higher property value. There’s a lot to learn, which is why we offer a free WaterSmart Landscap...

Read more about workshops

News
Posted on: January 6, 2023

Helix board elects president and vice president

a gavel and an American flag in the background

At their January 4, 2023, meeting, the Helix board elected Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg to serve a second year as board president and Director Dan McMillan to serve as vice president.

Hedberg is a third-generation water professional and licensed civil ...

More on Board Elections

News
Posted on: December 22, 2022

Happy holidays

All of us at Helix Water District wish you happy holidays and all the best in the new year!

Read on...

News
Posted on: October 19, 2022

Get a $150 rebate for your flow monitoring device!

Our smart leak detector/flow monitoring device rebate has increased from $100 to $150 for qualifying devices! These flow recorders monitor your home’s water use and can help detect leaks in your private plumbing when attached to your water meter...

Read on...

News
Posted on: September 27, 2022

Take a look at NOAA’s La Niña update

Get ready for a third year of La Niña and drought in California. Scientists at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration reported in early September a 91% chance that La Niña will continue through November, and an 80% chance that it will c...

Read on...

News
Posted on: September 21, 2022

Charging forward: Helix gets first electric truck

Helix Water District received its first all-electric, zero-emission, Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck — another milestone in the organization’s sustainability plans.

“Converting public and private fleets to zero-emission truc...

Read on...

News
Posted on: September 14, 2022

EPA announces $18 Million WIFIA loan to Helix Water District for drinking water resiliency

From EPA Press Release Issued September 13, 2022

WASHINGTON – Today, at an event in Southern California, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an $18 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Helix Water Dis...

Read more about WIFIA loan

News
Posted on: September 12, 2022

East County AWP construction map

Construction has begun on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program. The state-of-the-art program will provide drought-proof water and up to 30% of east county’s drinking water supply. It is a partnership between Helix Water District, Padre Dam ...

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News
Posted on: August 5, 2022

Helix names Brian Olney new General Manager

On August 3, the Helix Water District Board of Directors announced that Brian Olney will be this organization’s new general manager, effective September 1, 2022. This is good news for Helix and for the communities we serve. Brian was appointed t...

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News