About Encina Wastewater Authority

The Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) is a public agency located in Carlsbad, California. EWA provides wastewater treatment services to more than 379,000 residents in northwestern San Diego County. EWA’s facilities and services are essential for protecting the local ocean environment, preserving public health, and providing valuable water resources for the region.

EWA is owned by six public agencies governed by a Joint Powers Agreement. Under this Agreement, owners share in the operational and management costs of EWA, the objective being to cooperatively fund economical and high-tech facilities. The six owners are: the City of CarlsbadCity of VistaCity of Encinitas , Vallecitos Water DistrictBuena Sanitation District, and the Leucadia Wastewater District.

About Encina Wastewater Authority

 


Mission Statement

To provide reliable, resilient and sustainable wastewater services to North San Diego County while optimizing the use of renewable resources.


Vision Statement

To achieve excellence in wastewater treatment and resource recovery for the communities we serve.


Organizational Values

We are guided in our daily decision making by these core values:

  • Safety: We prioritize protecting the health and wellness of all employees. 
  • Teamwork: We work together in a constructive, effective, and efficient way to achieve our goals. 
  • Integrity: We communicate and act openly and transparently. 
  • Responsibility: We are stewards of public resources and protectors of the environment.
  • Respect: We believe everyone should be seen, heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Facilities

EWA was founded in 1961. It operates and maintains the Encina Joint Sewerage System, which includes the:

  • Encina Water Pollution Control Facility.
  • Encina Ocean Outfall.
  • Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Pump Stations.

EWA also manages and operates other regional water recycling and pumping facilities for their owners, including the Carlsbad Water Reclamation Facility, Buena Creek Pump Station, and the Raceway Basin Pump Station. The EWA System represents a significant infrastructure investment. Since 1980, the members of the Joint Powers Authority have invested over $600 million to protect the economy and quality of life for North County residents and businesses.

Performance

EWA’s pledge is to be a model of excellence and innovation. This pledge is exemplified with its commitment to meet or exceed the requirements of its ocean-discharge permit 24-hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year. The result: Encina has achieved over 3,000 consecutive days of compliance. Meeting these high standards calls for a workforce that is not only highly qualified and trained, but certified to perform their technical and managerial duties.

Recognition

EWA’s achievements have consistently been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the water industry, receiving over 40 awards during the past decade. For example:

  • The EPA has recognized EWA as a national leader in green power production since 2011.
  • The California Water Environment Association named the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility “California’s Plant of the Year” in 2005, 2011, 2013 and 2017.
  • The EPA recognized EWA’s Biosolids Management Program as the nation’s best in 2006.

The Future

EWA uses comprehensive planning efforts to provide exceptional service for the foreseeable future. For more information, refer to our Sound Planning documents.

Vallecitos Water District
City of Carlsbad
City of Vista
City of Encinitas
Leucadia Wastewater District

Recognition

  • CWEA San Diego Plant of the Year
  • EPA Green Power Partner
  • NACWA Peak Performance Award
  • Government Financial Officers
       Association CAFR Award

Contact Us

Encina Wastewater Authority
6200 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad, CA 92011

  (760) 438-3941
  inquiry@encinajpa.com