HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-27; City Council; 12; Utilities Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operations and Maintenance Update ReportCA Review TL
Meeting Date: Jan. 27, 2026
To: Mayor/President and City Council/Board Members
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager/Executive Manager
Staff Contact: Amanda Flesse, Utilities Director/General Manager
amanda.flesse@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2722
Subject: Utilities Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operations and Maintenance
Update Report
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Receive and file the Utilities Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operations and Maintenance
update report on the water, recycled water and wastewater operations and maintenance
programs.
Executive Summary
This report provides an update on the water, wastewater and recycled water operations
and maintenance programs for fiscal year, or FY, 2024-25, which is July 1, 2024, through
June 30, 2025.
Explanation & Analysis
The City of Carlsbad’s and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District’s water, recycled water and
wastewater operations and maintenance programs focused on enhancing the efficiency,
sustainability and reliability of water resources in fiscal year 2024-25.
CMWD’s water operations and maintenance programs prioritized maintaining CMWD
infrastructure to ensure a safe and reliable drinking water supply while also implementing
conservation initiatives to promote responsible water use among residents.
The recycled water operations and maintenance programs strived to improve the reliability of
the recycled water distribution and storage network and increase the use of treated
wastewater for non-potable applications, reducing the demand for potable water resources.
Key initiatives included the integration of a new 1.5-million-gallon recycled water tank into
the system and public outreach to encourage the adoption of recycled water in landscaping
and irrigation.
In the wastewater division, the city focused on managing its assets, extending the useful life
of its infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of wastewater facilities to accommodate
growth and improve environmental compliance. Regular maintenance schedules have been
established to minimize disruptions and ensure operational efficiency.
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 1 of 28
Overall, these programs align with Carlsbad's commitment to sustainable water management
and environmental stewardship, supporting the city's long-term resilience and community
well-being.
The Utilities Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Report is provided as Exhibit 1.
Fiscal Analysis
This item is a presentation on the work related to management of city and CMWD utility
assets, and it has no fiscal impact.
Next Steps
The city and the CMWD will continue to focus on enhancing the efficiency, sustainability and
reliability of their water resources.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act,
or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require
environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because
the proposed action to receive and file a report on the utilities operations and maintenance
programs is an organizational or administrative government activity that does not involve any
commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical
impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed
action may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or
the CEQA Guidelines.
Exhibit
1. Utilities Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operations and Maintenance Update
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Exhibit 1
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 3 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
1
Executive Summary
The City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD), operating as the Utilities
Department within the Public Works Branch, owns, operates and maintains extensive water,
wastewater and recycled water systems which include:
• 273 miles of wastewater collection pipelines
• 11 lift stations
• 457 miles of water distribution pipelines
• 9 reservoirs
• 97 miles of recycled water distribution pipelines
• Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility (CWRF)
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Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
2
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Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
3
The city expends significant resources to operate and maintain these systems and has been
successful in protecting the environment and supporting the community’s public health and
providing necessary resources to the community. This update report includes the following
summaries for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25:
• Water distribution operations and construction
• Wastewater collections and lift station operations
• Capital Improvement Project (CIP) updates
The Utilities Department uses data to monitor system performance and operational efficiency.
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used in this report are developed using industry best
practices, including the national American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards for water
and wastewater operations. AWWA identifies nationwide performance indicators that allow the
City of Carlsbad to compare its performance to agencies across the nation, regardless of size or
location. For these KPIs, the city strives to be in the 75th percentile, or the upper 25%.
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 6 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
4
Water and Recycled Water
Mission: Provide quality utility services in a fiscally and environmentally responsible manner for
the City of Carlsbad community.
The CMWD, a subsidiary of the City of Carlsbad, provides water services to about 85% of the city.
Additionally, CMWD delivers recycled water for non-potable purposes such as irrigation to over
600 recycled water use sites.
The City of Carlsbad has established a level of service that complies with state and federal
potable water regulations to ensure that potable water supplied within the CMWD’s
jurisdiction meets or exceeds public health and safety standards.
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 7 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
5
Potable Water and Recycled Water Sources
Potable water:
• The CMWD imports all its potable water supply as treated water from the San Diego
County Water Authority (SDCWA).
• The two main water sources are the Colorado River, where the water is transported
through the Colorado River Aqueduct, and Northern California, where water moves
through the California Aqueduct (also known as the State Water Project).
• In addition, desalination water makes up about 20% of the CMWD water portfolio.
• Figure 1 illustrates the volume of potable water purchased throughout the fiscal year.
Recycled water:
• A substantial portion of the treated wastewater from the city is redirected from the Encina
Wastewater Authority (EWA) to the adjacent Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility (CWRF) for
additional treatment. Although the CMWD is the proprietor of the CWRF, EWA oversees
the operation and maintenance of the facility.
• Another source of recycled water is facilitated through a purchase agreement with
Vallecitos Water District. The recycled water is distributed to the CMWD customers
through the recycled water distribution system, which diminishes the annual amount of
wastewater discharged into the Pacific Ocean by approximately 65%.
• Figure 2 shows how much recycled water is produced and distributed throughout the
system for the fiscal year.
Average Water and Recycled Water Usage
Potable water usage averages 13.5 million gallons a day
Figure 1
0
100,000,000
200,000,000
300,000,000
400,000,000
500,000,000
600,000,000
GA
L
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H
FY 24-25 Potable Water Usage 4.94 Billion gallons
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 8 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
6
Recycled water usage averages 3.4 million gallons a day
Figure 2
Activities and Accomplishments
This section of the report includes a summary of activities and accomplishments for the following
divisions of the water and recycled water department during FY 2024-25:
• Water Operations
• Construction Maintenance
• Meter Services
• Cross-Connection
Water Operations
Water operations encompass the management, distribution and treatment of water resources
to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable access for communities and industries. These activities
include sourcing, treating, storage and distribution of potable water. The Water Operations
group, comprised of five water operators and one water operations supervisor, is responsible for
the management and maintenance of nine reservoirs, more than 9,000 valves, three pump
stations, and 74 pressure-reducing stations. The following is a list of accomplishments this team
was able to achieve in FY 2024-25:
• Fulfilled 100% of its regulatory sampling and reporting obligations to the State Water
Resources Control Board. This work includes the Tri-annual Lead and Copper sampling,
Consumer Confidence Report and electronic Annual Report.
• Completed inspections of both the Maerkle and Lake Calavera Dams in collaboration with
the state Division of Safety of Dams. These annual inspections are conducted to ensure
compliance with all safety and performance standards. The primary purpose of these
inspections is to identify any potential maintenance or operational issues prior to their
development, which includes a comprehensive review of the instrumentation data from
the dam surveillance network.
0
20,000,000
40,000,000
60,000,000
80,000,000
100,000,000
120,000,000
140,000,000
160,000,000
180,000,000
GA
L
L
O
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S
P
E
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O
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H
FY 24-25 Recycled Water Usage 1.25 Billion gallons
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 9 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
7
• Conducted a thorough cleaning and inspection of the Skyline Reservoir, a potable water
reservoir with a capacity of 1.5 million gallons. Such inspections are mandated and
conducted annually for each reservoir and encompass a review of specific design features
and periodic maintenance to ensure adherence to drinking water storage regulations.
• Cleaned and inspected 3 recycled water reservoirs.
• Rebuilt 22 pressure-regulating stations. These stations are critical to the water
distribution system to ensure safe and consistent water pressure to customers. Staff’s
involvement in rebuilding and maintaining existing infrastructure saves money and time
and helps develop staff talent.
• Completed 46 scheduled water system shutdowns as part of the valve replacement
program, capital improvement projects, and private development initiatives. This year,
the Water Operations group assisted with the implementation of the construction of the
$4.98 million Valve Replacement Program Phase III capital improvement program (CIP)
project. This active construction project will replace 57 malfunctioning valves and install
30 new potable valves. The valve replacement program is crucial for ensuring that valves
operate effectively, thereby facilitating complete shutdowns when it is necessary to
repair a water main or respond to incidents involving hydrants. The implementation of
these valves requires significant effort and coordination with the Water Operations
group.
• The Water Operations team assumes a leadership role in the systematic shutdown of the
system to facilitate various types of work. Figure 3 illustrates the distribution of workload
within the division throughout the fiscal year. The nature of the shutdowns reflects the
influence of private development and CIP projects on the Water Operations team. A
comprehensive analysis of the shutdown types provides a detailed breakdown of the
hours dedicated to water operations. Each year, the data is meticulously reviewed to
assess the operational performance of the system. For instance, an increase in time
allocated for repairs may necessitate a more in-depth examination to determine whether
these repairs are proactive—identified during routine maintenance prior to a failure—or
reactive—responding to a break or emergency situation.
Shutdown type Water Operations Hours
Figure 3
Systems operation
s…
Leave
18%
Regulatory
compliance
21%Admin/
Training
/
Meeting
Maintenance
4%
Shutdowns1%
Repairs
7%
CIP
17
Fire
protection9
Private
development
14
Internal
6
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 10 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
8
Construction Maintenance
The Water Construction Maintenance team is a specialized group responsible for the installation,
repair and maintenance related to water main appurtenances. Their expertise ensures the
integrity and efficiency of new installations for construction projects, repairing leaks or replacing
aging pipes to prevent future damage on pipelines and pumps, and maintaining safe and reliable
water supply for our communities. This team also includes locating underground water, recycled
water, wastewater and related infrastructure in the street and other locations prior to excavating
to prevent damage to underground facilities. This team consists of eight utility workers and one
utility locator, all operating under the supervision of a construction supervisor. Below is a list of
their accomplishments for FY 2024-25.
Activities and accomplishments
• The valve exercise initiative achieved a completion rate of 96% for both potable and
recycled water systems, successfully identifying and reporting malfunctioning valves for
replacement. To ensure the regular exercise of all valves, the total of over 9,000 valves
has been categorized into three distinct groups for annual evaluation. The established
goal for the annual completion rate is to exercise 95% of valves scheduled for that year.
• The valve exercise program is integral to a comprehensive maintenance protocol
designed to ensure the reliable functionality of valves.
• It entails the thorough operation of valves across their entire range of motion, thereby
mitigating the risk of them becoming seized or inoperative.
• This proactive strategy not only aids in the prevention of system failures, but also
significantly reduces the likelihood of incurring expensive repairs.
• A total of 4,506 fire hydrants are on a triennial maintenance schedule.
• Fire hydrant maintenance exceeded expectations with 99% of scheduled hydrants
serviced.
• Service line replacements and valve replacements were completed efficiently, with no
reclaimed service repairs reported.
VALVE EXERCISE PROGRAM
Potable Valves: 4,136 exercised (96% of scheduled)
Identified 51 broken valves and referred to asset management for
inclusion in the valve replacement program
Recycled Valves: 214 exercised (96% of scheduled)
Identified 3 broken or non-operational valves
FIRE HYDRANT MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Fire Hydrants 1,516 hydrants maintained
99% of scheduled maintenance completed
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 11 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
9
• Utility mark outs consist of temporary, colored spray-painted lines on the ground, which
serve to identify the location and type of underground utilities to ensure safety and
prevent damage to buried utilities during construction.
• Before digging begins on a construction project, requests for utility mark-outs are made
by calling 8-1-1.
• Utilities responded to 28,472 mark-out requests in FY 2024-25, encompassing all potable,
recycled and wastewater utilities. Figure 4 represents how each marking is broken out.
This is a new matrix for the water construction team to monitor. It is important to track
this data to evaluate the impact of both private and public projects on our streets and
workforce.
8-1-1 Mark-Out Requests
Figure 4
Potable
34%
Recycled
33%
Wastewater
33%
UTILITY MARK-OUTS
Utility Mark Outs 28,472
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 12 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
10
Figure 5 Figure 6
Potable Water:
• Figure 5 indicates how many breaks were encountered each year on the potable water
mains
• Average: 0.875 breaks/100 miles
• Benchmark: < 2 main breaks per calendar year per 100 miles of potable water mains
• This is the fifth year in a row the benchmark was achieved
Recycled water:
• Figure 6 indicates how many breaks were encountered each year on the recycled water
mains
• Average: 2.062 breaks/100 miles
• Benchmark: < 7.2 leaks or breaks per 100 miles of recycled water mains
• This is the fifth year in a row the benchmark was achieved
Note: Although the number of recycled water leaks or breaks appeared to double in FY 24-25,
this only represents an increase from one to two, because the recycled water system only has 97
miles of pipeline. This is not indicative of a problem at this point but rather something to watch.
WATER SYSTEM RELIABILITY
Potable Water Main breaks - 6
Main leaks - 2
Main repairs - 1
Service replacements - 12
Potable valve replacements - 9
Recycled Water Main breaks - 1
Main leaks - 0
Main repairs - 1
Service repairs - 0
1.758
0.879 0.659 0.656 0.875
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
CY 2020 CY 2021 CY 2022 CY 2023 CY 2024
Potable Water Potable Water Target
0 0
1.053 1.031
2.062
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CY 2020 CY 2021 CY 2022 CY 2023 CY 2024
Recycled Water Recycled Water Target
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 13 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
11
Figure 7 serves as an indicator of the manner in which our construction team has addressed the
system's requirements throughout the fiscal year. When comparing data from one year to the
next, it is essential to comprehend the allocation of the team's time. A situation wherein
unscheduled work constitutes a larger percentage of scheduled repair work may suggest a need
to enhance our water replacement program or to focus efforts on specific areas that require
attention.
Construction Maintenance Hours
Leave
4%
Admin/ Training/
Meetings
12%
Maintenance24%
Unscheduled
12%
Utility
locates
13%
Repair
35%
Figure 7
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 14 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
12
Meter Services
The Water Meter Services team is dedicated to the installation, maintenance and monitoring of
water metering systems. These professionals ensure optimal performance and reliability,
conducting regular inspections and providing prompt support to address any issues. Committed
to customer satisfaction, the team strives to enhance water conservation efforts and promote
efficient usage through advanced metering technologies. The four-person team is supervised by
the Water Superintendent. In addition to the Water Meter Services team, an Accounting
Supervisor is also a valued team member who is responsible for overseeing the water segment
of the utility billing process. This individual is tasked with ensuring that the meters function
correctly and that charges are accurately recorded and billed in accordance with established
protocols.
The Meter Services team accomplished the following tasks in FY 2024-25, ensuring accurate and
timely date for utility billing and system monitoring.
• Completed 100% of the monthly reading across all 30,245 active meters
• Exchanged 910 meters to maintain performance standards and ensure accurate reading
• Installed 25 new meters to support service expansion and accommodate new customer
connections
• Installed or removed 52 temporary construction meters for project-based utility access
• Ensured timely support and resolution of utility billing-related customer service inquiries
The dedication and efficiency of this team are demonstrated in the value of potable water service
charges enjoyed by the CMWD customers.
Based on an average of Tier 1, 10 units of water (1 unit = 748 gallons) = 7,480 gallons
Water Consumption charge @ $5.19 per unit: $51.90
Monthly Base charge: 33.68
Total charges for 7,480 gallons: $85.58
or 1.1 cents per gallon
Water is still 1 cent per gallon (on average)
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 15 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
13
Customer Service Requests
*Utility billing works closely with residents to make payment arrangements. Customer service
distributed 2,741 non-payment doorhangers - 96 of these services were shutoff, and 31 were
reconnected the same day, 26 reconnected next day, and 39 moved out.
Cross-Connection
The Cross- Connection team is a specialized group dedicated to identifying, managing and
mitigating risks associated with potential cross-connection of recycled water and potable water
systems and backflow prevention into the potable water system. With knowledge and expertise
in backflow prevention device installation, testing and maintenance and regulatory compliance,
the team ensures that drinking water remains safe and uncontaminated. They conduct risk
assessments, implement preventive measures, and provide training and resources to
stakeholders, fostering a culture of safety and compliance within the community. The team
consists of five individuals, all operating under the supervision of the Water Superintendent.
The Cross-Connection Division completed activities that support public health, environmental
stewardship and reliability of water systems. Below is a list of accomplishments for FY 2024-25:
• Completed 6,818 backflow tests. These tests are conducted to protect the potable water
system from potential contamination and are performed annually or on a schedule
established by regulations. A goal is not set for this item, but this metric serves as an
indicator of workload and how much customer assistance and interaction are achieved
by this team.
• Conducted 140 water site inspections to ensure operational integrity and compliance
• Oversaw 635 recycled water sites, supporting sustainable water management practices
• Reviewed 68 irrigation system plans to facilitate the planning and development of public
and private water infrastructure projects
Customer service site
visits, 6,768 Maintenance, 12
Installs, 80
Door Hangers for
Non-Payment, 2,741
Turn Offs for Non-Payment*, 96
Reconnection for Non-Payment, 31
Customer service site visits Maintenance Installs
Door Hangers for Non-Payment Turn Offs for Non-Payment Reconnection for Non-Payment
Figure 8
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 16 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
14
Cross-Connection Control Plan
The team prepared the CMWD’s Cross-Connection Control Plan and submitted it to the State
Water Resources Control Board. The plan protects public health by providing a comprehensive
guide for water systems to prevent contamination of drinking water from non-potable sources
(i.e., cross-connections) in accordance with the state’s Cross-Connection Control Policy
Handbook.
This handbook establishes mandatory standards, replacing previous regulations, and requires
public water systems to develop robust cross-connection control programs, including hazard
assessments, backflow prevention device installation and testing, and customer education, all to
safeguard the integrity of the public water supply.
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 17 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
15
Goals for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Water and Recycled Water
The following is a list of goals for the Water and Recycled Water groups for the upcoming FY
2025-26.
• Complete 100% backflow testing and recycled water sites inspections
• Complete 100% of required sampling and reporting requirements
• Complete 100% of meter readings monthly
• Rehabilitate two potable water reservoirs
• Meet all required regulatory requirements
• Complete 100% of service requests, new installations and meter exchanges
• Complete all 26 valve replacement locations (17 of these have already been
completed)
• Receive regulatory comments on and finalize the Cross-Connection Control
Plan
• Complete the normally closed valve project on Tamarack Avenue
• Continue to assist with scope development for CIP projects
• Complete Asset Management Master Plan Update – water and recycled
water sections
• Conduct condition assessments on equipment in three potable water and
four recycled water pump stations
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 18 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
16
Wastewater
Mission: Prevent public sewer spills and convey waste efficiently to the treatment plan by properly
managing, operating and maintaining all parts of the sewer collections system in the city’s sewer
service area.
The Wastewater Division of the Utilities Department provides wastewater services to about 74%
of the city. The City of Carlsbad wastewater is conveyed via a collections system and is treated by
the Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA), a Joint Powers Authority co-owned by the cities of
Carlsbad, Encinitas and Vista, along with the Buena Sanitation District, Leucadia Wastewater
District, and Vallecitos Water District. On average, the City of Carlsbad collections system sends
approximately six million gallons per day of wastewater to the treatment plant as represented in
Figure 9 below.
Figure 9
The City of Carlsbad operates and maintains an extensive wastewater collection system.
The Wastewater Division utilizes an effective preventive maintenance (PM) program, with highly
trained and efficient staff and technology to accomplish their mission (below).
4.50
5.00
5.50
6.00
6.50
Ju
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-24
Au
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-24
Se
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-24
Oc
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-24
No
v
-24
De
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-24
Ja
n
-25
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-25
Ma
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-25
Ap
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-25
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-25
Ju
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-25MI
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A
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S
Average Monthly Wastewater Flow
Sent to EWA
FY 24-25
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 19 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
17
Wastewater is highly regulated in California, and the city has established a level of service that
complies with state and federal wastewater discharge regulations, including maintenance, asset
management, spill prevention and reporting requirements.
Activities and Accomplishments
During FY 2024-25, the City of Carlsbad Wastewater Division reported zero spills from or caused
by the city’s wastewater collections system. It takes a rigorous preventive maintenance program
to accomplish this, and the wastewater staff work with the Utilities Maintenance Planner to
continually review and refine their preventative maintenance schedules.
Key Performance Indicators
Sewer spills per 100 miles of sewer mains
This KPI measures the sewer spills caused by components over which the city could have some
ability to control, such as maintenance issues (e.g., roots), Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) or
construction debris.
• This does not include overflows related to capacity issues
• This KPI is expressed in number of spills per 100 miles of sewer mains
• Figure 10 shows the average sewer spills for the past four fiscal years
FY 2024-25 result: Exceeded benchmark of less than 0.80 non-capacity sewer spills per 100
miles of sewer mains.
Figure 10
Scheduled vs. unscheduled wrench time
Wrench time is a term used to describe the time that staff spend performing hands-on work
rather than other activities such as meetings or training.
• Measuring scheduled vs. unscheduled wrench time helps assess the efficacy of the
current maintenance programs.
• An effective preventive maintenance program that is properly executed will reduce the
amount of unscheduled time spent on equipment failures or other maintenance related
0
0.37
0.73
00
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
FY 21-22 FY 22-23 FY 23-24 FY 24-25
Non-Capacity Sewer Spills Per 100 Miles of Pipe
(target <= 0.80)
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 20 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
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issues because it allows staff to identify problems in advance and schedule the time to
address them, rather than stop what they are doing to respond to unexpected failures.
FY 2024-25 result: Wastewater staff spent more of their available time on scheduled work than
on non-scheduled work.
Wastewater time allocation in FY 2024-25
Sewer Main Cleaning
The Collections team adheres to a maintenance schedule for the cleaning and inspection of
sewer pipelines, ensuring the proper operation of the entire sewer system.
• The cleaning program is the most effective method of reducing sewer spills
• The cleaning schedule is reviewed each year, evaluating information such as the type of
debris found in the mains during cleaning, and adjusted if needed
FY 2024-25 results:
• Cleaned 100% of the scheduled gravity mains – 139 miles, which represents 3,205
segments, or 48% of the lines in the preventive maintenance program
o Some lines were cleaned multiple times because they are in areas with a history
of roots, grease or other debris issues. Including the multiple cleanings, 175 total
miles were cleaned
• 82% of the lines cleaned had no debris. Grit was the type of debris most found in the
remaining lines, which is normal. Debris types are shown in Figure 12.
Trainings/ Meetings 33%
Scheduled
59%
Unscheduled8%
Figure 11
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 21 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
19
Manhole Condition Assessment
Manholes are visually inspected when the associated sewer mains are being cleaned.
FY 2024-25 result: 3,120 manholes were inspected. Forty-three were rated as poor and two were
rated as failing. These 45 manholes were referred to Asset Management for more in-depth
assessment and possible rehabilitation.
Construction Debris1%
Grease
9%
Grit
62%
Multiple Debris
Types
11%
Roots
9%
Sand
8%
Figure 12
Rehab Needed
1%
No Rehab
Needed
99%
FY 2024-25 Manhole Inspection Results
Figure 13
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 22 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
20
Sewer Main CCTV Inspection (Condition Assessment)
The primary way that defects in gravity sewer mains are inspected and identified is with a truck-
mounted closed-circuit television, or CCTV, system.
• Gravity mains with a diameter of 15” or smaller are inspected on a 5-year schedule by
staff
• Gravity mains with a diameter over 15” are inspected on a 7-year schedule by a
specialized contractor
• Sewer mains with structural defects are potential candidates for rehabilitation or
replacement, depending on the number and severity of the defects
FY 2024-25 results:
• Staff conducted 794 CCTV inspections and performed condition assessments on 30 miles
of sewer mains
• 28 sewer mains had structural deficiencies that will eventually need to be repaired. These
were referred to asset management for further review and potential placement on the
rehabilitation and replacement list
Lift Stations
The City of Carlsbad has 11 city-owned and operated sewer lift stations and two that are co-
owned with the City of Vista and operated by EWA.
• Most of the wastewater flows via gravity to the treatment plant, but there are some
areas where the wastewater needs to be pumped, or “lifted,” from a low point to a
higher elevation so that it can continue to flow via gravity.
• Lift stations have pumps, electrical components and other complex equipment that is
monitored by the city’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and
need to be regularly maintained.
• While equipment can fail for a variety of reasons (e.g., defects, age, unexpected
materials passing through the pumps), maintenance-related failures are tracked
because they can be prevented with proper maintenance. This means they are a
reflection on the effectiveness of the preventative maintenance program and the
quality of work performed by staff.
FY 2024-25 results:
• Staff performed 100% of the scheduled preventive maintenance at the city’s lift stations
and no maintenance-related equipment failures occurred.
• As indicated in Figure 14 below, equipment failures have been decreasing over the last
three years, which could be due to increased and more proactive preventive maintenance
activities. For example, staff have proactively tested pumps to detect problems before
failures occur.
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 23 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
21
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Update
The SSMP is a regulatory document that identifies how the city complies with the Waste
Discharge Requirements established by the State Water Resources Control Board. This plan is
required to be updated every six years and approved by the City Council.
FY 2024-25 result: Completed in June 2025, approved by the City Council in July 2025 and
submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board.
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Management Program
The city is required by the State Water Resources Control Board to have a program to reduce the
amount of FOG that is put into the collection system by food service establishments (FSEs). The
city’s program consists of annual inspections to verify that required maintenance activities are
being conducted by the FSEs. Notices of Violation (NOVs) and Administrative Citations are issued
to FSEs that are not compliant after a generous amount of time is given to the facility to achieve
compliance.
FY 2024-25 Results:
• Completed 256 inspections: 93% overall compliance rate; this is the third straight year
that compliance exceeded 90% (previous years were in the 40-50% range)
• Issued 54 NOVs, and 24 restaurants went into the Administrative Citation process
30
25
14
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
FY 22-23 FY 23-24 FY 24-25
Lift Station Failures
Figure 14
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 24 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
22
Goals for FY 2025-26
• Complete 100% of scheduled cleaning on 200 miles of gravity sewer mains
• Complete 100% of scheduled condition assessments on 4,737 manholes
• Complete 100% of scheduled CCTV inspections on 65 miles of sewer main
• Complete CCTV inspections on at least 50% of the large diameter sewer mains, or trunk
lines
• Complete inspections on 271 FSEs for the FOG Management Program and achieve a 95%
compliance rate
• Perform 3D scanning on manholes rated Poor or Failing, and those that are too deep for
visual inspections
• Evaluate capital improvement planning software options to replace current software
that no longer meets division needs. Capital planning software assists with evaluating
sewer gravity main defects found during CCTV inspections and generating a prioritized
list to refer to Asset Management and Engineering for rehabilitation or replacement
• Complete Asset Management Master Plan update – wastewater section
• Lift Stations
o Complete 100% of high priority PM activities
o Meet goal of having a spare pump at each station by purchasing one more pump
o Replace flow meter, vault and valves at the Cannon lift station
o Pavement restoration and seal coat at Home Plant, Sand Shell and Knots lift
stations
o Replace motor control center (MCC) at Sand Shell lift station
o Conduct condition assessments on equipment and wet wells at all 11 lift stations
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 25 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
23
Capital Improvement Program Projects
This section outlines the capital improvement projects successfully began or completed during
the fiscal year, highlighting our commitment to enhancing infrastructure and community
resources. Through strategic planning and effective allocation of resources, we have achieved
significant milestones that not only bolster operational efficiency but also contribute to the
overall quality of life for our residents. This is a comprehensive overview of the key projects
undertaken, their impact on the community, and the collaborative efforts that made these
accomplishments possible.
FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
The Engineering Division completed design and provided construction phase support services
on the following projects. Costs listed are approximate.
Water
• SCADA software design for remote sites: $2.07 million
• Carlsbad Palomar Airport Waterline Replacement Project: $2 million
• Valley Water Main Replacement: $364,000
• El Fuerte & Maerkle Motorized Valve Project: $2.3 million
• Water Reservoir Site Improvements: $460,000 ($235,000 La Costa Hi and $225,000 B-TAP
Reservoir sites)
• Pressure Reducing Station Replacements Project: $5 million (El Fuerte, Melrose, Palomar
West)
Recycled water
• SCADA software design for recycled water remote sites: $420,000
• New 1.5-million-gallon recycled water D-4 tank: $6.06 million ($513,000 design, $5.55
million construction)
Wastewater
• SCADA software design for wastewater remote sites $510,000
• Replaced 615 linear feet of sewer main at Foxtail Loop to improve capacity: $844,000
• Installed an air-vacuum valve platform at Buena Vista Lift Station to improve operator
safety during maintenance: $17,000
• Completed Knots Lift Station pump, check valve and electrical replacements: $78,500
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 26 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
24
FY 2025-26 Objectives
The Engineering Division will work toward the following design and construction phase
activities for capital improvement program projects in the upcoming fiscal year. Costs listed are
approximate.
Water
• Replacement of electrical control panels at remote water sites: $3.0 million
• Remove and reapply protective coatings at two steel water tanks (Elm & Skyline
reservoirs): $2.5 million
• Complete replacement of 5,000 linear feet of water mains in the Terramar area: $4.4
million
• Complete design of pressure-reducing stations: $242,000 (Laguna, Kelly, Point D South,
Lake Shore Gardens)
• Complete design of 6” through 12” asbestos cement (AC) water main replacement in
Adams St and Cove Dr: $661,000
• Complete design and construction of water valves and water and sewer pipeline
replacement and relocation in the Village & Barrio area: $3.12 million
• Complete construction phase support services for water valve package replacements:
$4.98 million (87 valves at 26 locations)
Recycled water
• Start design for replacement of electrical control panels at remote recycled water sites:
$826,000
Wastewater
• Start design for replacement of electrical control panels at remote wastewater sites:
$904,000
• Complete the Wastewater Master Plan Update: $425,000
• Complete the replacement of 630 linear feet of sewer main and rehabilitation of 900
linear feet of sewer main and seven manholes in the Terramar area: $1.1 million
• Complete the design and begin construction to upsize 2,600 linear feet of sewer main
(12” to 15”/18”) along Poinsettia Lane: $4.8 million
• Rehabilitate 21 manholes in the Bressi Ranch area and the Poinsettia Lift Station that
have been rated poor or failing: $616,000
• Complete the construction of Canon Lift Sation Improvements (replace flow meter,
vault, valves, and electrical improvements): $1.4 million
• Complete the Poinsettia Lift Station Generator Replacement (replace emergency 250-
kW generator, power controls and communication and minor building improvements):
$553,000
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 27 of 28
Utilities Department
Operations and Maintenance Update Report FY 2024-25
25
• Complete design of Chinquapin Lift Station Improvements (replace generator, electrical
equipment and construct a building to reduce corrosion of electrical gear): $125,000
• Complete surface repairs at various sewer lift stations: $23,000 (Home Plant, Sand Shell,
Knots)
• Complete Pine restroom facilities slide rail retrofit design (install slide rails and modify
pumps and discharge piping): $38,000
Jan. 27, 2026 Item #12 Page 28 of 28
Amanda L. Flesse, Utilities Director/CMWD General Manager
Jan. 27, 2026
Utilities Status Report for Water,
Wastewater and Recycled Water
Programs
Water Recycled waterWastewater
TODAY’S PRESENTATION
ITEM 11: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
3
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
WATER
5
WATER
6
Water
Operations Construction Meters
WATER OPERATIONS
Water
Operations Construction Meters
Reservoirs
Pump stations
Pressure reducing
stations
SCADA 7
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
•Rebuilt pressure-regulating valves at 22
pressure reducing stations
•Annual inspections for Calavera and
Maerkle dams
•Completed Lead sampling report
•Phase III Valve Replacement Project
–46 scheduled shutdowns
–57 non-functioning valves replaced
–30 new valves 8
WATER OPERATIONS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE
Water
Operations Construction Meters
Exercise valves
Repairs
Fire hydrants
Utility markouts 9
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
Leave
4%
Admin/ Training/
Meetings
12%
Maintenance
24%
Unscheduled
12%
Utility
locates
13%
Repair
35%
MAINTENANCE HOURS
10
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
METER SERVICES
Water
Operations MetersConstruction
Meter readings
Exchanges
Installations
Replacements
11
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
METER SERVICES
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
•Monthly reading of 30,245 active meters
•Exchanged 910 meters
•Installed 25 new meters
•Installed/removed over 52 temporary
construction meters
12
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
13
Customer
service site
visits, 6,768
Maintenance,
12
Installs, 80
Door
Hangers for
Non-
Payment,
2,741
Turn Offs for Non-
Payment*, 96
Reconnection for
Non-Payment, 31
13
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
WASTEWATER
15 15
WASTEWATER
16
Wastewater
Operations
Collections
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
WASTEWATER COLLECTIONS &
OPERATIONS
Maintenance responsibilities
•Lift stations
•CCTV inspection
•Fats, oils and grease program
•Manhole inspections
•Updated SSMP
•SCADA
•ZERO SPILLS!
17
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
RECYCLED
WATER
19
CROSS CONNECTION
•Completed 6,818 backflow tests
•Conducted 140 recycled water use site inspections
•Supervised 635 recycled water sites
•Reviewed 68 irrigation system plans for public and private developments
•Developed and submitted Cross Connection Control Plan
20
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS
CIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Water
•SCADA software design for remote sites: $2.07 million
•Palomar Airport Waterline Replacement: $2 million
•Valley Water Main Replacement: $364,000
•El Fuerte & Maerkle Motorized Valves: $2.3 million
•Water Reservoir Site Improvements: $460,000 ($235,000 La Costa Hi and $225,000 B-TAP Reservoir sites)
•Pressure Reducing Station Replacements: $5 million (El Fuerte, Melrose, Palomar West)
Recycled water
•SCADA design for recycled water remote sites: $420,000
•New 1.5-million-gallon recycled water D-4 tank: $6.06 million ($513,000 design, $5.55 million construction)
22
Wastewater
•SCADA design for wastewater remote sites $510,000
•Replaced 615 linear feet of sewer main at Foxtail Loop
to improve capacity: $844,000
•Installed an air-vacuum valve platform at Buena Vista
Lift Station to improve operator safety during
maintenance: $17,000
•Completed Knots Lift Station pump, check valve and
electrical replacements: $78,500
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
CIP OBJECTIVES
Water
•Replace electrical control panels at remote water sites: $3.0 million
•Remove and reapply protective coatings at two steel water tanks (Elm & Skyline reservoirs): $2.5 million
•Complete replacement of 5,000 linear feet of water mains in the Terramar area: $4.4 million
•Complete design of pressure-reducing stations: $242,000 (Laguna, Kelly, Point D South, Lake Shore Gardens)
•Complete design of 6” through 12” asbestos cement (AC) water main replacement in Adams St and Cove Dr: $661,000
•Complete design and construction of water valves and water and sewer pipeline replacement and relocation in the Village & Barrio area: $3.12 million
•Complete construction phase support services for water valve package replacements: $4.98 million (87 valves at 26 locations)
Recycled water
•Start design for replacement of electrical control panels at remote recycled water sites: $826,000
Wastewater
•Start design for replacement of electrical control panels at remote wastewater sites: $904,000
•Complete the Wastewater Master Plan Update: $425,000
•Complete the replacement of 630 linear feet of sewer main and rehabilitation of 900 linear feet of sewer main and seven manholes in the Terramar area: $1.1 million
•Complete the design and begin construction to upsize 2,600 linear feet of sewer main (from 12” to 15” & 18”) along Poinsettia Lane: $4.8 million
•Rehabilitate 21 manholes in the Bressi Ranch area and the Poinsettia Lift Station: $616,000
•Complete the construction of Canon Lift Station Improvements (replace flow meter, vault, and check valves): $1.4 million
•Complete the Poinsettia Lift Station Generator Replacement (emergency 250-kW generator, power controls, and communication): $553,000
•Complete design of Chinquapin Lift Station Improvements (replace generator, electrical equipment, and construct a building to reduce corrosion of electrical gear): $125,000
•Complete pavement resurfacing at various sewer lift stations: $23,000 (Home Plant, Sand Shell, Knots)
•Complete slide rail retrofit at Pine restroom (install slide rails and modify pumps and discharge piping): $38,000 23
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
NEXT STEPS
•Asset Management Plans (2026)
•Master Plans – CIP (2026)
o Water
o Wastewater
•Rates for water, wastewater, and recycled water (2027)
24
ITEM 12: Water, Wastewater, Recycled Water
Operation and Maintenance Update
Thank you