Water Reuse: East County Advanced Water Purification Program

Ardurra's community relations team delivers comprehensive public outreach services for the East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Program, a regional initiative creating a drought-proof drinking water supply to meet 30% of East San Diego County's current demands. The groundbreaking project, governed by a Joint Powers Authority comprising Padre Dam Municipal Water District, City of El Cajon, County of San Diego, and Helix Water District, reduces the region's dependence on imported water through advanced recycled-water purification technology.

Since 2014, Ardurra's dedicated team has developed multi-pronged strategic communication approaches spanning research, branding, website development, social media, government relations, and special events. The comprehensive program addresses public education needs, changes attitudes toward advanced purified water, and mitigates construction impacts from the 11-mile pipeline and advanced purification facility.

Key Project Highlights:

• Managing communications through 2025 construction completion for the program, creating 30% of East County's drinking water supply

• Developed an award-winning education program, receiving Excellence in Public Information & Communication and Community Outreach of the Year honors

• Created a memorable June 2022 groundbreaking event, celebrating the historic project launch with community leaders and stakeholders

• Implemented a comprehensive outreach strategy, including tours, videos, materials development, and strategic government relations

• Won multiple prestigious awards from California WateReuse Association, CAPIO, and Public Relations Society of America

• Achieved "best in show" recognition for the Water Festival event, demonstrating exceptional creative community engagement

• Recognized as the WateReuse Agency of the Year by the Water Reliability Coalition for outstanding program excellence

The outreach program has fundamentally transformed public perception of recycled water and built community support for this critical infrastructure investment. Strategic education initiatives continue to support the construction phase of communication, while establishing East County AWP as a national model for water reuse program implementation.