The Santa Fe Irrigation District (SFID and the District) commemorated its 100-year anniversary at a “Century of Service” celebration on June 21 with community leaders and neighbors.
The District was established in 1923 as a California Special District under the Irrigation District Act of 1887 and currently provides drinking and recycled water services for more than 19,800 residents in the City of Solana Beach, as well as the unincorporated communities of Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch.
This event was held at the San Dieguito Reservoir and recognized the significant contributions the District has made to the community’s water supply over the past 100 years and an opportunity to reflect on SFID's rich history and remarkable milestones achieved over the past century.
Solana Beach Mayor, Lisa Heebner was joined on stage at the event by City of Encinitas Councilmember and San Dieguito Water District Board member, Kellie Hinze and San Diego County Water Authority General Manager, Sandra “Sandy” Kerl, along with SFID Board President, Michael Hogan and SFID General Manager, Al Lau.
As Hogan explained, “This milestone celebration highlights not only Rancho Santa Fe Irrigation District’s ongoing commitment to our community, but also the dedication of so many past and present that work to help ensure a sustainable, cost-effective and reliable water supply for our customers.”
Lau further stated, “A century of service is a remarkable achievement, and the District is proud to have delivered a precious resource to a thriving community. The next century offers new challenges with changing climate patterns and rising costs, but by leveraging our collaborative partnerships and dedicated staff and Board, we know we can rise to the challenge, just as those before us built thriving communities in this arid Southern California landscape.”
SFID has been at the forefront of providing potable water and recycled water services to the local communities. Initially supplying water from Lake Hodges to meet the agricultural irrigation needs of the area, SFID has evolved over the years to service residential, commercial, institutional, and agricultural customers.
California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot provided the following message from Sacramento, “Many thanks to the Santa Fe Irrigation District for 100 years of service. We appreciate this century-long legacy of water service to generations of Californians and look forward to continuing to partner on adjusting to the changing climate by improving water efficiency and diversifying our water supply.” -
A staff member from the office of US Congressman Scott Peters, delivered a proclamation for the District, which is part of District 50, at the event. And Congressman Mike Levin sent the following message, “Congratulations to the Santa Fe Irrigation District on 100 years of serving our community! As Californians, we all understand the importance of conserving water and the impact droughts have on our daily lives. I’m grateful to have SFID as a partner in the work to strengthen our local water independence.”
Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board shared the following message from Sacramento, "My congratulations to the Santa Fe Irrigation District on reaching this major milestone. The district has demonstrated innovation and strong collaboration with partners during its long history, and we look forward to working together for many more years to adapt to extreme weather, promote conservation and build a climate-resilient water future.”