Dear Neighbors, First I would like to thank the many people who took the time to respond to my first newsletter. I appreciate your kind remarks. Since I last communicated with you, the Board has aqpproved two very innovative state-of-the art technologies that will streamline the District's day-to-day operations and help us cintinue to deliver water to you, the customer at the lowest rate. The automated meter reading technology, which will be installed in new construction area and eventually replace meters in older areas will improve efficiency and overhead costs. Also, the Geographic Informaion System (GIS), which has been installed in all of the lap top computers used in the field allows engineers to locate and quickly make repairs to more than 64,000 components of Otay's water deivery system. These are just two of the new systems approved by the Board since I was elected last year. I hope that you will find the articles in this issue of the Bulletin interersting and informative. Sincerely, Jaime Bonilla, Director Otay Water District Division 2 Every ten years, after the census data becomes available, state and local goverments are required by law to make changes in boundaries that reflect population changes. Click here to see the proposed changes.

< < < Back To Archives A Time to Celebrate! On May 12, Jaime Bonilla was awarded a Masters Degree in Public Administration from National University. More . . . Family Foundation Honored At the annual Mariachi Foundation dinner held May 17 in Coronado, Jaime Bonilla accepted the Foundation's Charro Award. More . . . Automated Meter Reading The South Bay is experiencing an unprecented growth in residential housing. The Otay Water District serves 118,000 customers and the number is increasing. More . . . Geograhpic Information System Recently, the District launched a $1.6 million Geographic Information System (GIS) that will assist with the maintenance of the existing pipeline network. More . . . A Time to Celebrate! On May 12, Jaime Bonilla was awarded a Masters Degree in Public Administration from National University. "My Bachelor's deree in Business gave me the expertise to be successful in my business venturs," said Bonilla, "But I realized soon after being elected to the Otay Water Board that a government agency operates very differently. I decided that the best way to serve the people who elected me and be an effective member of the Board, was to expand my knowledge." Family Foundation Honored At the annual Mariachi Foundation dinner held May 17 at Loew's Resort in Coronado, Jaime Bonilla accpted the Foundation's Charro Award on behalf of The Bonilla Family Foundation for its support of the organization's scholarship program. Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante was the guest speaker at the event that drew more than 450 people. "Thanks to the generosity of people like Jaime Bonilla, students in the Sweetwater Union High School District will have the opportunity to realize their dreams," said Bustamante. This is how it works. By attaching a small device to the existing meter, or replacing the meter, the technician is able to read it by activating an electronic device in his truck. Not only does he not have to leave his vehicle, he can increase productivity from 60 meters read to 600 for one day. Automated Meter Reading System The South Bay is experiencing an unprecedented gowth in residential housing. Currently the Otay Water District serves 118,000 customers. Within the next twenty years that number is expected to double. In plannning for the future, new and efficient ways of meeting our customers needs while keeping the costs down had to be explored. It has been my experience in business that keeping pace with technology is one of the keys to success. In deciding to implement the AMR system, the Otay Water District is the first water district in the County to adopt this system. Once implemented, the AMR system will offer customers continued low rates and provide a safer working environment for our employees. Geographic Information System Recently, the District launched a $1.6 million Geographic Information System (GIS) that will assist with the maintenance of the existing pipeline network and the planning of infrastructure for new developments. The system combines maps and a database installed in field personnel lap top computers. Field personnel can then determine the exact location, type of facility or water pipeline through the District. Using a Global Positioning System (GPS), the system is accurate in pinpointing a location to within 6 inches. Currently there are more than 400 miles of water mains, 20 pump stations, 2,515 fire hydrants and 6,182 valves that need to be maintained on a regular basis. At the current rate of growth, the GIS system will be an essential tool for maintaining the District's equipment.