Santa Fe Irrigation District and San Dieguito Water District Celebrate Completion of R.E. Badger Clearwell Solar Project
The Santa Fe Irrigation District (SFID) and San Dieguito Water District (SDWD) this week celebrated the successful completion of the R.E. Badger Clearwell Solar Project, marking a significant milestone in the joint facility owners' ongoing commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and responsible stewardship of ratepayer finances.
The new solar installation - located at the R.E. Badger Filtration Treatment Plant in Rancho Santa Fe - will generate 574 KW of clean, renewable energy to help power facility operations, reduce long-term electricity costs, and lower the districts' carbon footprint. The project is expected to produce approximately 80% of the plant's annual energy needs, fully optimizing the economic benefit, contributing to greater energy independence and long-term rate stability for customers. The project will provide a total benefit of approximately $4 million dollars over the lifespan of the panels, expected to be 25 years. The savings will be distributed amongst both districts.
"This project reflects our dedication to investing in infrastructure that supports both reliability and environmental responsibility," said Michael T. Hogan, SFID Board President. "By integrating renewable energy into our operations, we're strengthening the resilience of our water system while reducing costs for the communities we serve. Inflationary pressures, along with the added cost purchasing more imported water due to our inability to access our local water supple from Lake Hodges are impacting our ratepayers, and we are committed to finding creative solutions to mitigate the impact on our customers."
San Dieguito Water District General Manager Isam Hireish stated, "This project reflects our district's commitment to smart planning, sustainability, and responsible stewardship. By transforming unused space into a long-term clean-energy asset, we're reducing costs, protecting our resources, and investing in a stronger future for our community."
The R.E. Badger Clearwell Solar Project was designed to maximize energy production while minimizing visual and environmental impacts by placing the solar array on the existing clearwell structure. Construction was completed on schedule and in coordination with regional partners TerraVerde Energy and Motive Energy. Together SFID and SDWD own the R.E. Badger Filtration Plants and San Dieguito Dam and Reservoir via a Joint Powers Authority to provide safe and reliable water supplies to their respective customers.
Established in 1923, Sana Fe Irrigation District is a special district that provides potable and recycled water service to the City of Solana Beach and the unincorporated areas of Rancho Santa Fe ad Fairbanks Ranch. The San Dieguito Irrigation District was formed in 1922 under the California Irrigation District Act to provide water service to the area. Now known as San Dieguito Water District, it is a public agency providing water and recycled water services within the communities of Old Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff, and portions of New Encinitas.
