The Otay Water District has a history in water recycling that goes back nearly 40 years.

In the 1960s, Director Ralph W. Chapman recognized the value of using this resource and became a vocal advocate for water recycling. Today, not only is it fitting that OWDs water recycling facility bear his name, the Ralph W. Chapman Water Recycling Facility, but the District has continued working to achieve his dream of widespread recycled water use.

In the late 1960s, OWD began water recycling with a small packaged treatment plant affectionately named Miss Stinky. At this time, however, there were few customers for recycled water. It took until the early-1980s for Chapmans vision to take shape. As the EastLake I community began construction in 1986, millions of gallons of water were needed for soil compaction and dust suppression. An inexpensive source of this water was the Chapman facility.

By the early 1990s, Chula Vista and OWD began requiring dual piping in new developments such as EastLake Greens. One set of pipes would supply drinking water for human consumption, while the other would deliver recycled water to irrigate common areas.

OWD has the largest recycled water network in San Diego County today, and it continues to expand. When the new supply link to the South Bay Water Reclamation Plant comes online in early 2007, recycled water used for irrigation will equal approximately 15 to 20 percent of OWDs total water usage.

Ralph Chapman knew that one day recycled water would be a low-cost, long-term supply of new water that would help the region offset its demand for imported water. Today, his dream is being realized. As OWD celebrates its 50th Anniversary, it is fitting to acknowledge the contribution of one of OWDs founding fathers and honor his place in history.