About Us
We were formed by residents over 100 years ago to bring water to San Diego’s east county communities. Today, we treat water for much of east county and distribute water to the 276,000 people in our service area.
Who we serve
Helix is responsible for delivering a safe and reliable water supply to the cities of La Mesa, Lemon Grove and El Cajon, the Spring Valley and Lakeside communities, and unincorporated areas of the county. We provide water for people and homes, east county’s economy and jobs, firefighting, and street trees and soccer fields.
276,000
Service Area Population
56,000
Customer Accounts
149
Employees
Helix is a Special District
A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. Most are governed by a Board elected from their communities and are effective service providers because they are held to high standards of transparency and accountability.
Open Meetings
The Ralph M. Brown Act requires that the public is notified of Board meetings and able to attend.
Full Disclosure
The Fair Political Practices Commission requires Board members and Helix staff to file a Statement of Economic Interest annually, reporting any gifts or monies received.
Ethics Training
Assembly Bill 1234 requires Board members to attend ethics training upon election or appointment, and re-certify every two years.
Financial Audits
State law requires special districts to submit regular audits performed by a certified public accountant to ensure public funds are properly managed. The audits are public documents filed with the state and county controller.
Public Review
Special districts must upload their financial reports and Board member and employee compensation to the state controller’s website for public review.
Public Records
The California Public Records Act gives the public the right to request and access information from public agencies.
Explore our plans, policies and finances.
Fiscal Year 2019-20
149
Employees
$90.7M
Estimated Revenue
$79.2M
Operating Budget
$15.4M
Capital Budget
Want to know what’s happening at Helix? Page 1-5 of our budget offers a detailed summary.
Our Mission Statement
Helix Water District is a progressive industry leader, providing high quality water, through an efficient and reliable system. Our innovative and dedicated employees and board members maximize human and technological resources, while providing superior service to our customers and supporting the environment for a sustainable future.
Our History
Helix was formed in 1912 and became an operating entity in 1926 under the Irrigation District Law of California, Water Code sections 20500 et seq.
1885
The San Diego Flume Company built Cuyamaca Dam and began work on 33.5 miles of wooden flume to transport water to San Diego. The flume delivers water for the first time in 1889.
1910
Ed Fletcher and James Murray buy the San Diego Flume Company and rename it the Cuyamaca Water Company.
1912
East County residents, farmers and growers unite to form the La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District and find their own source of water.
1926
The La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District assumes ownership of the Cuyamaca Water Company.
1940
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California completes the Colorado River Aqueduct.
1941
San Diego representatives lobby Congress for funds to connect San Diego County to Colorado River water.
1944
The San Diego County Water Authority is formed to administer the region’s Colorado River water rights and the La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District is a charter member.
1954
El Cajon Valley Irrigation District joins the La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District.
1956
The La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District is renamed Helix Irrigation District.
1962
Chet Harritt Dam is completed in Lakeside and Lake Jennings begins to fill.
1965
R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant is completed and Lake Jennings opens for fishing.
1968
Construction of new pipeline brings treated water to Helix’s entire service area for the first time.
1973
California’s Legislature approves a new name: Helix Water District.
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