Otay Water District Serves a Vital Role by Preserving Local Habitat, Biodiversity and Water Quality by Otay Water District Aug 14, 2025 Member Submitted News The Otay Water District’s efforts to preserve local habitat contribute to the region’s biodiversity and support healthy ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining water quality for its customers and throughout San Diego County. East Chula Vista’s San Miguel Habitat Management Area (HMA), owned and maintained by Otay, is home to high-quality native habitats, including wetlands, coastal sage scrub, and grasslands, that provide vital refuge for sensitive plants and wildlife, some of which are unique to Southern California. Various special-status species have been detected in the HMA, including the coastal California gnatcatcher, the least Bell’s vireo, the Quino checkerspot butterfly, the burrowing owl, the Otay tarplant, and the variegated dudleya. Established in 1994 under a joint agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the HMA offsets environmental impacts from the construction and operation of Otay facilities. When projects impact sensitive habitats, the District protects and enhances native habitats in the 240-acre HMA. Water agencies preserve habitat to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for current and future needs, while also supporting healthy ecosystems and communities. Habitat preservation is crucial for maintaining water quality, regulating water flow, and providing valuable ecosystem services. Healthy habitats also support biodiversity, protect endangered species, and enhance recreational opportunities. “The San Miguel Habitat Management Area reflects Otay’s commitment to protecting native species and preserving natural resources while delivering safe, reliable water to our community,” says Otay Environmental Compliance Specialist Juliana Luengas. With ongoing development in Southern California, biological reserves like the HMA serve as critical sanctuaries for plants and animals. The District is committed to ensuring the site is well-managed and that the biological resource needs are met through ongoing maintenance and monitoring. In 2023, the Otay Water District was awarded a grant through the SANDAG TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program for Threat Reduction in the HMA. This program has allocated $4 million annually to help maintain the biological integrity of San Diego County. Ongoing activities within the San Miguel HMA include updating wildlife surveys and site maintenance. Help nature thrive in our community! Recently, the Otay Water District has been using the SANDAG funds to combat the increased threat of illegal trespassing. The HMA is private property and closed to the public. The District aims to reduce the number of recreational trespassers, including mountain bikers, hikers, dirt bikers, and ATV riders along the perimeter fencing, and reduce disturbance to habitats throughout the HMA. Trespassing, hiking, biking, littering, or feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited, as these actions can cause serious harm to the sensitive plants and animals. Learn more at otaywater.gov/hma.
