Reverse osmosis trains that form part of the Pure Water system.
San Diego’s Pure Water Program
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Amy Dorman: My undergraduate degree was in mechanical engineering, but I have worked in civil engineering my whole career and have focused on water almost entirely. Over the last 10 years, I branched out into water reuse. I have a master of business administration, which has helped me move into supervisor and managerial positions with the City of San Diego. Today, I am a deputy director for the city’s Public Utilities Department. The City has been on the path of pursuing reuse for a few years, starting with early feasibility studies. Now we’re in the final design of the first phase of Pure Water. My position was recently created in anticipation of full-scale operations after we complete construction of the first phase of the Pure Water facilities. I’ll be building up that division.
Kris Polly: Please tell us about your background and how you came to be in your current position.
Kris Polly: What were San Diego’s water sources before the introduction of the Pure Water facilities?
6 | MUNICIPAL WATER LEADER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO,
an Diego’s public utilities provide drinking water to around 1.3 million people—and rely primarily on imported water to do so. Recent years of shortage, high prices, and mandatory restrictions have highlighted the vulnerability of this water source and inspired the city to invest in an ambitious, 20-year project to create a local reuse source. The Pure Water project will ultimately provide 83 million gallons a day (MGD) of indirect potable reuse water. In this interview, Amy Dorman, deputy director of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department, speaks with Municipal Water Leader Managing Editor Joshua Dill about the motivations behind Pure Water, how the city is paying for the project, and the importance of public outreach.
