YLWD Receives Innovative Project of the Year Award for In-House Sewer Pipeline Inspection Van
Yorba Linda, CA – Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD/District) has been recognized with the Innovative Project of the Year Award from the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) for its innovative Sewer Pipeline Inspection Van project, an employee-driven effort that saved nearly $129,000 and created a customized, all-electric tool to support the District’s wastewater operations.
The project began in May 2025, when YLWD purchased the base shell of an all-electric Chevrolet BrightDrop Zevo 600 van. Rather than purchasing a fully outfitted sewer inspection vehicle, which typically costs more than $400,000, the District assembled a seven-member, cross-functional team representing fleet, facilities, wastewater, operations, and IT to design and construct the vehicle in-house.
Members of this team include: Jon Carren, Senior Fleet Mechanic; Caleb Guzman, Mechanic II; Eric Watson, Facilities Supervisor; Nick Isbell, Senior Facilities Maintenance Worker; Nick Hollon; Senior Utility Maintenance Worker, Harold H., Operations Specialist, and two members of YLWD’s Information Technology team. Working part-time alongside their regular responsibilities, the team worked on the project from May through September 2025. Their collaboration allowed YLWD to develop a vehicle specifically tailored to the District’s sewer inspection needs while avoiding the cost of purchasing a fully outfitted commercial unit. The completed van was unveiled to the community at YLWD’s Open House on October 4, 2025.
“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of California’s special districts and the people who serve them. Some of the best public-sector innovation comes from employees who understand the work firsthand and see an opportunity to do it better,” said CSDA Chief Executive Officer Neil McCormick. “Yorba Linda Water District empowered its team to develop a solution that saves public dollars, improves operations and gives the district greater flexibility for the future. That kind of ingenuity and stewardship is worth celebrating.”
“This project is a great example of the creativity, expertise and dedication of our employees,” said Mark Toy, General Manager of Yorba Linda Water District. “Instead of simply purchasing a solution, our team saw an opportunity to build something specifically for YLWD. They took on this challenge in addition to their regular responsibilities and created a valuable asset that saves money, improves our operations and supports the long-term reliability of our sewer system.”
The project also fostered a strong sense of employee ownership and pride. Operators now prefer the all-electric inspection van over traditional gas-powered vehicles, and the project has generated interest from others in the water and wastewater industry. YLWD staff are frequently asked to share their experience and lessons learned from designing and constructing the vehicle.
The District maintains approximately 270 miles of sewer pipelines, making regular inspection and condition assessment essential to identifying potential issues before they become more costly or disruptive problems. The inspection van provides YLWD operators with the technology and mobility to conduct detailed assessments of underground sewer infrastructure, helping staff identify conditions such as cracks, root intrusion, blockages and other potential deficiencies.
The Sewer Pipeline Inspection Van represents more than a new piece of equipment for YLWD. It is a tangible example of how investing in employees and encouraging innovation can produce practical solutions, significant cost savings, and lasting benefits for the community.
The Innovative Project of the Year Award adds to YLWD’s growing list of recognitions for innovation, transparency and excellence. The District was also recognized by CSDA this year with the Special District Leadership Foundation’s District of Distinction designation for sound fiscal management, operational excellence, and high standards of governance. To learn more about Yorba Linda Water District, follow the District on social media!
