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Work being done on the First Aqueduct.

Traffic Impacts Planned for Two Escondido Sites During Aqueduct Upgrades

Starting the second week of August, pedestrians and motorists in Escondido will notice traffic impacts due to construction work on Water Authority facilities as part of the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement project.

Beginning on August 11, work will take place on Bear Valley Parkway just north of San Pasqual Valley Road where a traffic lane and a bike lane on Bear Valley Parkway will be closed, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At a second site on Harding Street, just north of the intersection with East Valley Parkway, traffic will be rerouted in the evenings starting on Aug. 18. The southbound traffic lane, left turn lane, and #1 northbound lane will be closed for nighttime construction from 5 pm to 7 am, Monday through Friday.

Signs and flag crews will help direct traffic around the work areas. Construction activities will include excavation, saw cutting, welding, concrete placement, backfill and paving. Work crews will be driving heavy construction equipment with required backup alarms

A map of the worksite on Bear Valley Parkway.

Work at each of these locations is estimated to last four weeks.

This is part of the Water Authority’s work to upgrade the historic First Aqueduct and ensure continued delivery of safe and reliable water supplies for the region.

The Southern First Aqueduct project stretches 21 miles starting north of Escondido and east of Interstate 15 and continuing south to Slaughterhouse Canyon on the west and ending at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Along the way, the work crosses the communities of Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo and parts of unincorporated San Diego County.

The First Aqueduct has been in service over 70 years and serves more than 2 million people countywide. Work around the region to improve the First Aqueduct is expected to continue through summer 2026 with upgrades to 99 structures connected to two massive water pipelines.

The Water Authority is coordinating closely with its member agencies to minimize impacts to residents and businesses and ensure there is no interruption to water delivery.

For more information about the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project, including an interactive map where viewers can zoom in to view work areas, visit www.sdcwa.org/first-aqueduct.  For questions or comments, call (877) 682-9230 ext. 7004 or send email to .

The winning 2025 OMWD landscape project features native plants and is both drought tolerant and fire resistant. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Encinitas Resident Wins OMWD 2025 Landscape Contest

Encinitas resident Ramona Copley’s landscape makeover project was selected by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District as the 2025 winner of the annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The OMWD board honored Copley at its June board meeting.

Salvias provide plenty of color in the winning landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Salvias provide plenty of color in the winning landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“To reduce our water use, my husband and I wanted to transform our yard of trees and grass into a low-water-use garden,” said Copley about the motivation behind their project.

Design Is Drought-Tolerant and Fire-Resistant

The dry creek bed is a major feature in the new landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The dry creek bed is a major feature in the new landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Copley’s landscape design features a dry creek bed, drip irrigation using a smart controller, blue fescue grass, and a variety of colorful plants, including orange kangaroo paw, purple salvia, and red autumn sage. The garden features several plants native to our region that are both drought-tolerant and fire-resistant, such as California lilac, white rockrose, and Cleveland sage.

“Drought-tolerant landscaping helps conserve San Diego’s water supply,” said OMWD board secretary Christy Guerin. “Mrs. Copley’s landscape offers a good example of an appealing design, climate-appropriate plant selection, and water-efficient irrigation.”

Plant choices are both drought tolerant and fire resistant. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Encinitas resident

Plant choices are both drought-tolerant and fire-resistant. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“We receive many compliments,” said Copley, “and I enjoy taking in the view as I sit in the front yard.

“I am proud to say that my water bill has not changed since we installed the garden. The bill is the same as it was when the yard contained only dirt, while we planned the project and found a landscaper for the design I had in mind,” added Copley.

Countywide Contest Inspires Homeowners

Award-winning landscape projects offer inspiration to other homeowners pursuing their own landscape makeovers. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Encinitas resident

Award-winning landscape projects offer inspiration to other homeowners pursuing their own landscape makeovers. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Since 2006, the county-wide contest has encouraged residential water agency customers to showcase their water-wise landscapes. OMWD is one of 12 water agencies participating in the contest. Each agency selects a winning landscape.

Winners selected by San Diego County Water Authority member agencies throughout the county, and a wide range of landscape resources are available at www.landscapecontest.com.

 

 

 

The result of the Claermans' carefully planned landscape makeover is the 2025 City of Escondido Landscape Contest winner. Photo: City of Escondido

Escondido Landscape Contest Winner Inspired By Local Gardens

The transformation of the Claerman family’s landscaping began with research and field trips. The results of their landscaping makeover were named the 2025 City of Escondido Landscape Makeover contest winner.

Yannick Claerman’s landscape transformation process included research on drought-tolerant plants, plant groupings, soil types, and how to use compost and mulch to enhance water efficiency.

He made visits to local demonstration gardens, which provided him with a little extra inspiration as he began curating a selection of manzanitas, native irises, yarrows, monkeyflower, and multiple varieties of sages.

Grass Becomes A Carpet Of Stars

No longer a traditional lawn, this expanse of lush greenery is made up of 250 dwarf “Carpet of Stars” succulents. Photo: City of Escondido Landscape Contest

No longer a traditional lawn, this expanse of lush greenery is made up of 250 dwarf “Carpet of Stars” succulents. Photo: City of Escondido

It takes a second look to see the change in an original patch of lawn. It doesn’t look much different at first glance, but it underwent an incognito transformation. Claerman replaced this section of grass with 250 Dwarf Carpet of Stars plants, a succulent with a close-growing pattern. Dwarf Carpet of Stairs is dense enough to support foot traffic, just like grass, but it leaves no room for weeds to grow in between the plants.

The slope below the “Carpet of Stars” lawn is planted with flowering natives with every color of bloom and foliage. Photo: City of Escondido

The slope below the “Carpet of Stars” lawn is planted with flowering natives with every color of bloom and foliage. Photo: City of Escondido

The Dwarf Carpet of Stars plants are now slowly growing in. Once they do, it will look as if the lawn never left, offering a space for walking, sitting, and recreation.

Claerman and his wife decided against removing the existing mature palm trees and added a variety of fruit trees and other edible plants alongside the drought-tolerant backdrop.

Sustainable, Efficient Irrigation Use

The Claermans named each of the zones and unique features throughout the yard. This dry riverbed feature is called “Rio Rudy” after the Claermans’ friend, Rudy, who helped Yannick with laying the rocks and myriad other jobs in the landscape transformation process. Photo: City of Escondido Landscape Contest

The Claermans named each of the zones and unique features throughout the yard. This dry riverbed feature is called “Rio Rudy” after the Claermans’ friend, Rudy, who helped Yannick with laying the rocks and myriad other jobs in the landscape transformation process. Photo: City of Escondido

Nevertheless, Claerman still found ways to minimize potable water irrigation. He makes the most of reclaimed water by capturing rain runoff from his roof. Water is stored in a new 2,650-gallon rainwater tank. The runoff water collected in the tank, along with a simple graywater system that reclaims the household’s shower water, is used to irrigate the east side of the garden.

A separate graywater system for the front yard recycles wash water from the laundry room. Yannick placed rocks aboveground to mark the path of the graywater delivery pipes belowground, helping him to select the optimal spot for each new addition to the plant community. Photo: City of Escondido

A separate graywater system for the front yard recycles wash water from the laundry room. Yannick placed rocks above ground to mark the path of the graywater delivery pipes below ground, helping him to select the optimal spot for each new addition to the plant community. Photo: City of Escondido

Claerman installed a separate graywater system for the washing machine, which irrigates the front yard garden.

A door for the garden’s smallest and most whimsical visitors. Although you may not find fairies here, you are sure to see winged pollinators from bees to butterflies, and even bats (roosting in a recently installed bat house) gliding among the blooming natives. Photo: City of Escondido Landscape Contest

A door for the garden’s smallest and most whimsical visitors. Although you may not find fairies here, you are sure to see winged pollinators from bees to butterflies, and even bats (roosting in a recently installed bat house) gliding among the blooming natives. Photo: City of Escondido

Claerman feels rewarded not only by the beauty of the garden, but also by the knowledge that his work in crafting a resilient home landscape will contribute to broader efforts by gardeners everywhere to create a more sustainable future.

 

 

"Me-xal Overlook" by Jeff Shearer is the winner in the "Scenic View" category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District photographers honored

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Voted “Best Place to Volunteer”

Last week, The Coast News Group announced its 2025 Best of North County contest winners, which included Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (EFRR). EFRR took first place in the “Best Place to Volunteer” category after an online vote that included 18 other candidates.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve was originally developed when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management as an element of the regional Emergency Storage Project. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“This accolade is a testament to the wonderful people who make up EFRR’s volunteer community, OMWD rangers, and our strong partnership with the Escondido Creek Conservancy,” said OMWD board director Ebin Lanfried.

Volunteers with EFRR’s Trail Patrol, improve trails and engage with visitors. Volunteers also interact with the public at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty and take part in outdoor education programs.

Volunteers are encouraged to develop their own programs, such as nature walks, guided hikes, or concerts. EFRR volunteers also engage in social events, environmental presentations, and educational field trips. Currently, EFRR has a team of 68 volunteers, some of whom have been serving since the program began in 2009.

The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve provides a wealth of opportunities for recreation, outdoor education, and environmental appreciation for all ages. Photo: Olivehain Municipal Water District

The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve provides a wealth of opportunities for recreation, outdoor education, and environmental appreciation for all ages. Photo: Olivehain Municipal Water District

The 784-acre Reserve was developed by OMWD in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the US Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management, as an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. The Reserve first opened in 1992. Owned by the Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.

The shoreline firepits at Lake Jennings are especially popular during the summer months. Photo: Lake Jennings reservoirs

San Diego Regional Reservoirs Offer Summer Activities

Although San Diego County is best known for its beautiful beaches, it is also home to more than 20 freshwater lakes and reservoirs. These bodies of water offer a variety of recreational opportunities.

Lake fishing lets anglers hook catfish, bluegill, carp, crappie, sunfish, bass, and trout. Water enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, boating, rowing, and wakeboarding on the calm waters. For families, barbecue and picnic areas offer the perfect location to spend the day by the lake.

Many of San Diego County’s most popular reservoir recreation areas offer seasonal events through Labor Day to celebrate San Diego County’s beautiful summer weather.

Summer In Full Swing At Santee Lakes

Night fishing is a popular activity at Santee Lakes during the summer months. Photo: Santee Lakes

Night fishing is a popular activity at Santee Lakes during the summer months. Photo: Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes offers a variety of summer activities, including fishing, camping, picnic shelters with BBQ grills, and entertainment. The park also features playgrounds, a sprayground at Lake 1 to cool the kids and their adult friends, and hiking trails. For campers, there is laser tag on Friday nights. 

Enjoy live music with the “Summer Jams on Deck” series featuring music on select Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

More than 230 species of birds migrate through or call Santee Lakes home. Photo: Santee Lakes reservoirs

More than 230 species of birds migrate through or call Santee Lakes home. Photo: Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes has seven lakes where fishing is permitted, with options for both day and night fishing (for campers with a permit). If you’re new to fishing, “Fishing 101” is offered on select Saturday mornings through September. A park ranger can offer tips both for beginners and seasoned anglers. Meet at the General Store from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Check the website Events Calendar for dates.

Originally opened to the public in 1961, today, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve hosts over 760,000 visitors annually. The 190-acre park’s lakes are stocked with fish year-round. Other amenities include cabin rentals, boating, facility rentals, and approximately 230 bird species.

Lake Jennings Open For Summer Fun

Fishing hours are extended at Lake Jennings during summer months. Photo: Lake Jennings

Fishing hours are extended at Lake Jennings during summer months. Photo: Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Labor Day, hours are extended for boating and fishing until midnight (entrance gate closes at 10 p.m.). It is catfish season, with the lake restocked with 1,000 pounds every few weeks throughout the season.

If you want to try for the lake record, Chris Sprecco caught an 84.4 lb. blue catfish on January 18, 2020, breaking the previous lake record of a 71.3 lb. blue catfish held by Bob Bowden on June 1, 2014.

Especially popular in summer months are Hermit Cove lakefront firepit rentals from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Firepit rentals include lake entrance fees for up to six people, Adirondack chairs, two bundles of wood, fire starter, and set-up/clean-up. A ranger is on hand to help light and extinguish fires. Visitors can add on S’mores supplies or tailgate supplies, including hot dogs.

Family and friends enjoy gathering around the Lake Jennings firepits on warm summer nights. Photo: Lake Jennings reservoirs

Family and friends enjoy gathering around the Lake Jennings firepits on warm summer nights. Photo: Lake Jennings

Advance reservations are required for dates through October. Firepits can be reserved online or by calling (619) 390-1623. Fishing permits are not included and must be purchased separately.

Lake Jennings is an exceptional destination during the summer months for the serious and casual wildlife viewer and photographer. The rolling hills, the endless lake, the coastal sage, and the riparian areas provide a diverse habitat in a small area. Common sightings include deer, fox, and osprey. Bird watchers are drawn to Lake Jennings for its rich variety of bird species.

Shoreline Fishing At Sweetwater Reservoir

Shoreline fishing is allowed along a 2.5-mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir from Friday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September. Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible and offers outdoor activities, including birdwatching and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

Visitors must bring their own food, drink, bait, and tackle, including drinking water. Portable restrooms are provided.

The entrance is located at 3203 Summit Meadow Road in Bonita. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees remain in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. For more information on current hours, fees, and safety, visit www.sweetwater.org/fishing.

Primarily a local water supply for the Authority’s 200,000 customers in National City, Chula Vista, and Bonita, the Authority has created recreational opportunities including fishing programs and a riding and hiking trail at Sweetwater operated by the County of San Diego through a license from the Authority.

Lake Miramar Offers Oasis In The Heart of San Diego

The five mile road circling Lake Miramar is popular for cycling, walking, and running. Photo: City of San Diego

The five mile road circling Lake Miramar is popular for cycling, walking, and running. Photo: City of San Diego

Just east of Interstate 15 in Scripps Ranch, the Miramar Reservoir is popular for producing some of the biggest largemouth bass in the world. Visitors can also enjoy boating, kayaking, and canoeing activities. There are 18 barbecues and 48 picnic tables for family outings.

The park’s concession facility offers boat and bike rentals, bait and tackle, and snacks. For walkers, runners, and cyclists, the lake’s five-mile-long scenic trail that wraps around the lake is a popular highlight.

The lake is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For more information, visit the City of San Diego’s website.

San Vicente Reservoir A Favorite For Water Sports

Some of the region's best water sports and fishing is found at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Photo: City of San Diego

Some of the region’s best water sports and fishing is found at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Photo: City of San Diego

Located in Lakeside, the San Vicente Reservoir is open Thursdays through Sundays from Memorial Day through October. From one half hour before sunrise until sunset, general boating and water contact sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing and kayaking are permitted.

Personal watercraft are allowed if safely towing a skier, wakeboarder, or tube device meeting safety regulations.

At San Vicente, visitors can enjoy some of the region’s best fishing. Picnic and barbecue areas and restrooms are open. Leashed dogs are permitted. Visit the lake webpage for additional information.

A doghouse with a green roof is one of the whimsical design elements in the award-winning "Groovy Garden" display at the 2025 San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County Fair Landscape Exhibits Educate and Entertain

Award-winning exhibits at the San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show offer attendees inspiration for their own low-water use landscaping projects from examples of creative low-water use and native plant gardens at the Fair’s popular exhibit.

Groovy Garden Returns To County Fair’s Garden Show

The Groovy Garden is designed to draw attention from fairgoers who are new to gardening and creating waterwise landscaping. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The Groovy Garden is designed to draw attention from fairgoers who are new to gardening and creating waterwise landscaping. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Debby Dunn, Senior Water Resources Specialist with the San Diego County Water Authority, returned for her third consecutive year to the Fair as both an exhibitor and a speaker. She says the exhibits, including her own “Groovy Garden” display, show how Californians are updating their lawns with beautiful and interesting water-wise landscape designs.

Dunn said what she enjoys most about creating her exhibit is the opportunity to help fairgoers learn about sustainable gardening who aren’t initially gardening enthusiasts. “I want to get the education to the people that don’t know what they don’t know,” said Dunn.

Dunn’s display won awards for Most Educational and Best WaterSmart Landscape.  Her dog-bone shaped exhibit placed third for Garden Show Theme and runner up for the Master Gardener Association’s Earth-Friendly Gardening Award.

Embracing Pet-Friendly Design Elements

Humorous elements have a serious message about watersmart landscaping techniques. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority County Fair

Humorous elements have a serious message about watersmart landscaping techniques. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Dunn designs her whimsical exhibit each year, inspired by the annual Fair theme. She designs it and her husband, Tim Schultz, helps with the installation. The 2025 theme is “Summer Pet-tacular.” Dunn added a pink kitty litter sandbox, a doghouse with a green roof, and plants with animal-inspired names such as Kangaroo Paws, Lion’s Tail, and Lamb’s Ear.

“My sandbox is about educating people on keeping their grass when it serves a purpose – like for dogs and kids,” explains Dunn.  “The grass aeration plugs and compost look like something else you might find in a litterbox, but they are actually great tips for creating healthy grass.”

Dunn uses eye-catching, humorous elements to draw her visitors in to learn about household conservation practices. She repurposes colorful thrift store and garage sale finds to educate through imagination and playfulness to make a lasting impression.

“I like to incorporate over-the-top, fun display items into my exhibit that will draw people in and get them thinking about water use and sustainable landscapes,” said Dunn. Her Groovy Garden exhibit is known for featuring a colorful toilet so she can remind people to check for running toilets. This year, it is a bright shade of turquoise blue.

Support for Animal Adoption

Embracing the "Summer Pet-Tacular" County Fair theme, Debby Dunn of the Water Authority partnered with the Rancho Coastal Humane Society to feature adoptable dogs. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Embracing the “Summer Pet-Tacular” County Fair theme, Debby Dunn of the Water Authority partnered with the Rancho Coastal Humane Society to feature adoptable dogs. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

To help promote the Fair theme, Dunn partnered with the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Its adoption center is just six miles from the Fairgrounds, and their popular thrift store is just four miles north. She is promoting upcoming events and supporting the organization by shopping at the thrift store year-round, where Dunn purchased several items in this year’s Groovy Garden display.

Dunn’s display also featured photos of adoptable pets, accompanied by a QR code that allowed visitors to learn more. Last week, she was delighted to learn that most of those pets had found their forever homes, so darling new pets are now posted.

Dunn says she’s talked to hundreds of Fairgoers this year. “There’s always a handful of showy, blooming plants people want to know about,” said Dunn.

The exhibit features tips on planning your landscape design to accomodate plant growth, and features many native plant choices. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The exhibit features tips on planning your landscape design to accomodate plant growth, and features many native plant choices. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

She says this year it is Purpurea or Arabian Lilac (Vitex trifolia) with its green and purple foliage, as well as Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii), a California native plant with its delightful aroma and whorls of purple flowers.

Both plants can be found on the Water Authority’s Nifty 50 Plant list.

California Native Plant Society Sweeps Awards

The California Native Plant Society's County Fair exhibit won multiple awards in 2025. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The California Native Plant Society’s County Fair exhibit won multiple awards in 2025. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS’s) show garden “Paws, Wings & Wild Things” swept the awards with the depiction of its message that outdoor spaces can be safely shared by pets, people, and wildlife alike.

Inspired by the fair’s “Summer Pet-tacular” theme, the CNPS exhibit showed how native plant gardens can become vibrant, inclusive spaces through thoughtful design. Shaded patios, paw-friendly paths, and pollinating buffet of plants came together in one frisky, practical garden. It also showcased a Catio, which allows cats to safely be outside without harming birds or other wildlife.

Visitors to the California Native Plant Society's exhibit can learn how to incorporate native plants in their landscapes. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Visitors to the California Native Plant Society’s exhibit can learn how to incorporate native plants in their landscapes. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Paws, Wings & Wild Things helps expose fairgoers to the organization who might never have visited a CNPS booth or native plant garden before.

CNSP awards include:

  • MiraCosta College Horticulture Program Award
  • Anderson’s La Costa Nursery Best Water-Smart Garden Design
  • Paul Ecke, Jr. Garden Show Theme Award – 1st Place
  • Paul Ecke, Sr. Best Overall Exhibit Trophy
  • Cuyamaca College Ornamental Horticulture Award
  • Walter Andersen Most Practical Landscape Award
  • Master Gardener Association Earth Friendly Gardening Award – Grand Prize
  • San Diego Floral Association Best Landscape

Low-Water Use Gardens Suit Many Design Styles

The San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show runs through Sunday, July 6. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Dunn said low-water use landscapes offer many different styles to suit individual tastes and needs, similar to interior design styles.

“Everyone’s got their look and their style. It’s the same with plants. There are so many options and choices. Learn more by checking out the Water Authority’s Happy 100 plant list.

“If you’ve got kids and dogs, you may need grass; just water it wisely. But if the only person walking on the grass is the person mowing the grass, you likely don’t need the grass,” said Dunn.

“There are countless beautiful, California native and water smart plants you can place in your garden that will bring you entertainment and joy. Remember to check out the Nifty 50 and Happy 100 to learn more!”

The 2025 San Diego County Fair will end on Sunday, July 6. The fair is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Financial Literacy-Financial Wellness-San Diego County Water Authority

Water Authority Board Approves 2026 Wholesale Rates

The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors today approved wholesale water rates for 2026 following a public hearing and approved the recommended budget for the next two fiscal years. Despite ongoing inflationary pressures and the continued impacts of climate change on the Southwest, the Water Authority minimized impacts on ratepayers through a number of cost-saving actions.

Water Authority staff and Board members collectively reduced the final 2026 wholesale water rate increase to 8.3%, less than half of what was forecasted in early 2025. The reductions were achieved by cutting budgets across the agency, including capital improvement projects, operating departments, the Board of Directors, and equipment replacement. In addition, the adopted rate was lowered by third-party water exchanges and financial benefits from the conclusion of litigation between the Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

“Since I became chair in 2024, I have been laser focused on affordability for ratepayers,” Board Chair Nick Serrano said. “While I recognize the impact of this increase on working families around the region, the Water Authority is now on a path for smoother and smaller rate increases in the future that will provide the financial stability our region needs while still ensuring safe and reliable water supplies.”

SDCWA Board of Directors at the June 2025 meeting.

Homes and businesses will feel the impact of the newly adopted rates differently, based on their water use and how local retail water agencies handle costs.

As the region’s wholesale water agency, 91% of the Water Authority’s costs are driven by just three things: water purchases and treatment, debt service, and infrastructure projects to ensure the reliability and safety of water delivery. During the rate and budget cycle, the Water Authority faced increasing costs related to its main water supplies, along with the need for continued investments in the region’s decades-old water supply and delivery system.

Despite those pressures, the agency’s early investments in climate adaptation mean San Diego County has secure water supplies even though it’s at the end of the pipeline and has few natural water resources. Those investments in reliability, combined with the legal settlement, create the potential for the Water Authority to transfer or exchange some of its water with other agencies to help reduce costs for San Diegans.

“While there’s still work to be done, a future where San Diego County can help other communities improve their water security will be a win for our ratepayers for years to come,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham.

The portrait "Strut Your Duckling Stuff" by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Wildlife and Wild Views Win 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest

Seven amateur photographers were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors at its June meeting for their award-winning entries in the 18th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (EFRR) photo contest.

The contest ran from November 2024 through April 2025. The winning photographs feature plants, animals, and unique scenery that showcase the 784-acre reserve.

“This contest is a great platform to showcase the natural wonder of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve,” said OMWD board director Ebin Lanfried. “We’re very grateful for all the participants who help bring attention to the importance of protecting open spaces so future generations can enjoy all the beauty that nature has it offer.”

2025 Elfin Forest Photo Contest Winners

Photographs were submitted among five different categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (age 15 and under). In addition, EFRR’s Facebook followers selected a favorite photo posted online to represent this year’s Peoples’ Choice award winner.

The portrait "Strut Your Duckling Stuff" by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The portrait “Strut Your Duckling Stuff” by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Best in Show–”Strut Your Duckling Stuff” by Sienna Schwarz

"Welcome to the Jungle" by Brice Folkert won the Scenic View category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Welcome to the Jungle” by Brice Folkert won the Scenic View category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Scenic View—”Welcome to the Jungle” by Brice Folkert

    The "Water Scenery" category winner is "Escondido Creek by Sky Strehlow. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

    The “Water Scenery” category winner is “Escondido Creek by Sky Strehlow. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Water Scenery— “Escondido Creek” by Sky Strehlow

"Veins" by Finn Behle won the Plant category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Veins” by Finn Behle won the Plant category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Plants—”Veins” by Finn Behle

This photo of a juvenile skunk titled "Shelter" by Ronnie Bailey Steinitz is the Animal category winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

This photo of a juvenile skunk titled “Shelter” by Ronnie Bailey Steinitz is the Animal category winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Animals— “Shelter” by Ronnie Bailey-Steinitz

The Youth category for photographers age 15 and under was won by Ian Kennedy's photo titled "Clover." Photo Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The Youth category for photographers age 15 and under was won by Ian Kennedy’s photo titled “Clover.” Photo Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Youth—”Clover” by Ian Kennedy

It's two wins for Sienna Schwarz, whose photo "Duck Squad" is the Peoples' Choice winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

It’s two wins for Sienna Schwarz, whose photo “Duck Squad” is the Peoples’ Choice winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Peoples’ Choice— “Duck Squad” by Sienna Schwarz

Winning photographers received prizes donated by local businesses, such as passes to the San Diego Zoo, EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary, and California Wolf Center; a canvas print from PC Photo and Imaging; outdoor equipment from REI; and a cash prize from the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Beginning in July 2025, EFRR visitors can view winning photographs at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. The center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Current hours of operation are available by calling 760-632-4212.

Water Authority, MWD End Lengthy Legal Dispute

Signaling a new era of collaboration, the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California today announced the settlement of a 15-year legal dispute over rates and the price term of an exchange agreement between the agencies.

At a news conference in San Diego, leaders from two of the state’s largest water agencies hailed the conclusion of all pending litigation, highlighting their commitment to fostering greater teamwork on a range of issues that affect nearly 19 million Southern California residents. The settlement dismisses all pending appeals, maintaining earlier judicial decisions on various matters. It includes provisions to reduce the potential for future litigation, improve certainty in budgeting, and increase flexibility in efficiently managing water supplies.

“For far too long, this legal battle sat at the center of Metropolitan’s relationship with the Water Authority,” Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. said. “That era of conflict has finally come to an end and we can forge ahead, building a relationship based instead on cooperation and shared goals that will benefit the entire region. The agreement is acknowledgement of a regional approach to water supply management with mechanisms to efficiently squeeze every drop of water to assure future prosperity and our quality of life while protecting the sources of water we all depend upon.”

The agreement also opens a pathway for San Diego to provide water to other water agencies in Metropolitan’s service area.

“Ratepayers and water users across Southern California are the winners in this settlement. It provides a new revenue opportunity for San Diego, a new water supply opportunity for other communities, and greater budget certainty for the entire region,” said Water Authority board Chair Nick Serrano. “Only by working together could we produce these results. I greatly appreciate our colleagues at Metropolitan for their willingness to move past years of disagreement and chart a brighter future.”

Serrano made ending the litigation a cornerstone of his term that started in October 2024. He thanked prior Water Authority board leaders, including Chair Emeritus Mel Katz, for years spent laying the groundwork with Metropolitan’s Board Chair Ortega.

Ortega shared his gratitude.

“I greatly appreciate the partnership of board Chair Serrano and former Chair Katz, who serves on Metropolitan’s board, as well as the work of my Metropolitan board colleagues Vice Chair Nancy Sutley, Director Desi Alvarez and the members of Metropolitan’s ad hoc committee on the San Diego litigation, as we set the groundwork of trust that made this agreement possible.”

Metropolitan Water District Board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. speaks at the press conference announcing an end to litigation.

The litigation centered on the price the Water Authority pays to Metropolitan for an exchange of water. The Water Authority has acquired conserved Colorado River water from two sources: the Water Authority purchases water from the Imperial Irrigation District, and Metropolitan assigned to the Water Authority water conserved by the lining of the All-American and Coachella canals.

This conserved Colorado River water totals up to 277,700 acre-feet a year (an acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons, enough to serve roughly three Southern California families for a year). The conserved Colorado River water is provided to Metropolitan at the Colorado River and, in exchange, Metropolitan delivers the same quantity of its water to San Diego. The Water Authority repeatedly challenged the price Metropolitan charged for this exchange starting in 2010, with both sides winning important legal judgments over more than a decade.

Under the settlement, the Water Authority will pay a fixed price to Metropolitan for delivery of the exchange water, adjusted annually for inflation. The price will no longer be tied to Metropolitan’s rates, which was a source of dispute and litigation. In addition, the Water Authority will be able to offer those deliveries to other Metropolitan member agencies or to sell the conserved Colorado River water to Metropolitan.

“This agreement will allow San Diego to take advantage of our past investments in diverse water supplies to benefit regional ratepayers while addressing water reliability challenges more broadly,” Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham said. “We look forward to building on the foundation of collaboration laid today.”

Board members and leaders from the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District celebrate the end of 15 years of litigation.

“And from Metropolitan’s perspective, the agreement provides increased revenue certainty, potential access to additional water, and the confidence that years of litigation are behind us,” Metropolitan General Manager Deven Upadhyay said. “Today truly marks a new beginning. Through dialogue, negotiation and mutual understanding, we have found a common path forward. And we are all far better off for it.”

The settlement agreement was drafted and refined over the past year by Ortega, Upadhyay, General Counsel Marcia Scully and Metropolitan’s in-house litigation team, who worked with the Water Authority team of Serrano, Katz, Denham and General Counsel David Edwards.

Settlement Agreement Highlights

• Pending appeals are dismissed, all previous final judicial decisions remain in place and parties retain already decided attorneys’ fees and costs awarded.

• Water Authority to pay Metropolitan an agreed upon fixed price for the delivery of exchange water, instead of the past price that was based on Metropolitan’s rates. The fixed price will start at $671 per acre-foot in 2026, and increase annually based on a specified consumer price index escalator.

• Water Authority to pay Metropolitan a fixed payment for 227,000 acre-feet of exchange water a year, rather than making payments based on volume of water exchanged. If more than 227,000 acre-feet of water is exchanged, then the Water Authority will pay the unit price based on volumetric deliveries.

• Provides Water Authority potential new revenue. The Water Authority can first offer to Metropolitan member agencies the right to receive exchange water, and then can offer to Metropolitan the right to purchase conserved water.

• Metropolitan and Water Authority will meet every five years to discuss ongoing implementation of the Exchange Agreement.

Media Roundup: End of Litigation

The San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) and the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) reached a landmark settlement ending litigation that dates back to 2010—marking the beginning of a new era of collaboration between the water agencies. 

The agreement was signed by leaders from both agencies outside of SDCWA’s headquarters in Kearny Mesa. The settlement dismisses all pending appeals, maintaining earlier judicial decisions on various matters. It includes provisions to reduce the potential for future litigation, improve certainty in budgeting, and increase flexibility in efficiently managing water supplies.  

Through media outlets including the San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times, KPBS, CBS 8, and Voice of San Diego, residents across Southern California got a full recap of this momentous occasion. 

SDCWA Board Chair Nick Serrano addresses representatives and guests at the signing ceremony ending litigation between SDCWA and MWD.

KPBS captured Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano’s thoughts on the significance of the agreement: “Ratepayers and water users across Southern California are the winners in this settlement. It provides a new revenue opportunity for San Diego, a new water supply opportunity for other communities, and greater budget certainty for the entire region.” 

As the Los Angeles Times reported, Serrano added that “by working together in this way, the agencies will have greater flexibility to meet future challenges together, whether related to drought, infrastructure investment or efforts to address chronic shortages along the Colorado River.” 

For nearly 15 years litigation strained collaboration had limited the region’s ability to move water efficiently throughout Southern California and maintain predictable water rates for residents.  

The fixed rate established in the settlement offers price stability for the region, helping to shield ratepayers from unpredictable and potentially steep increases in water costs. 

As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune reported, SDCWA General Manager Dan Denham emphasized the importance of price stability: “Getting to a point where we don’t have to raise rates by double digits consistently, getting to something that’s lower and more predictable, perhaps at the rate of inflation, I think is what we strive for.” 

The agreement opens the door for San Diego to potentially sell surplus water to other regions or states – a win for regional ratepayers.

This settlement represents a meaningful turning point in the relationship between SDCWA and MWD—it establishes a foundation for long-term collaboration and shared problem-solving across the region. As CBS 8 covered, Metropolitan Board Chair Adán Ortega Jr. stated: “For far too long, this legal battle sat at the center of Metropolitan’s relationship with the Water Authority. That era of conflict has finally come to an end, and we can forge ahead, building a relationship based instead on cooperation and shared goals that will benefit the entire region.”