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Environment Report: Is There Enough Sewage to Go Around in San Diego?

/in , /by /Voice of San Diegoby MacKenzie Elmer

Every month, a group meets to debate what should be done with our toilet water. Right, now they’re arguing about the fact that there might not be enough for everybody to reuse.

Three years ago, I wrote about how the city of San Diego was at war with a bloc of Eastern County cities over the region’s wastewater supply. Both wanted to treat it and supply it to residents as drinking water. But their systems are intertwined, and when East County rolled off to do their own thing, it left costs to support the region’s wastewater system on the backs of other cities.

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Atmospheric River Headed to San Diego County and What It Means for the Water Year

/in , /by /KPBS.orgby Tammy Murga

A quick-moving atmospheric river, capable of bringing heavy downpours and mountain snow, is expected to drench San Diego County by late Thursday, and it could offer some early clues about the water year.

California’s water year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. January and February are typically the wettest months. So far this season, a Pacific storm in mid-October brought more than an inch of rain in the mountains and about four-fifths of an inch along the coast.

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No Deal on the Colorado River Despite Trump Administration Deadline

/in , /by /Cal Mattersby Rachel Becker

After two fraught years of negotiations amid dire projections for the Colorado River’s reservoirs, California and six other states that rely on the river’s water have yet again failed to reach a deal — despite a federal deadline.

“While more work needs to be done, collective progress has been made that warrants continued efforts to define and approve details for a finalized agreement,” the states said. The written statement released Tuesday included no details about how they plan to manage the river after the current rulebook expires at the end of next year.

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Water, Sewer Rate Hikes Dialed Back for Oceanside

/in , /by /San Diego Union-Tribuneby Phil Diehl

Water and sewer rate increases proposed in October to take effect in 2026 for Oceanside residents and businesses were cut in half Wednesday by the Oceanside City Council, but only for a year.

Water department employees initially asked for increases of 6% for water and 4% for sewer in 2026 and again in 2027, but the council pushed for belt-tightening and postponed a decision after complaints from residents at the Oct. 1 meeting.

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Warmer Weather Trend to Reverse Direction, Turn Cooler by Midweek

/in , /by /Times of San Diegoby Brooke Binkowski

The warming San Diegans are experiencing this weekend will turn cooler by the middle of the week, with a chance for rain later in the week, forecasters said Sunday.

The cooling is expected by Tuesday, although highs will remain above average as the area of high pressure weakens ahead of an incoming low pressure system.

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OPINION: Why the Region’s Agricultural Water Rate Is Good for Everyone

/in , /by /Times of San Diegoby Gary Arant , Frank Hilliker, Jim Madaffer and Amy Reeh

 As San Diego County continues to navigate the complex challenges of water affordability and supply reliability, the Permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate Program, or PSAWR, offers a smart, equitable solution that economically benefits the entire region — not just farmers.

Some water agencies have asked: “What’s in it for us?” — especially those who don’t serve farmers directly. It’s a fair question. But the answer is clear: PSAWR helps stabilize water rates across the region, preserve local jobs, protect our economy and sustain the environment of San Diego County.

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OPINION: Don Wagner Calls for Common Sense in Sacramento: Ag, Water, and the Future of California

/in , /by /AgNet News Hour

The November 5 edition of the AgNet News Hour struck a chord with California farmers and voters alike as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Don Wagner, candidate for Secretary of State of California, to discuss the state’s leadership crisis, water mismanagement, and the fight to restore common sense to Sacramento.

Wagner, currently serving in Orange County and endorsed by former Secretary of State Bill Jones and former Governor Pete Wilson, said the same thing many Californians are feeling: “The problems in this state are entirely man-made.” He pointed to decades of political gridlock and poor decision-making that have crippled business, agriculture, and infrastructure. “We don’t have a resource problem,” Wagner said. “We have a government problem. It’s bad policy, not bad luck, that’s hurting California.”

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Deadline for Mexico to Pay Water Owed to Us Fast Approaching

/in , /by /Border Reportby Sandra Sanchez

The clock is ticking down on Mexico’s deadline this month to pay the United States water it owes under a 1944 international treaty. So far, Mexico has paid less than half what it owes during this five-year cycle, which ends on Oct. 25.

Former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, chairman of the Region M Water Planning Group, says Mexico has the water due to recent rains. But it hasn’t paid the United States, and specifically South Texas.

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California Surface Water Costs Can Triple During Drought, Underlining Need for Better Management

/in , /by /Phys.orgby Amy Quinton

California often swings between climate extremes—from powerful storms to punishing droughts. As climate change drives more intense and frequent dry and wet cycles, pressure on California’s water supplies grows.

A new University of California, Davis, economic study finds that drought in California pushes the price of water from rivers, lakes and reservoirs up by $487 per acre-foot, more than triple the cost during an average wet year.

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Escondido Residents Frustrated by Nearly Year-Long Closure

/in , /by /CBS 8by Vanessa Paz

What was supposed to be a quick fix has turned into nearly a year of frustration for Escondido residents. Harding Street has been partially closed since January for aqueduct repairs, leaving drivers to navigate detours and congestion.

“It used to be two-way traffic,” said longtime resident Adrian Tejada. “My concern isn’t only for residents, it closes off shopping areas, so there’s only one way to come in.”

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