It’s something we’re reminded of every so often; we live in an arid climate and droughts are a reality of life. Add in the unpredictable element of climate change, and the difficulty of planning for a stable water supply becomes evident. On Tuesday morning, the San Diego County Water Authority provided an update on our water situation.
Despite a few rainy days this week, 2025 has had a drier-than-usual start. However, thanks to decades of strategic planning, the San Diego County Water Authority assures residents that the region has an ample water supply. In fact, officials say they are considering selling or leasing surplus resources — an initiative that could help lower water costs for San Diego ratepayers.
Water isn’t always just water.
For instance, in the late 1800s, Carlsbad was a quiet stretch of undeveloped land—until 1882, when John Frazier struck liquid gold.
Utah has become the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, over opposition from dentists and national health organizations who warn the move will lead to medical problems and disproportionately affect low-income communities.
The Kern County Water Agency voted Thursday to pony up its $32.6 million share of planning and pre-construction costs for the so-called delta tunnel after its member districts gave a somewhat grudging go-ahead.
Significant snow falling in the Sierra Nevada over the next few days could be the region’s last big snow dump of the season, showcasing a dramatic rebound for the snowpack that provides a significant portion of California’s water reserves through the rest of the year.
Despite some heavy rainstorms and squalls of snow in recent months, the Sierra Nevada snowpack today stands at 90% of average, according to state officials.
This year’s measurements mark the first below-average snowpack since 2022, when it dropped to a dismal 38% of the historical average.
The cost of living keeps going up, and families across California are feeling the squeeze. We see it firsthand in the South Bay, where too many people have to make tough choices about which bills to pay. Water is not a luxury — it’s a basic necessity — and at Sweetwater Authority, we believe no one should have to struggle to keep it flowing.
Tariffs and immigration crackdowns have taken center stage in recent weeks as President Donald Trump pushes border tougher restrictions. But there has been another issue also playing out: water.
County water officials said Thursday that financial challenges they face may force them to substantially raise rates for wholesale water next year, a move that would lead to higher water bills across much of the county.
