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Water agencies all over California are experiencing water affordability and cost increase challenges. We spoke with Dan Denham, general manager of San Diego County Water Authority, to learn how his agency is working to keep prices affordable for its customers.

It is a topline issue. It’s not new: water affordability is something we’ve always had to deal with. But there’s an enhanced focus on affordability now, because rates have been outpacing income growth for most residents in San Diego County and elsewhere.

Carlsbad’s Planning Commission has approved 12 condominiums for a Jefferson Street lot occupied by one single-family home, despite concerns about hooking up to the city’s old water pipes made with asbestos.

Asbestos, a known carcinogen, was widely used to reinforce concrete water and sewer pipes from the 1930s through the 1970s, including the pipes in Carlsbad’s downtown water supply system. The pipes generally are considered safe unless broken or damaged to release the asbestos.

Southeastern San Diego County residents can expect even pricier water bills due to higher sewer rates that their water agency approved earlier this month.

Otay Water District board members unanimously approved gradually increasing sewer rates over a five-year period. Next year’s hike takes effect in January and will raise the cost of sewer service by about 4%, though increases in subsequent years could reach nearly 10%.

Rain and gusty winds are moving into San Diego County at the beginning of the week.

Rain is forecast to move into Southern California Monday night and into Tuesday morning, ending Tuesday night. Winds will pick up to around 30-40 mph starting late Monday night, NWS reports, as a low-pressure system brings in colder air, showers and high-elevation snow.