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Sweetwater Authority Encourages Continued Water Efficiency and Applauds Customers’ Ongoing Efforts

Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority continues to encourage customers to use water wisely and efficiently. On March 28, Governor Newsom called upon water agencies in California to activate their Drought Response Plans to higher levels of water restrictions to mitigate concerns of the long-term drought impacting our state. Because of the hard work and water efficient lifestyle that Authority customers have always embraced, we are already meeting the 20 percent water reduction associated with higher levels of the Drought Response Plan.

Governor Calls for Increased Conservation in Response to Statewide Drought

March 29, 2022 – “Governor Newsom issued the fifth in a series of executive orders March 28 asking Californians to increase water conservation, while at the same time allowing every local water supplier to determine where additional water-use measures are needed and set rules accordingly. This strong but measured approach for locally appropriate actions will provide aid and assistance to areas of the state that are most suffering the impacts of drought, while maximizing flexibility where warranted by local conditions. The Governor’s approach is especially insightful because it acknowledges and rewards past investment in water conservation and local supply development, as Californians come together to address the real-world impacts of our changing climate.

Water Authority Finance Director Lisa Marie Harris Celebrated as CFO of the Year

March 25, 2022 – San Diego County Water Authority Finance Director Lisa Marie Harris has been named CFO of the Year in the Public Sector category by The San Diego Business Journal.

Safe Work Practices Earn Sweetwater Authority An Insurance Refund

Chula Vista, Calif. – On March 23, 2022, Sweetwater Authority (Authority) received a refund check of $211,954 from the Association of California Water Agencies-Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA).

“The Governing Board is so proud of staff for their hard work and commitment to safety. We appreciate their efforts and the positive impacts that these sorts of refunds have on our budget,” said Chair Alejandra Sotelo-Solis.

Mel Katz Seated as Vice Chair of Water Authority Board

March 25, 2022 – Businessman and civic leader Mel Katz is the new vice chair of the San Diego County Water Authority Board, filling a vacancy created when Mona Rios stepped down from the post. The Board of Directors voted unanimously on Thursday to install Katz to fill the rest of Rios’ term, which ends in September.

 

$25 Million in State Funds Support Local Water Ratepayers

March 24, 2022 – After helping secure nearly $25 million to cover past-due water bills in 2021, the San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies are seeking additional state money to help residents financially impacted by the pandemic.

State Water Project Declines Highlight Drought’s Severity

March 18, 2022 – “Today’s announcement about reduced allocations from the State Water Project brings into focus the increasing challenges created by the megadrought. This is an emergency felt throughout the state and we strongly support continued conservation.

“Reduced water deliveries from the State Water Project highlight how the San Diego region’s conservation ethic combined with investments in drought-resilient supplies are paying off. The region uses very little water from the Bay-Delta, and even with reduced allocations, the Water Authority has reliable water supplies for 2022 and beyond.

“During this extended drought, we urge residents and businesses to use water wisely by limiting showers to five minutes, fixing indoor and outdoor water leaks, and ensuring irrigation systems are working efficiently. We must continue to care for our most precious natural resource to sustain our economy and quality of life – not just for today but for our future.”

— Sandra L. Kerl, General Manager, San Diego County Water Authority

Approved Redistricting Plan Ensures Equal Representation Across Director Divisions

Chula Vista, Calif. – At its meeting on March 9, the Governing Board (Board) of the South Bay Irrigation District (SBID) adopted the Final Redistricting Plan, which sets Board Member Division boundaries to ensure divisions equally reflect voter population. Prior to adoption of the plan, public participation was invited at two public hearings.

The processing of redistricting is required by law for public agencies, and occurs every ten years in conjunction with the release of new census data. Based on data from the 2020 census, there were no significant changes to population numbers within the SBID Divisions. Therefore, the approved division boundaries remain the same.

Vista Irrigation District Logo

Vista Irrigation District To Hold Public Hearing on Redistricting

Vista, Calif. – Vista Irrigation District board of directors will hold a public hearing on March 16, 2022 at 9:00 AM to discuss proposed adjustments to division boundaries as part of the decennial redistricting process.

Every ten years, agencies with by-district election systems, such as Vista Irrigation District (District), must use new federal census data to review and, if needed, redraw electoral division boundaries to reflect how local populations have changed. This process, called redistricting, ensures all electoral divisions comply with both the California and federal Voting Rights Acts. The District must reestablish electoral divisional boundaries, creating divisions that are balanced in population and in accordance with local, state, and federal laws that govern the redistricting process. Redistricting does not change the District’s service area boundaries.

Community members are invited to attend the March 16, 2022 public hearing to provide input on the proposed boundary division map. The redistricting process is required to be completed by April 17, 2022.

Successful Pipeline 4 Repair Saves San Diego County Ratepayers Money

March 9, 2022 – Tens of millions of gallons of water will soon be flowing again through a major pipeline in North County following successful repairs on a distressed section of Pipeline 4 near Bonsall.

San Diego County Water Authority staff detected potential pipeline weaknesses just north of West Lilac Road in late January using real-time acoustic fiber-optic monitoring. This technology locates distressed sections of pipelines even while they are in use as part of the agency’s high-tech asset management program.

The repair is part of the Water Authority’s proactive approach and long-term commitment to maintaining regional water supply. Strategic investments in money-saving management tools and training paid off when staff spotted a potential problem that could have led to an unplanned shutdown of a 7.5-foot diameter water pipeline.

(Editor’s Note: B-roll video and photos of Pipeline 4 work: https://bit.ly/3hUsIkc)