Our investments to protect San Diego County from the harsh effects of the worst drought in 1,200 years continue to pay off. Last week, the San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming our commitment to water conservation after we were joined by California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, San […]
After weeks of work, I’m pleased to report that thanks to the improved relationship between the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and the San Diego County Water Authority, along with increased collaboration with other water agencies across Southern California, we helped reduce proposed rate increases to our wholesale water supplies by 7 percentage […]
Every year at this time, water agencies launch the long and thoughtful process of setting rates for the next year. It’s always complex and challenging – and in 2022 we’re starting in an even tougher spot due to larger economic uncertainties that are compounded by inflation. Thankfully, the Water Authority strategically invested in supply reliability […]
We received some welcome news from the three major U.S. rating agencies last week, when they reported strong credit ratings and credit quality for the San Diego County Water Authority. While that might not seem like a big deal, it really is. The newly released analysis by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global, and Moody’s allow the […]
Looking back over all that we have accomplished in 2021 makes me thankful for the thousands of hard-working professionals who serve our region by ensuring safe, reliable water supplies each and every day. I’m especially proud of the team at the San Diego County Water Authority – from my fellow Board members to our dedicated […]
I am so pleased to announce that the San Diego County Water Authority has distributed $35.9 million more to our 24 member agencies across the region as another piece of our successful rate case litigation. The current payments, combined with another set last February, add up to more than $80 million in rate-case payments we […]
I’m so gratified to report that due to your efforts, today’s New York Times features a lengthy story recognizing the benefits of the San Diego County water reliability strategy – an approach that aligns with Gov. Newsom’s Water Resilience Portfolio. The article addresses our region’s role in the nation’s largest ag-to-urban water conservation project, along […]
I am pleased to announce a decision by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors to pay the San Diego County Water Authority damages and statutory interest for illegal water charges from 2015-2017, totaling about $36 million. MWD’s vote followed a California Court of Appeal decision upholding earlier rulings in favor of […]
This has been a tough week in the water world. On Monday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced the first formal shortages on the Colorado River for 2022. That will directly impact Arizona, Nevada and Mexico next year. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors increased its drought alert level […]
I’m so pleased to report that a large-scale renewable energy project proposed jointly by the City of San Diego and the San Diego County Water Authority received $18 million in the state budget signed this month by Gov. Gavin Newsom. That money will advance the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility through initial design, environmental reviews, […]
Statewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County, where the Water Authority announced June 21 that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast – […]
As we head into summer, we look forward to the continued retreat of COVID-19 and a full return to baseball games, barbeques, and graduation celebrations. We also take a moment to remember that those things we cherish about San Diego County are all based on a reliable supply of water. It is the foundation of […]
It has been a very busy few weeks in the water world, with the governor declaring a drought emergency in two Northern California counties and increased discussions across the West about how to manage water through a very dry year. While the challenges are real in some parts of the state, I applaud Governor Newsom […]
All three major rating agencies affirmed the San Diego County Water Authority’s strong credit ratings, which will help us minimize the cost of financing important water reliability projects. It is particularly gratifying that the reports cited the Water Authority’s strategic management, our conservative approach to water sales projections, and the benefits of rate case litigation […]
I’m so pleased report that yesterday the Water Authority’s Board of Directors voted to distribute a rebate of $44.4 million to its 24 member agencies across the region after receiving a check for that amount from the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to pay legal damages and interest. The rebate resulted from […]
Committed to Conservation
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeOur investments to protect San Diego County from the harsh effects of the worst drought in 1,200 years continue to pay off. Last week, the San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming our commitment to water conservation after we were joined by California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, San […]
Working Together on Water Affordability
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeAfter weeks of work, I’m pleased to report that thanks to the improved relationship between the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and the San Diego County Water Authority, along with increased collaboration with other water agencies across Southern California, we helped reduce proposed rate increases to our wholesale water supplies by 7 percentage […]
Looking Out for Water Ratepayers in San Diego County
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeEvery year at this time, water agencies launch the long and thoughtful process of setting rates for the next year. It’s always complex and challenging – and in 2022 we’re starting in an even tougher spot due to larger economic uncertainties that are compounded by inflation. Thankfully, the Water Authority strategically invested in supply reliability […]
Water Authority Credit Ratings Remain Strong, Saving Ratepayers Money
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeWe received some welcome news from the three major U.S. rating agencies last week, when they reported strong credit ratings and credit quality for the San Diego County Water Authority. While that might not seem like a big deal, it really is. The newly released analysis by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global, and Moody’s allow the […]
2021: A Year of Accomplishments for the Water Authority
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeLooking back over all that we have accomplished in 2021 makes me thankful for the thousands of hard-working professionals who serve our region by ensuring safe, reliable water supplies each and every day. I’m especially proud of the team at the San Diego County Water Authority – from my fellow Board members to our dedicated […]
$35.9 Million More Returned to Local Water Agencies, Drought Plan Activated
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeI am so pleased to announce that the San Diego County Water Authority has distributed $35.9 million more to our 24 member agencies across the region as another piece of our successful rate case litigation. The current payments, combined with another set last February, add up to more than $80 million in rate-case payments we […]
A Model for Dealing with Climate Change
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeI’m so gratified to report that due to your efforts, today’s New York Times features a lengthy story recognizing the benefits of the San Diego County water reliability strategy – an approach that aligns with Gov. Newsom’s Water Resilience Portfolio. The article addresses our region’s role in the nation’s largest ag-to-urban water conservation project, along […]
Water Authority’s Ratepayer Protection Case Secures Additional $36 Million Recovery
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeI am pleased to announce a decision by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors to pay the San Diego County Water Authority damages and statutory interest for illegal water charges from 2015-2017, totaling about $36 million. MWD’s vote followed a California Court of Appeal decision upholding earlier rulings in favor of […]
Help Protect San Diego County Through Voluntary Water-Saving Efforts
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeThis has been a tough week in the water world. On Monday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced the first formal shortages on the Colorado River for 2022. That will directly impact Arizona, Nevada and Mexico next year. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors increased its drought alert level […]
Local Renewable Energy Project Gets Big Boost
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeI’m so pleased to report that a large-scale renewable energy project proposed jointly by the City of San Diego and the San Diego County Water Authority received $18 million in the state budget signed this month by Gov. Gavin Newsom. That money will advance the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility through initial design, environmental reviews, […]
San Diego Region is Drought-Safe This Summer
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeStatewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County, where the Water Authority announced June 21 that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast – […]
Controlling the Budget and Water Rates in a Challenging Era
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeAs we head into summer, we look forward to the continued retreat of COVID-19 and a full return to baseball games, barbeques, and graduation celebrations. We also take a moment to remember that those things we cherish about San Diego County are all based on a reliable supply of water. It is the foundation of […]
Investments Protect San Diego Region from Drought
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeIt has been a very busy few weeks in the water world, with the governor declaring a drought emergency in two Northern California counties and increased discussions across the West about how to manage water through a very dry year. While the challenges are real in some parts of the state, I applaud Governor Newsom […]
Water Authority Credit Remains Strong as Risks Emerge
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeAll three major rating agencies affirmed the San Diego County Water Authority’s strong credit ratings, which will help us minimize the cost of financing important water reliability projects. It is particularly gratifying that the reports cited the Water Authority’s strategic management, our conservative approach to water sales projections, and the benefits of rate case litigation […]
Local Water Agencies to Receive $44.4 Million Rebate
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeI’m so pleased report that yesterday the Water Authority’s Board of Directors voted to distribute a rebate of $44.4 million to its 24 member agencies across the region after receiving a check for that amount from the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to pay legal damages and interest. The rebate resulted from […]