On May 16, 2017, the U.S. Department of State granted a presidential permit to allow the Otay Water District to build a nearly four-mile potable water pipeline that begins at the U.S.-Mexico border. This permit authorizes the District to “construct, connect, operate, and maintain cross-border water pipeline facilities for the importation of desalinated seawater at the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico in San Diego County, California.” Purchasing and transporting water Aguas de Rosarito’s $421 million desalination plant in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, is a component of the District’s water supply diversification efforts.