With the city’s sewage water recycling system moving forward and the desalination plant in Carlsbad already pumping out drinkable water, the San Diego region has some of the most ambitious water projects in the state. Those are part of a long-term strategy that San Diego water managers say will provide the region sufficient supplies through […]
Residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of San Diego County are eligible for increased water-use efficiency rebates under a new partnership between the County’s Watershed Protection Program and the San Diego County Water Authority. The County’s new Waterscape Rebate Program will save money for residential, commercial, and agricultural customers who make landscape upgrades that improve […]
Federal officials on Monday issued the first “Level 1” shortage declaration for the massive reservoir of Lake Mead on the Colorado River, triggering major water cuts for Arizona, Nevada and Mexico. The cuts for water users downstream from Hoover Dam will begin in October, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said in a statement. “Today’s announcement of a […]
Agriculture values topped $1.8 billion for the first time since 2014 and just the third time in 30 years in the County of San Diego’s annual Crop Report that covers the 2020 growing season, overcoming decreases in many crop values and reported mixed effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The total value of all agriculture crops and commodities […]
Water conservation is a way of life in the San Diego region, whether during drought periods or wet years. While the region is in drought like much of the Southwest U.S., San Diego County is not experiencing a water shortage. That’s because the Helix Water District, and the other water utilities serving the region, have […]
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 week by Gov. Gavin Newsom, enough to advance the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility through initial design, environmental reviews, and the federal licensing process. The San […]
The San Diego County Water Authority’s Mission Trails FRS II water project is now more than halfway complete. The project will upgrade the Water Authority’s untreated water system in Mission Trails Regional Park. When finished in 2022, the upgrades will provide more reliable water delivery to treatment plants that serve the central and south sections […]
The Sweetwater Authority has added another day for the public to enjoy activities at the Sweetwater Reservoir in Spring Valley. Previously open Saturdays through Mondays, the Authority expanded operations to include Fridays to give residents more opportunities to get outside and experience nature this summer. Starting Friday, July 2, Sweetwater Reservoir will be open so […]
The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors today adopted a $1.7 billion budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 – a 0% change from the current two-year budget – and approved water rates and charges for 2022, following a public hearing. The all-in rate, which is a blend of fixed and variable rates, […]
The San Diego County Water Authority announced June 21 that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. Statewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the […]
A key piece of water infrastructure – a steel pipe that delivered water to residents of San Diego County – is now on display at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center. Earlier this year, the Sweetwater Authority completed the replacement of its 36-inch transmission main in the Bonita Valley area. Portions of the large critical […]
The Vallecitos Water District is using a specialized camera and sonar to evaluate the condition of a sewer pipeline between San Marcos and Carlsbad. The Land Outfall West pipeline is a large sewer line that stretches from El Camino Real to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility in Carlsbad. Originally installed in 1986, an evaluation […]
In a major milestone for water reliability, the East County Advanced Water Purification Program was awarded a $388 million federal loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help advance the project’s completion. Radhika Fox, U.S. EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water, joined Kyle Swanson, Director of the East County AWP, […]
The San Marcos Interceptor Replacement Project remains on schedule, with Phases 1 and 1A completed according to the Vallecitos Water District. The project replaces the District’s 1960s era 21-inch diameter sewer interceptor with more than 12,000-feet of 42-inch diameter sewer pipeline between Twin Oaks Valley Road and Pacific Street. The Interceptor is a large trunk […]
The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors May 27 approved the Water Authority’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan for timely submission to the state. The plan highlights how regional investments in a “water portfolio approach” to supply management and a sustained emphasis on water-use efficiency mean that San Diego County will continue to […]
Opinion: Can California Make Do With the Water It Has?
/in News, Supply & Demand /by Mike LeeWith the city’s sewage water recycling system moving forward and the desalination plant in Carlsbad already pumping out drinkable water, the San Diego region has some of the most ambitious water projects in the state. Those are part of a long-term strategy that San Diego water managers say will provide the region sufficient supplies through […]
New Partnership Promotes WaterSmart Landscapes, Healthy Watersheds in San Diego County
/in News, Supply & Demand /by Mike LeeResidents and businesses in unincorporated areas of San Diego County are eligible for increased water-use efficiency rebates under a new partnership between the County’s Watershed Protection Program and the San Diego County Water Authority. The County’s new Waterscape Rebate Program will save money for residential, commercial, and agricultural customers who make landscape upgrades that improve […]
Historic ‘Level 1’ Shortage Declared for Lake Mead, Though San Diego Still Has Reliable Supply
/in News, Supply & Demand /by Mike LeeFederal officials on Monday issued the first “Level 1” shortage declaration for the massive reservoir of Lake Mead on the Colorado River, triggering major water cuts for Arizona, Nevada and Mexico. The cuts for water users downstream from Hoover Dam will begin in October, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said in a statement. “Today’s announcement of a […]
Agriculture Tops $1.8 Billion in New SD County Crop Report
/in California and the West, News /by Mike LeeAgriculture values topped $1.8 billion for the first time since 2014 and just the third time in 30 years in the County of San Diego’s annual Crop Report that covers the 2020 growing season, overcoming decreases in many crop values and reported mixed effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The total value of all agriculture crops and commodities […]
Water Conservation Helps San Diego Regional Supply During Drought
/in News, Supply & Demand /by Mike LeeWater conservation is a way of life in the San Diego region, whether during drought periods or wet years. While the region is in drought like much of the Southwest U.S., San Diego County is not experiencing a water shortage. That’s because the Helix Water District, and the other water utilities serving the region, have […]
San Vicente Energy Storage Facility Powers Ahead with $18M Boost
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Mike LeeA 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 week by Gov. Gavin Newsom, enough to advance the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility through initial design, environmental reviews, and the federal licensing process. The San […]
Water Project in Mission Trails Park More Than 50% Complete
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Kristiene GongThe San Diego County Water Authority’s Mission Trails FRS II water project is now more than halfway complete. The project will upgrade the Water Authority’s untreated water system in Mission Trails Regional Park. When finished in 2022, the upgrades will provide more reliable water delivery to treatment plants that serve the central and south sections […]
Sweetwater Reservoir Now Open on Fridays for Public Use
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Mike LeeThe Sweetwater Authority has added another day for the public to enjoy activities at the Sweetwater Reservoir in Spring Valley. Previously open Saturdays through Mondays, the Authority expanded operations to include Fridays to give residents more opportunities to get outside and experience nature this summer. Starting Friday, July 2, Sweetwater Reservoir will be open so […]
Water Authority Board Adopts $1.7 Billion Two-Year Budget, Approves 2022 Water Rates
/in News, Supply & Demand /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors today adopted a $1.7 billion budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 – a 0% change from the current two-year budget – and approved water rates and charges for 2022, following a public hearing. The all-in rate, which is a blend of fixed and variable rates, […]
San Diego Region is Drought-Safe This Summer
/in News, Supply & Demand /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority announced June 21 that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. Statewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the […]
Vintage Water Pipeline Now at Bonita Museum
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Mike LeeA key piece of water infrastructure – a steel pipe that delivered water to residents of San Diego County – is now on display at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center. Earlier this year, the Sweetwater Authority completed the replacement of its 36-inch transmission main in the Bonita Valley area. Portions of the large critical […]
Vallecitos Water District Taps Tech for Pipeline Inspection
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Vallecitos Water District is using a specialized camera and sonar to evaluate the condition of a sewer pipeline between San Marcos and Carlsbad. The Land Outfall West pipeline is a large sewer line that stretches from El Camino Real to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility in Carlsbad. Originally installed in 1986, an evaluation […]
EPA Funding Secured for East County Drinking Water Project
/in News, Supply & Demand /by Gayle FalkenthalIn a major milestone for water reliability, the East County Advanced Water Purification Program was awarded a $388 million federal loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help advance the project’s completion. Radhika Fox, U.S. EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water, joined Kyle Swanson, Director of the East County AWP, […]
San Marcos Interceptor Project Ready for Phase 2 Summer Start
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle FalkenthalThe San Marcos Interceptor Replacement Project remains on schedule, with Phases 1 and 1A completed according to the Vallecitos Water District. The project replaces the District’s 1960s era 21-inch diameter sewer interceptor with more than 12,000-feet of 42-inch diameter sewer pipeline between Twin Oaks Valley Road and Pacific Street. The Interceptor is a large trunk […]
Water Authority Board Approves 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
/in News, Supply & Demand /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors May 27 approved the Water Authority’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan for timely submission to the state. The plan highlights how regional investments in a “water portfolio approach” to supply management and a sustained emphasis on water-use efficiency mean that San Diego County will continue to […]