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Opinion-Colorado River Basin-San Diego County Water Authority-Smolens

Is the San Diego-Imperial Model Part of the Solution for Colorado River Woes?

In a sense, the record string of storms that hit California created two lakes — one real and one hypothetical. The deluges re-established Tulare Lake, once the largest lake west of the Mississippi River that was drained long ago for agriculture and municipal water demands.

Record snowpack-April 2023-drought-California

Record Snowpack Conditions in California, Parts of Southwest

After a three-year drought in California and throughout the Southwest, many states throughout the West are measuring record snowpack conditions at NRCS SNOTEL stations and snow courses. Utah especially has seen a benchmark year for snowfall levels throughout the state. Record snowpack In California, the statewide snowpack (April 5) was 243% of normal, with the […]

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Accepting WaterSmart Landscape Contest Entries

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District invites residents with water-efficient gardens to enter the 2023 WaterSmart Landscape Contest for a chance to win a $250 prize. An online application is available at www.landscapecontest.com, and the submission deadline is May 12.

The Vallecitos Water District's series of videos on using water wisely are being distributed nationwide through the EPA WaterSense program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District/YouTube

Millions Still Available to Help Low-Income San Diegans With Water Bills

A fund to help San Diego County residents pay their water bills still has $2.5 million sitting unclaimed. According to leadership of the nonprofit Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty, or MAAC, which manages the fund, many people may not realize they qualify for assistance.

Sierra Nevada Snowpack: One of the Largest on Record

Following three consecutive years of drought in California, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is one of the most bountiful in more than 40 years. While the snowpack and snow water equivalent is great news for water supply, there are concerns the record snowpack could create flooding issues. The California Department of Water Resources electronic readings from […]

Hamid Pezeshkian of Flametree Farms in Vista is among 2,000 growers enrolled in the PSAWR program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Special Water Rates Program Reduces Costs for San Diego County Growers

The San Diego County Water Authority and 13 of its member agencies offer growers a special agricultural water rate program: providing lower-cost water in return for lower reliability. The Water Authority’s Board of Directors approved the Permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate Program (PSAWR) in 2020. It helps support commercial farms driving the economic engine of […]

Otay Water District Logo

Otay Water District Launches 2023 WaterSmart Landscape Contest

Spring Valley, Calif. – The Otay Water District has launched its annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Given that more than half of residential water use occurs on landscape irrigation, the contest aims to encourage outdoor conservation during the drought. The District awards the title “Best in District” and a nursery gift card, among other prizes, to […]

Join Us for a Rate Study Workshop on April 19, 2023

Chula Vista – Sweetwater Authority is hosting a Rate Study Workshop -Technical Session on April 19, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. This in-person workshop is being held at the Authority’s Administration Building located at 505 Garrett Avenue in Chula Vista.

sea water-seawater desalination-desalination-Carlsbad Desalination Plant-Trason Bragg

Turning Seawater into Drinking Water

The power and technology behind the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, which turns seawater into drinking water, is described in this video report from Reporter Trason Bragg. The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient desalination plant in the nation, and it has produced more than 100 billion gallons of drinking water for San […]

Supply Allocation-Central Valley Project-Bureau of Reclamation

Reclamation Increases Central Valley Project 2023 Water Supply Allocations

The Bureau of Reclamation March 28, announced an increase in Central Valley Project 2023 water supply allocations. After below average precipitation in February, Reclamation announced a conservative initial water supply allocation for the CVP on Feb. 22. Additional atmospheric river systems have since boosted hydrological conditions and storage volumes, allowing for a more robust water supply allocation. […]

San Diego County Water Authority And its 24 Member Agencies

Water Authority Encourages Continued Investments, Efficiency as Drought Eases

San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl today responded to Gov. Newsom’s announcement rolling back major elements of state drought regulations. “Extraordinary amounts of rain and snow this winter have dramatically improved water supply conditions across California, and we support the Governor’s decision to end some statewide water restrictions. “However, the past […]

San Diego County Water Authority And its 24 Member Agencies

EPA Financing for Desal Plant Saves Water Ratepayers up to $54 Million

Carlsbad, Calif. (March 24, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $170 million low-interest loan to reduce financing costs for environmental upgrades that enhance the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, who represents coastal communities including Carlsbad, helped secure the funds that will save ratepayers up to $54 million […]

WIFIA loan-desalination-intakes project-EPA-water supply

EPA Financing for Carlsbad Desalination Plant Saves Water Ratepayers up to $54 Million

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $170 million low-interest loan to reduce financing costs for environmental upgrades that enhance the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, who represents coastal communities including Carlsbad, helped secure the funds that will save ratepayers up to $54 million compared to alternate financing strategies. […]

Fix a Leak Week is a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for costly, wasteful water leaks. Graphic EPA WaterSense

Fix-A-Leak Week 2023 Saves Water, Environment

Fix a Leak Week is an opportunity for all water users to repair leaks and save our most precious resource.  The week (March 20-26) is a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for costly, wasteful water leaks. Increasing awareness of opportunities to repair leaks is supported by the San Diego County […]

NOAA Spring Outlook-drought-snowpack-flooding

NOAA Spring Outlook: California Drought Cut by Half with More Relief to Come

NOAA’s U.S. Spring Outlook indicates the abnormally wet winter will further improve drought across much of the western U.S. as the snowpack melts in the coming months. Winter precipitation, combined with recent storms, wiped out exceptional and extreme drought in California for the first time since 2020, and is expected to further improve drought conditions […]