Posts

Water Authority Distributes $10.4 Million More to Member Agencies

/in , /by

May 26, 2022 – The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors voted on Thursday to distribute $10.4 million to its 24 member agencies as a result of the agency’s successful rate litigation against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The money is from attorneys’ fees paid by MWD to the Water Authority.

The refund brings the total refunds from the Water Authority’s rate case lawsuits to $90.7 million, following two distributions totaling more than $80 million to local member agencies in 2021. Member agencies received refunds based on their portion of purchased water.

Download File

Water Authority Proposes 2023 Rates and Charges for Member Agencies

/in , /by

May 26, 2022 – The San Diego County Water Authority is taking strategic steps to minimize rate increases for its 24 member agencies and their customers, while ensuring a safe, reliable, and affordable water supply as drought grips California for a third consecutive year.

Water Authority staff today proposed increasing rates and charges for member agencies by 5.2% for treated water and 3.7% for untreated water in calendar year 2023. The increases are attributable to historically high inflation, significant energy cost increases from SDG&E, and continued cost increases by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The Water Authority Board is expected to vote on rates for next year at its regular meeting on June 23, following a public hearing.

Download File

San Diego Remains Responsive to Water Conservation Calls

/in , , /by /KPBS-FM/TVby Erik Anderson Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County residents can expect more calls for water conservation, even as local water officials insist the region has enough.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to cut back water use across the board around the state.

“California is facing a drought crisis and every local water agency and Californian needs to step up on conservation efforts,” said Newsom in a statement this week.

Full Story

California Businesses Face Turf Watering Ban Amid Historic Drought Conditions

/in , , /by /Times of San Diego by City News Service Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

The State Water Resources Control Board voted Tuesday to ban watering of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial and institutional properties, the latest in a series of steps to conserve water amid a historic drought.

The ban — which does not include turf at residences or turf used for recreation or community purposes — will be effective once approved by the Office of Administrative Law, which typically takes about 10 days, according to the board. Violations of the ban would be punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Full Story

Californians Could See Mandatory Water Cuts Amid Drought

/in , , /by /APby Kathleen Ronayne Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

California Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened Monday to impose mandatory water restrictions if residents don’t use less on their own as a drought drags on and the hotter summer months approach.

Newsom raised that possibility in a meeting with representatives from major water agencies, including those that supply Los Angeles, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area. The Democratic governor has avoided issuing sweeping, mandatory cuts in water use and instead favored giving local water agencies power to set rules for water use in the cities and towns they supply.

Full Story

Newsom Urges Aggressive Water Conservation and Warns of Statewide Restrictions

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Times by Ian James Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Gov. Gavin Newsom met with leaders of the state’s largest urban water suppliers Monday and implored them to step up efforts to get people to reduce water use as California’s drought continues to worsen. He warned that if conservation efforts don’t improve this summer, the state could be forced to impose mandatory water restrictions throughout the state.

Full Story

Newsom Urges Aggressive Action as Historic Drought Looms Over Summer

/in , , /by /Courthouse News Serviceby Natalie Hanson Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

Leaders from California’s largest urban water suppliers and associations met with Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday to discuss aggressive actions to combat drought.

Per Newsom’s direction, the state’s Water Resources Control Board may vote on a statewide ban on watering “nonfunctional turf” in a meeting Tuesday.

Full Story

Californians Could See Mandatory Water Cuts Amid Drought

/in , /by /CBS 8 San Diegoby AP, CBS 8 staff and Jasmine Ramirez Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

California Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened Monday to impose mandatory water restrictions if residents don’t use less on their own as a drought drags on and the hotter summer months approach.

Full Story

Identify Your Landscape Target Goals

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Before starting your WaterSmart landscaping makeover, there are significant decisions to make about improving your water efficiency, including plant and irrigation choices. First, determine what type of landscape will meet your needs and maximize your water savings potential.

Full Story

Opinion: Did Wastewater Recycling Help Defeat the Huntington Beach Desalination Plant?

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Michael Smolens Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

For some time, California seemed well on its way toward a water future made more secure by desalination plants up and down the coast.  A dozen are currently in operation, including the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, which upon opening in 2015 became the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.  Ten more plants are being planned.

Full Story