2020 Annual Report
Innovation and
Business Services
The Water Authority’s Asset Management team uses innovative technologies like robotic inspection tools within sections of large-diameter pipeline throughout the region to assess pipeline structure and identify where proactive repairs might be needed.
Strategic Steps Minimize Water Rates for 2021
As residents and businesses faced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Water Authority’s Board of Directors in June adopted rate increases for 2021 that were 30% lower than initially proposed after a series of refinements by staff. In addition, the Board directed staff to return in September or October 2020 with any further opportunities to reduce the 2021 rate increases, such as a decrease in rates set by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California or the acquisition of federal or state economic stimulus funds. The all-in rates charged to the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies will increase by 4.8% for untreated water and 4.9% for treated water in calendar year 2021. The new rates take effect January 1, 2021. After staff’s rate proposal was released in May, the Water Authority re-evaluated several assumptions driven by COVID-19 recessionary pressures based on new economic data and forecasts. The Water Authority also funded some costs related to the Carlsbad Desalination Plant in 2020 instead of in 2021 as part of the effort to control rates.
“We’ve taken a series of strategic steps to minimize rate impacts during this pandemic-induced recession, despite numerous factors putting upward pressure on rates. At the same time, the Water Authority is maintaining its long-term fiscal stability while ensuring a safe and reliable regional water supply for residents and businesses that will be the foundation of our economic recovery.”
Water Authority Board of Directors