2020 Annual Report
Legislation and
Leadership
The Board of Directors approved a new, permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate structure to offer lower water rates to farmers in exchange for lower water supply reliability. The new structure helps strengthen the region’s multi-billion dollar agriculture industry.
New Ag Water Rate Program Benefits San Diego County Farms
The Water Authority’s Board of Directors approved a new, permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate structure in November 2019 and directed staff to develop new program criteria to offer lower water rates to farmers in exchange for lower water supply reliability. The new structure allows new participants to join, strengthening the region’s multi-billion-dollar agriculture industry. The new program offers farmers and growers a lower level of water service during water shortages or emergencies, allowing the Water Authority to reallocate supplies to commercial and industrial customers who pay for full reliability benefits. In exchange, participating farmers are exempt from fixed storage and supply reliability charges. The new program was developed by the Water Authority’s Fiscal Sustainability Task Force – which assesses a variety of issues to ensure the agency’s long-term financial health – with input from regional farm leaders. Staff started working with member agencies and the San Diego County Farm Bureau to develop program requirements for 2021.
“It helps farmers sustain their operations – and thousands of jobs – while providing a benefit to residential and commercial water customers in the event of future water supply reductions.”
Water Authority Board of Directors
“Every farmer in the county supports the special rate. The agriculture community stands ready to provide significant water cutbacks in times of need, such as drought or emergency repairs.”
San Diego County Farm Bureau