As San Diego County heads into summer and the peak season for water use, regional water-saving programs are growing thanks to two pieces of good news – a $1 increase in the amount offered per square foot for replacing turf grass, and a major boost in grant funding to extend the San Diego County Water Authority’s turf replacement program.
Category Archives: News Release
Water Authority Seeks Clarity About Bay-Delta Financing Plan
The San Diego County Water Authority is urging state and federal officials to be more transparent and thorough in explaining the fundamental financial components of a proposed $25 billion project to construct twin tunnels under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta.
Water Authority Sues Metropolitan Water District over Rates for 2015 and 2016
The San Diego County Water Authority on Friday filed its third legal challenge against rates set by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, alleging that MWD’s rates for 2015 and 2016 aren’t based on the costs of providing the services. If allowed to stand, MWD’s rates for those two years alone would overcharge San Diego County ratepayers by $92 million; over 45 years, the total overcharges by MWD could exceed $2 billion.
Carlsbad Desalination Project Crews Reach Halfway Point on Construction of 10-Mile Pipeline
The 10-mile pipeline that will connect the Carlsbad Desalination Plant to the San Diego County Water Authority’s distribution system is 50 percent complete, Poseidon Water and the Water Authority announced today. Approximately five miles – or 26,400 linear feet – of the large-diameter pipe has been installed through San Marcos, Vista and Carlsbad.
Federal Appeals Court Upholds 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday rejected a legal challenge to the Secretary of the Interior’s approval of the Colorado River Water Delivery Agreement, one of more than 30 agreements that make up the Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreements. Approved in 2003, the QSA serves as the framework for delivery of Colorado River water in California, including the historic water transfer agreement between the San Diego County Water Authority and the Imperial Irrigation District, known as IID.
Storm Watch Is On; Turn Irrigation Systems Off!
Heavy rains expected across the San Diego region over the next few days will allow residents and businesses to turn off their sprinkler systems for at least a week, saving a large volume of imported water for later use.
Significant rainfall is projected in San Diego County with snow in the Sierra Nevada through the weekend, providing a reprieve from dry conditions but not an end to the statewide drought.
Reliable Supplies and Continued Water-Use Efficiency Make San Diego Region Well-Prepared for Water Year 2018
Thanks to a decades-long supply diversification strategy and continued efficient use of water, the San Diego County Water Authority announced today that the region is in a strong position to meet water demands in water year 2018, which begins Oct. 1. In addition, the agency encouraged residents and businesses to maintain efficient water-use practices to help the region manage its precious water supplies. “San Diego County continues to have the water necessary to support our $222 billion economy and wonderful quality of life for 3.3 million residents,” said Mark Muir, chair of the Water Authority Board of Directors. “In addition […]
Water Authority’s New Demonstration Garden Puts Sustainable Landscape Practices on Display
The San Diego County Water Authority today unveiled a new demonstration garden at its Kearny Mesa headquarters designed to show visitors how they can increase water efficiency and boost the environmental benefits of outdoor spaces through sustainable landscaping practices. In addition to employing well-known water-efficient practices such as using climate-appropriate plants and high-efficiency irrigation, the new Sustainable Landscaping Demonstration Garden has features designed to further enhance water efficiency and achieve additional environmental benefits such as reduced stormwater runoff. These features include the application of organic soil amendments and the use of rainwater capture elements. The approximately 3,000-square-foot garden provides a tangible […]
San Diego County Water Authority Wins Landmark Ruling in Rate Challenge Against Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
In a major victory for the San Diego County Water Authority and water ratepayers throughout San Diego County, San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Curtis E. A. Karnow today tentatively ruled that in setting rates for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California violated cost of service requirements of California’s Constitution, statutes and common law. Specifically, Judge Karnow’s tentative determination is that MWD’s rates violate:
2013 San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Submitted to State
Three local lead agencies, working with a wide range of public and private stakeholders, have completed the 2013 San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and submitted it to the Department of Water Resources for certification. State approval will maintain the San Diego region’s eligibility for up to $56 million in state grants during future funding rounds, which are expected to begin late next year.