Proposed Rate Increases for 2017 Driven by MWD and Desalination

The San Diego County Water Authority staff has proposed increasing rates charged to member agencies by 6.4 percent for untreated water and 5.9 percent for treated water in calendar year 2017, similar to the increases adopted by the Board of Directors for 2016.

Next year’s rate proposal is primarily driven by higher costs from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. In addition, it incorporates higher costs for drought-proof water supplies from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant.

Public Records Reveal Shadow Government Controlling the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Documents obtained under the California Public Records Act from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and a majority of its member public water agencies and cities have revealed that those agencies joined together in a secret shadow government to control water rates and other decisions at California’s largest public water agency and to discriminate against the San Diego County Water Authority and its ratepayers.  The members of the group have made their objectives explicit, referring to themselves as the “Secret Society” and the “Anti-San Die

Water Authority board approves landmark canal lining construction agreements

The San Diego County Water Authority board of directors today unanimously approved construction and financing agreements between the Water Authority, the Imperial Irrigation District and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for construction the All-American Canal Lining Project. The action follows the unanimous approval of the agreements Tuesday by the IID board of directors.

Carlsbad Desalination Project Negotiations, Due Diligence Proceeding on Schedule

San Diego County Water Authority staff reported today they are making significant progress toward finalizing a draft agreement for purchasing water from the Carlsbad Desalination Project.  Contingent on the successful completion of negotiations with Poseidon Resources, the project’s private developer, staff told the Water Authority’s Board of Directors they expect to bring the draft water purchase agreement to the board for consideration this summer.

Water Authority breaks ground on first ever water treatment plant

The San Diego County Water Authority celebrated the groundbreaking of the first-ever Water Authority-owned water treatment plant. The Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant will be located just north of San Marcos. The event (photo attached) was held on the project site early Tuesday morning. Residents, contractors, and staff attended the groundbreaking to celebrate this milestone.

Turn back the clocks and turn down the sprinkler systems

Shorter daylight hours mean lawns and gardens throughout the San Diego region need less water. As San Diegans prepare to set their clocks back this weekend, the San Diego County Water Authority and local water districts are asking customers to practice “Shorter Days, Shorter Watering Times.”

Homeowners and gardeners are encouraged to conserve water and save money on their water bills by adjusting residential and commercial irrigation systems.

Judge decides not to send preferential rights case to trial

San Francisco Superior Court Judge James J. McBride sustained a demurrer filed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California against a lawsuit filed by the San Diego County Water Authority regarding the formula Metropolitan uses to determine its member agencies' rights to water. Today's action by the court means the Authority's lawsuit is ended unless the Authority appeals to the Court of Appeal.