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News Releases


If you have questions regarding any news release, please contact the public affairs department at 858-522-6703.

2008

  • May 12, 2008 — Water Authority receives two awards for Coachella Canal Lining Project - Work honored by American Society of Civil Engineers and Western Council of Construction Consumers
  • May 5, 2008 — World’s Largest Submerged Membrane Water Treatment Plant Operating at Twin Oaks Valley Near San Marcos - Water Authority holds ribbon-cutting to dedicate new facility
  • May 1, 2008 — Water Authority to Launch Major Advertising Campaign Promoting Water Conservation - Cuts to Water Supplies Prompt Urgent Message of “Save it or Lose it”; Ads Start May 5
  • April 24, 2008 — Standard & Poor's upgrades Water Authority credit rating to "AA+" - Water Authority Board approves $625 million bond sale
  • April 24, 2008 — Water Authority Board approves San Vicente Dam Raise of 117 Feet - Combined reservoir expansion will provide 152,000 acre-feet of additional water storage
  • March 28, 2008 — Water Authority Board approves model drought response conservation ordinance - Local water agencies asked to adopt the ordinance
  • March 27, 2008 — Water Authority to launch major advertising campaign to boost voluntary conservation - Campaign aims to help achieve 2008 water savings goal of 56,000 acre-feet
  • March 20, 2008 — Water Authority urges residents to prepare now for water saving this summer - Goal set to save 56,000 acre-feet of water through conservation in 2008
  • March 14, 2008 — Water Authority urges region to keep landscape irrigation system turned off - Wet weather eliminates need to water in many parts of the county
  • March 11, 2008 — Water Authority releases Post Water Conservation Summit White Paper - White paper outlines implementation of long-range water conservation actions
  • February 26, 2008 — Metropolitan, Water Authority Join Other Major U.S. Water Agencies to Form New National Climate Alliance - Collaboration and improved research key to coping with climate change
  • February 20, 2008 — Water Authority urges shutoff of irrigation systems during rainstorms - Wet weather should eliminate need to water landscapes for week or more
  • February 14, 2008 — Water Authority urges region to turn off landscape irrigation systems - Wet weather eliminates need to water in many parts of the county
  • January 25, 2008 — San Diego County Water Authority sponsors water-energy partnership legislation - Bill would boost incentives for utilities and water agencies to create joint conservation programs
  • January 24, 2008 — San Diego County Water Authority and Semitropic-Rosamond Water Bank Authority JPA Reach Historic Water Storage Agreement - Storage Location Important Piece of Water Authority’s Drought Management Program
  • January 23, 2008 — Water Authority urges region to turn off landscape watering in advance of storms - Wet weather forecast to last through next week
  • January 11, 2008 — Water Authority planning repair work in Mission Trails Regional Park - Project will repair a section of deteriorating pipe
  • January 3, 2008 — Water Authority urges region to turn off landscape watering in advance of storms - Rain could last in San Diego through Sunday

2007

  • December 18, 2007 — Water Authority urges region to turn off landscape watering in advance of storms - Rain could last in San Diego through Friday
  • December 12, 2007 — Water Authority completes construction of brackish water wells - New local water supply will help triple output of city of Oceanside desalter facility starting in 2009
  • December 6, 2007 — Water Authority Moves to Stage 2 of Drought Management Plan - Board approves steps to secure short-term water transfers and enhance conservation outreach
  • December 6, 2007 — Water Authority urges region to turn off landscape watering systems for a week - Coming rainfall gives residents and businesses opportunity to help save water
  • December 3, 2007 — Metropolitan Water District to Begin Fluoridation of Treated Water Supplies - San Diego County to receive fluoridated water beginning Dec. 3
  • November 27, 2007 — Low Initial Allocation for State Water Project Deliveries Reinforces Need for Conservation - Water deliveries could increase based on winter storm conditions
  • November 2, 2007 — Time to turn back the clocks and turn down the sprinkler systems - Water Authority urges reduction in fall landscape watering
  • October 30, 2007 — Water use restrictions lifted for Ramona Municipal Water District customers
  • October 29, 2007 — Water Service Restored to Ramona; Do-Not-Drink Order Remains in Effect
  • September 26, 2007 — Metropolitan Water District to Begin Fluoridation of Treated Water Supplies - San Diego County to receive fluoridated water beginning Nov. 5
  • September 19, 2007 — Water Authority launches 20gallonchallenge.com to support conservation campaign - Web site invites people to pledge to save water; shares tips and water supply conditions
  • August 31, 2007 — Federal judge orders massive cut in water supply deliveries from the Bay-Delta - California faces unprecedented water crisis as early as 2008
  • August 27, 2007 — Public agencies make bidding easier for contractors - Ninth annual Paths to Partnerships Networking Forum showcases this effort
  • August 7, 2007 — New Blueprint for Water Conservation guides Water Authority's water-saving efforts - Five-year plan outlines conservation programs and strategies for San Diego County
  • July 3, 2007 Urgent Media Advisory: Excessive heat taxes water treatment plants - Water Authority issues urgent call for decreased water use
  • June 28, 2007 — Water Authority Announces ‘20-Gallon Challenge’ for Voluntary Water Conservation - Residents, businesses urged to pitch in to stretch water supplies during historic dry conditions
  • June 28, 2007 — Water Authority board approves $1.48 billion budget for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 - Board adopts water rates and charges for 2008
  • June 11, 2007 — Media Advisory: Public input sought on draft 2007 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan - Comments will be accepted through July 13, 2007
  • June 1, 2007 — Water Authority Urges Increased Conservation in Response to Temporary State Water Project Shutdown - Shutdown highlights need for long-term Delta fix
  • May 24, 2007 — Governor appoints Water Authority board member Bill Knutson to Colorado River Board - Javier Saunders appointed as alternate member
  • May 24, 2007 — County Grand Jury Commends Water Authority on Emergency Storage Project - ESP called "an affordable insurance policy"for the citizens and economy of San Diego County
  • May 8, 2007 — Water Authority and Imperial Irrigation District settle arbitration over socioeconomic impacts from water transfer
  • April 9, 2007 — All-American Canal Lining Project to Proceed - U.S. Ninth Circuit Court dismisses lawsuits and lifts injunction
  • March 28, 2007 — Toilet discounts up to $165 for water-saving toilets won’t be around much longer - This Saturday, March 31 is last chance for homeowners
  • Water Conservation Blog Hosted by Chairwoman Fern Steiner - Voice of San Diego
  • March 1, 2007 — Water Authority conservation program celebrates 15 years - More than a half million toilets installed, billions of gallons of water saved
  • Feb. 22, 2007 — County residents support drought-tolerant, California-friendly landscapes - Public opinion survey shows strong support for water conservation and recycled water use.
  • Feb. 5, 2007 — Media Advisory: Water Authority Urges Local Residents to Beware of Water Agency Imposters - Editors Note: Imposter warning tip sheet included
  • Jan. 25, 2007 — Water Authority Board of Directors welcomes new officers - Two-year terms began January 1, 2007

2006

  • Dec. 21, 2006 — Toilet discounts up to $165 for water-saving toilets won’t be around much longer - March 31, 2007 is last chance for homeowners
  • Dec. 11, 2006 — Congress Acts to Restart Canal Lining Project - Bill on President’s Desk to End Litigation that Halted Project
  • Dec. 1, 2006 — Water Authority board endorses Water Conservation Summit report - Water Authority to take lead in development of long-range conservation plan
  • Oct. 23, 2006 — Water Authority partners with State of California to support small business - Water industry forum features contracting opportunities for local business
  • Oct. 9, 2006 — Water Authority hosts Paths to Partnership Forum - Water industry forum features contracting opportunities for local business
  • July 15, 2006 — URGENT Media Advisory: Water Authority issues urgent call for decreased water usage through next week - Increased water conservation throughout the county needed to avoid mandatory restrictions
  • July 12, 2006 — Water Authority calls for increased water conservation efforts throughout the county - Water conservation during hot weather is key to maintaining treated water availability
  • June 21, 2006 — San Diego County Water Authority Finds Small Leak in North County Pipeline Ramona Municipal - Water District calls on customers to temporarily eliminate unnecessary outdoor water use
  • May 25, 2006 — Water Authority board invests additional $1.3 million in water conservation programs - Emphasis shifts to outdoor water conservation
  • May 23, 2006 — San Diego County Water Authority Mission Trails pipeline repair update
  • May 16, 2006 — San Diego County Water Authority pipeline fails in Mission Trails Regional Park - Emergency repairs of the  untreated water pipeline currently underway
  • April 27, 2006 — Water Authority board moves forward on the All American Canal Lining Project - Board approves additional funds to complete canal-lining projects  
  • March 31, 2006 — Draft EIRs issued for Mission Trails and Seawater Desalination Projects - Water Authority seeks public comment on draft environmental impact reports
  • March 28, 2006 — Water Authority warns of summer strain on treated water supplies
    Water conservation through summer will help alleviate supply shortages
  • March 23, 2006 — Plan developed to avoid devastating impact of drought on county’s economy - Water Authority board receives draft drought management plan
  • Feb. 12, 2006 — Water Authority resumes deliveries of treated water - Shutdown shorted by three days
  • Feb. 7, 2006 — Water Authority calls for increased water conservation over next 10 days - Treated water delivery shutdown and warm weather limit supplies, increase use
  • Jan. 12, 2006 — Water Authority board approves landmark canal lining construction agreements - Project to provide 56,200 acre-feet of water annually to San Diego County for 110 years

2005

  • Dec. 6, 2005 — Water Authority breaks ground on first ever water treatment plant - Event celebrated the kick off to Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant construction
  • Oct. 24, 2005 — Time to turn back the clocks and turn down the sprinkler systems - Water Authority urges reduction in fall landscape watering
  • Oct. 10, 2005 — Water Authority hosts Paths to Partnerships Forum - Water industry forum features contracting opportunities for local businesses
  • Sept. 8, 2005 — Water Authority to build 100-million gallon per day water treatment plant - Board certifies environmental impact report and awards contract to CH2M Hill
  • Aug. 31, 2005 — Media Advisory: Water Authority asks all of San Diego County to “Flex your Power AT THE TAP” - Residents’ and businesses’ water conservation efforts during hot weather is key to maintaining treated water availability
  • Aug. 29, 2005 — Water Authority hosts Paths to Partnerships Forum - Water industry forum features contracting opportunities for local businesses
  • Aug. 19, 2005 — Media Advisory: San Diego County Water Authority to host workshop on energy issues for water agencies
  • July 28, 2005 — County residents support local water supply development over increasing imported water - Public opinion poll shows strong support for local seawater desalination and recycled water use
  • July 21, 2005 — Water Authority begins San Vicente Pipeline project - Emergency Storage Project pipeline is the largest project in Water Authority’s history
  • June 23, 2005 — Water Authority board approves $1.338 billion budget for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 - Water treatment plant and major tunnel and pipeline among key funded projects
  • June 15, 2005 — Water Authority receives 2005 Multi-Cultural Heritage Award - Small Contractor training programs honored at luncheon
  • June 2, 2005 — San Diego County Water Authority Wetland Creation Project Completed - Restoration creates habitat for endangered species
  • April 28, 2005 — Water Authority board approves seawater desalination agreement with Carlsbad - Agencies to begin planning for regional facility at Encina Power Station
  • April 19, 2005 — Water Authority and city of Carlsbad reach agreement on seawater desalination project
  • April 15, 2005 — Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir recipient of two engineering awards
  • March 23, 2005 — Water Authority urges early conservation planning as the days get longer and warmer - Preparation now can save water throughout the summer
  • February 18, 2005 — Water Authority Voucher Program Provides Financial Incentives for Conservation - Smart Landscape program saves millions of gallons of water annually
  • February 11, 2005 — Water Authority project selected as 2005 ASCE international award finalist - Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir one of five merit award recipients worldwide
  • January 21, 2005 — Water Authority and Helix Water District dedicate new water delivery project - Newly completed pipeline to provide water to eastern and southern county communities
  • January 19, 2005 — Water Authority Opens Imperial Valley Outreach Office - El Centro resident Grace Sesma to staff new office

2004

  • December 9, 2004 — Water Authority elects new officers to board of directors - Two-year terms begin Jan.1, 2005
  • November 18, 2004 — Water Authority takes another step to meet the region’s treated water demand - Regional treatment plant performance specifications approved by board of directors
  • October 18, 2004 — Turn back the clocks and turn down the sprinkler systems - Water Authority urges reduction in fall landscape watering
  • September 10, 2004 — Water Authority's Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir named "2003 Project of the Year" - APWA San Diego/Imperial Chapter honors local emergency storage project
  • August 26, 2004 — Water Authority board approves capital financing plan for water reliability projects - Funding process set for seawater desalination, water treatment and increased water storage
  • August 20, 2004 — Opinion Editorial: Moving forward on seawater desalination by Bud Pocklington
  • August 12, 2004 — Water Authority board authorizes new discussions on regional seawater desalination project - Agrees to Carlsbad’s request for meetings with key stakeholders
  • July 22, 2004 — County residents strongly support seawater desalination - Public opinion survey shows strong support for water supply diversification
  • July 14, 2004 — CA Supreme Court denies Water Authority appeal on preferential rights - San Diego County Water Authority water supply diversification plan will reduce exposure to shortages
  • June 24, 2004 — Water Authority board approves addition of master plan water reliability projects - Seawater desalination, water treatment and increased water storage added to agency’s Capital Improvement Program
  • May 27, 2004 — Water Authority member agencies recommend Seawater Desalination - New supply from ocean centerpiece of nearly $2 billion Master Plan
  • May 10, 2004 — Water Authority’s Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir named “2003 Project of the Year” - San Diego Chapter of ASCE recognizes community benefit of unique project
  • May 4, 2004 — San Diego County Water Authority petitions State Supreme Court on preferential rights - Water Authority seeks change to Metropolitan Water District’s water allocation formula
  • May 3, 2004 — San Diego County Water Authority’s plan for future water reliability wins awards - Regional Water Facilities Master Plan takes top local and state honors
  • April 28, 2004 — San Diego County Water Authority recognizes three Torrey Pines High School students - Science and Engineering Fair water projects take top honors
  • April 28, 2004 — San Diego County Water Authority recognizes student Science Fair water projects - Rhoades School student receives first place honor
  • April 28, 2004 — San Diego County Water Authority recognizes six local students - Science and Engineering Fair water projects take top honors
  • April 28, 2004 — San Diego County Water Authority recognizes student Science Fair water projects - St. Francis of Assisi student receives second place honor
  • April 8, 2004 — San Diego County Water Authority board to appeal preferential rights decision - Water Authority seeks change to Metropolitan Water District's water allocation formula
  • March 23, 2004 — Maureen Stapleton honored as a Press Club “Headliner of the Year” - Water Authority general manager recognized for “Securing San Diego’s Water Future”
    February 12, 2004 — Bernie Rhinerson elected board chairman of the U.S. Desalination Coalition - San Diegan chosen to lead national coalition for desalination development
  • January 29, 2004 — Water Authority board approves second power purchase deal with SDG&E - Pumped storage project to provide electricity during peak usage
  • January 29, 2004 — Water Authority suspends talks with Poseidon Resources - Water Authority proceeds on studies for Water Authority project at Encina Power Station
  • January 15, 2004 — San Diego County Water Authority Board Certifies SEIR for San Vicente Pipeline - Critical link in the Emergency Storage Project to begin construction in 2005

2003

  • December 18, 2003 — First water delivery consummates historic water transfer - First 10,000 acre-feet to flow into San Diego County by end of December
  • November 20, 2003 — Water Authority board approves 10-year power purchase agreement with SDG&E - Hydroelectric generator to produce clean, renewable energy for 5,000 households annually
  • November 19, 2003 — San Diego County Water Authority responds to Rancho Peñasquitos water spill
  • November 6, 2003 — San Diego County Water Authority pipeline to be shut down for regular maintenance - Aqueduct Protection Program recognized as the industry standard for pipeline inspection
  • October 23, 2003 — New contractor selected to complete Moreno-Lakeside Pipeline project - Archer Western Contractors selected for East County project
  • October 13, 2003 — Water industry forum features opportunities for local businesses
  • October 10, 2003 — Four agencies sign historic Colorado River deal - Quantification Settlement Agreement secures new, reliable water supply for San Diego County
  • October 9, 2003 — Turn back the clocks and turn down the sprinkler systems - County Water Authority urges reduction in fall landscape watering
  • September 25, 2003 — San Diego County Water Authority unanimously approves historic Colorado River deal - Board of Directors chooses option to receive additional water from canal lining projects
  • September 4, 2003 — Water Authority dedicates new Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir - Reservoir to provide emergency water supply to region
  • August 28, 2003 — Water Authority to continue study of water treatment capacity enhancement - Board to determine the need for new treatment plant by year's end
  • August 28, 2003 — Water Authority advocates federal funding for seawater desalination - Board supports U.S. House bill to fund development of seawater desalination
  • August 21, 2003 — MWD Rejection Threatens Historic Colorado River Accord - The last-minute rejection of a historic Colorado River accord Wednesday by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California threatens to end hopes for lasting peace and certainty over Colorado River water reliability.
  • July 24, 2003 — San Diego County residents support water supply diversification - Public opinion survey shows strong support for seawater desalination and water transfer
  • July 03, 2003 — QSA remains most reliable path for California's Colorado River Supplies - Federal Part 417 action could lead to decades of supply uncertainty and litigation
  • June 27, 2003 — Water Authority approves first multiyear budget - Budgets for FY 2004 and FY 2005 set at $439.5 million and $461.1 million
  • June 27, 2003 — Water Authority board continues efforts to develop additional treated water capacity - Treated Water Shortage Peak-day management plan approved
  • June 26, 2003 — Seawater desalination to be studied at San Onofre - Water Authority board approves memorandum with Southern California Edison
  • June 26, 2003 — Agencies Release Quantification Settlement Agreement Funding Plan - QSA water agencies commit $30 million more for environmental mitigation
  • May 22, 2003 — Water Authority moves forward on seawater desalination - Agency launches environmental review and design process
  • May 22, 2003 — Metropolitan Water District "Water Supplies Report" found inadequate - Water Authority board questions report's accuracy
  • May 22, 2003 — Water Authority supports QSA legislation - Water Authority board unanimously adopts position of support for SB 117 and SB 317
  • May 22, 2003 — Water Authority provides 23 students with $1,000 scholarships
  • April 15, 2003 — Water Authority presents a water magic show to children of military families at Miramar - “Splashtastic” Magic Show is part of the Month of the Military Child.
  • March 27, 2003 — Water Authority board passes resolution supporting QSA-related legislative action - Board urges member agencies and local communities to join effort
  • February 27, 2003 — Water Authority To Join U.S. Desalination Coalition - Water Authority Board Approves Membership in Desalination Coalition
  • January 23, 2003 — Diversification a key goal of Water Facilities Master Plan - Water Authority Board Considers Seawater Desalination's Role in Future Water Reliability
  • January 15, 2003 — Historic Water Transfer Agreement Documents Finalized - County Water Authority and Imperial Irrigation District ink landmark water deal

2002

  • December 31, 2002 — Historic Water Transfer Agreement Gets Final Approval as QSA Falters
  • December 19, 2002 — Water Authority General Manager Given Authority to Complete Water Transfer Agreement
  • December 12, 2002 — Water Authority elects new officers to board of directors
  • December 12, 2002 — Water Authority Board Expands Conservation Efforts - Emphasis placed on landscape conservation
  • November 14, 2002 — Water Authority Board Approves Desalination Term Sheet - Final agreement expected in early 2003
  • November 08, 2002 — Water Authority Pipelines to be Shut Down for Regular Maintenance - Water deliveries to business and residential water customers will be unaffected
  • October 24, 2002 — County Water Authority Board Approves QSA Term Sheet - Water transfer agreement conditions specified
  • October 24, 2002 — County Water Authority Board Approves Expanded Water Treatment Options - Authority revises treated water policies and explores construction of treatment facility
  • October 21, 2002 — Turn back the clocks and turn down the sprinkler systems - County Water Authority urges fall reduction in landscape watering
  • October 16, 2002 — Agreement Reached on Landmark Colorado River Water Accords - Hertzberg-Led Negotiations Produce Agreements on Imperial-San Diego Water Transfer and Quantification Settlement Agreement
  • October 02, 2002 — Water industry forum features opportunities for local businesses
  • September 27, 2002 — San Diego County Water Authority Board Endorses Proposition 50 - State bond would help with water transfer agreement
  • September 26, 2002 — Water Authority Board Approves Conservation Awareness Campaign
  • August 26, 2002 — Water Authority Proposes Restructured Water Transfer Agreement - Up-front Funding, No Permanent Fallowing, and Key Assurances for Imperial Valley at Heart of Proposal that Restructures First 15 Years of the Deal
  • August 22, 2002 — State could adopt new low-water-use efficiency standards for residential clothes washers - California would be first state to adopt measure
  • July 18, 2002 — Second round of testing confirms water safety
  • July 17, 2002 — Authority Testing Water Supply - Local agencies reporting no water quality problems
  • July 03, 2002 — Water Authority presents xeriscape garden awards at San Diego County Fair
  • July 01, 2002 — Water authority approves $479.9 million budget for fiscal year 2002-2003
  • July 01, 2002 — Water authority revises rate structure
  • June 18, 2002 — Residents, businesses reminded to save water
  • May 23, 2002 — Water Authority provides 16 students with $1,000 scholarships
  • May 23, 2002 — Water Authority conservation program named best in Southwest
  • May 23, 2002 — Water Authority earns credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor's - Upgrade could save agency $220,000 annually
  • May 07, 2002 — Mira Mesa Resident Yen Tu joins Water Authority board
  • April 3, 2002 — Water Authority to refund $7.159 million to member agencies
  • March 26, 2002 — April 4 hearing ensures public input on Water Transfer
  • February 28, 2002 — Board votes to file appeal on preferential rights judgment
  • February 27, 2002 — Judge decides not to send preferential rights to trial - Water rights remain clouded
  • January 23, 2002 — Water Authority's New Insurance Program Aids Small Businesses
  • January 22, 2002 — Water Authority welcomes release of water transfer DEIR/DEIS

2001

  • December 06, 2001 -- Water Authority to return $8.7 million to its member agencies
  • December 06, 2001-- Water Authority receives $300,000 grant from CALFED - Funds support Authority's high-efficiency clothes washer voucher program
  • November 11, 2001 — Senate Committee hears of environmental impacts to Colorado River Plan
  • June 28, 2001 — Water Authority approves $436 million budget for Fiscal Year 2002.
  • June 19, 2001 — Saving water saves energy.
  • June 5, 2001 — Court rules San Diego should be represented at MWD closed door meetings on Preferential Rights litigation.
  • May 24, 2001 — Water Authority approves basic rate increase; $5 per acre-foot increase to enhance region’s water reliability.
  • April 26, 2001 — Annual Science and Engineering Fair water-related entry winners honored.
  • January 25, 2001 — Water Authority board seeks legal clarification of water it can depend upon from MWD; Says closure needed to plan responsibly and meet needs of the San Diego region.
  • January 12, 2001 — Secretary of the Interior Babbitt to sign historic Colorado River agreement.



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