Delivering Safe, Reliable Water Supplies to San Diego County
The San Diego County Water Authority sustains a $268 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, major infrastructure investments and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility.
Water Authority Fact Sheet
More than 75 Years of Service to San Diego County
The San Diego County Water Authority’s story started during the height of World War II, and since then the agency has transformed into one of the most pioneering, visionary, agile and driven water agencies in the world.
1944
Delivering Water Since 1944
A public agency created in 1944, the Water Authority delivers a safe and reliable wholesale water supply at an affordable cost to 23 retail water agencies, including cities, special districts and a military base. The Water Authority is governed by a 35-member Board of Directors, representing every member agency.
Increased Diversification = Greater Reliability
Historically, the Water Authority depended almost exclusively on water supplies imported from the Colorado River and Northern California by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. That changed in 2003 with the start of the largest farm-to-urban water conservation-and-transfer agreement in the nation, which now accounts for about half of San Diego County’s water supply.
2003
2015
Using Local Sources In New Ways
In late 2015, the Water Authority added a historic new water source to its portfolio with the completion of the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, the largest seawater desalination plant in the nation. Today, the Water Authority and its member agencies have identified potable reuse of recycled water as the next major source of local water supply, while continuing to support water-use efficiency throughout the region.
Governance & Leadership
Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost-effectively managing the region’s water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance future reliability, make major investments in the region’s water delivery and storage system, and improve water-use efficiency.
Key Strategies
To sustain our success, secure our water future, and meet tomorrow’s challenges, we:
- Consider our partner agencies’ and stakeholders’ interests in our decisions
- Conduct our work in the most cost-effective way possible
- Have open communications with our partner agencies and the public
- Have an open and inclusive policy development process
- Value diversity in the water supply
- Value long-range planning
County Water Authority Act
The San Diego County Water Authority operates under the County Water Authority Act in the California State Water Code.
Administrative Code
The Water Authority’s Administrative Code contains regulations adopted by the agency’s Board of Directors to govern agency property, contracts, operations and other matters.
Board of Directors
The Water Authority is governed by a 35-member Board, representing 23 member agencies. The Board writes and administers policies for the Water Authority and holds regular monthly meetings on the 4th Thursday with special workshops and other meetings as needed.
Leadership
The Water Authority comprises 11 departments and programs that are led by a team of professionals with decades of experience in the water industry. The Water Authority employs about 250 professionals in varying fields of expertise.
Transparency
If you have questions or concerns you are always welcome to reach out to a member of the Water Authority team.
Budgets & Financials
Through two-year budgets, Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, quarterly Controller’s Reports, and monthly Treasurer’s Reports, the Water Authority documents its financial position in compliance with state regulations and industry standards.
Debt Information
The Water Authority issues debt to partially fund its Capital Improvement Program that aligns with the agency’s Long-Range Financing Plan. The Water Authority also issues debt to refinance outstanding debt obligations — typically to lower debt service payments.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (FYs 2021-2022)
This two-year report is the first of its kind issued by the Water Authority to provide workforce and applicant demographics, identify opportunities to reduce obstacles to employment in the water sector for underrepresented groups, drive employee engagement, and foster a workplace of belonging for all employees.
