2019 Annual Report
Innovation and
Business Services
The Water Authority formed with nine charter members in 1944 to administer the region’s Colorado River rights, import water, and take over operations of the regional aqueduct.
GM Retires with Celebration for Decades of Leadership
State and federal dignitaries praised retiring Water Authority General Manager Maureen Stapleton in March for decades of public service and her achievements in securing safe and reliable water supplies for the region. In a California legislative resolution, elected leaders representing San Diego County lauded Stapleton “for her long and distinguished record of professional service and for her outstanding civic leadership.” The resolution highlighted Stapleton’s many achievements over 23 years at the helm of the Water Authority, including successfully negotiating the landmark 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement.
“The history of San Diego has always been about the struggle to create an adequate and reliable water supply. But today, that story has a new chapter, written by Maureen and her team at the Water Authority. Their success in building a highly reliable water supply that fuels San Diego’s robust economy and supports a quality of life envied the world over has been nothing short of remarkable and historic.”
State of California