2021 Annual Report
Diversification and
Operation
Board Approves Next Phase of Conveyance Study
The launch of Phase B of the Regional Conveyance System Study was approved by the Water Authority’s Board of Directors in November 2020 to further assesses options for long-term water deliveries that sustain the San Diego region’s economy and quality of life.
The decision to move ahead followed months of community dialogue about Phase A of the study, released in August 2020, which demonstrated the technical viability and economic competitiveness of two routes for an aqueduct to transport the Water Authority’s independent, high-priority conserved Colorado River water to San Diego County. Prior to the Phase B launch approval, the Water Authority hosted online public information sessions to educate the public about technical and economic considerations related to the proposed conveyance system.
Phase B was designed to address questions about mitigating short-term rate impacts of the project, the benefits of potential partnerships and funding opportunities, developing a plan of finance and the requirements of existing agreements, as well as explore with MWD options for long-term water deliveries to the San Diego region using MWD facilities. The Water Authority’s Exchange Agreement with MWD ends in 2047, and the Water Authority is working to develop conveyance alternatives to manage future costs and risks.
“While 2047 may seem distant, major water infrastructure projects take decades to develop, plan and build. By advancing to Phase B of the conveyance study, the Water Authority is taking prudent steps to ensure long-term water supply reliability. At the same time, we are collaborating with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to develop multiple options for the region.”
Water Authority