Water Authority Reports Regional Water Use Down Nearly 13 Percent Over Last Year

Residential and business water use in San Diego County fell 12.8 percent during the first year of regional water shortages and mandatory water use restrictions, according to a report provided today to the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors.

Water Authority Adopts 11.3 Percent Treated Water Rate Increase for 2011

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors today adopted rates and charges for water purchased in calendar year 2011 by the Water Authority’s 24 member retail agencies.  The total Municipal and Industrial cost of treated water will rise to $1,026 per acre-foot, effective January 1.  That is an increase of $104, or 11.3 percent.

Water Authority Board to Pursue Terms for Water Purchase Agreement with Poseidon Resources

After weighing a number of options designed to ensure the successful construction of the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant, the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors today directed the agency’s staff to return to its July 22 meeting with draft terms and conditions for purchasing water directly from the Carlsbad Desalination Project, currently being developed by Poseidon Resources.

Metropolitan Water District Cancels Funding for Local Water Supply Projects in Retaliation for Lawsuit Challenging its Rates

San Diego ratepayers will pay nearly $23 million to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) this year to help fund local conservation and water supply development projects like seawater desalination, groundwater and recycled water – more money than any other water district in Southern California.

Water Authority Applauds Regional Water Savings as MWD Ends Supply Allocations

The following statement by Michael T. Hogan, chair of the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors, is in response to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board action today to end water shortage allocations to its 26 member agencies, including the Water Authority, effective April 13, 2011:

Adoption of Illegal MWD Rates Forces Fourth Water Authority Lawsuit

The San Diego County Water Authority today filed its fourth lawsuit against the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, alleging that MWD’s newly adopted rates for 2017 and 2018 violate California law, the state Constitution and common law that all require rates to be set based upon cost of service.

Water Authority Responds to Release of New Bay-Delta Documents

“The future of the Bay-Delta is important to all Californians, as is the strategy that the state adopts to address the Bay-Delta’s many costly and complex environmental and water supply challenges. The Water Authority will review the new set of California WaterFix documents and likely provide formal comments in keeping with our longstanding efforts to promote viable and cost-effective solutions in the Bay-Delta.