In a major victory for the San Diego County Water Authority and water ratepayers throughout San Diego County, San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Curtis E. A. Karnow today tentatively ruled that in setting rates for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California violated cost of service requirements of California’s Constitution, statutes and common law. Specifically, Judge Karnow’s tentative determination is that MWD’s rates violate:
Category Archives: News Release
2013 San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Submitted to State
Three local lead agencies, working with a wide range of public and private stakeholders, have completed the 2013 San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and submitted it to the Department of Water Resources for certification. State approval will maintain the San Diego region’s eligibility for up to $56 million in state grants during future funding rounds, which are expected to begin late next year.
Water Authority Marks Tenth Anniversary of Historic Colorado River Accord
Ten years after the historic water pact was signed at Hoover Dam, the San Diego County Water Authority is commemorating the 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement, or QSA, for its role in enhancing the region’s economy and quality of life by improving long-term water supply reliability.
Governor Signs Water Authority Bill to Advance Water Recycling
Gov. Jerry Brown this week signed Water Authority-sponsored legislation designed to advance water recycling statewide. Senate Bill 322, carried by State Sen. Ben Hueso of San Diego, is expected to expedite a transparent and rigorous scientific assessment of “potable reuse” as a potential water source.
“California needs more high quality water and recycling is key to getting there,” Brown said in his signing message that urged state agency officials to move quickly.
State Supreme Court Denies Review of Rate Case, Confirms Important Victories
The California Supreme Court today denied a petition by the San Diego County Water Authority to review an appellate court ruling in a case of statewide significance over rates set by the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. After winning significant victories in the trial court and the appellate court, the Water Authority petitioned the state Supreme Court in July on one single question: whether MWD may add State Water Project supply costs to the price it charges to transport the Water Authority’s independent supplies of Colorado River water through MWD’s aqueduct. The trial court ruled MWD could […]
Region Ramps Up Water Savings as 12-Month Average of 22 Percent Far Exceeds Goal
Preliminary data released by the San Diego County Water Authority show that from June 2015 through May 2016, the San Diego region reduced its potable water use 22 percent compared to the same months in 2013, significantly surpassing the state’s aggregate water-savings target for local water suppliers through a year of state-mandated cutbacks.
San Diego County Garden Friendly Plant Fairs Offer Deep Discounts and Tips
The San Diego County Water Authority and several member agencies once again have teamed with The Home Depot to offer significant savings at San Diego County Garden Friendly Plant Fairs in October.
Court Denies MWD Motion Seeking to Exempt its Rates from Proposition 26
A San Francisco Superior Court judge on Friday rejected an attempt by the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to exempt its water rates from a voter-approved measure designed to protect ratepayers from hidden taxes.
Watch Out for Water Agency Imposters
The San Diego County Water Authority is warning residents to watch for scam artists posing as fake water utility employees after a series of recent incidents in which imposters appeared intent on gaining entry to homes.
The recent cases involve fake utility representatives calling local residents and offering to test their water for pollution or contamination – presumably seeking opportunities for theft or fraud. In some cases, the callers said they were with a local water agency, while at least one solicitor posed as a Water Authority employee.
Water Authority Executes Money-Saving $340 Million Bond Sale
The San Diego County Water Authority this week priced a $340 million bond sale that will reduce the cost of financing vital water supply reliability projects over the next two decades.