Water Authority Releases Water Planning Documents for Public Review and Comment
March 12, 2026
The San Diego County Water Authority today released its draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and draft Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) for public review. The plans evaluate water supply reliability over a 25‑year planning horizon and confirm that the region has sufficient water supplies through 2050, even during multiple dry years.
Public Review Period
The draft documents are available for a 45‑day public comment period ending April 25, 2026. The Water Planning and Environmental Committee of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on April 23, 2026 to receive public comments on the draft plans.
About the Draft Plans
The draft UWMP confirms that the Water Authority’s diversified portfolio of water supplies, combined with sustained water‑use efficiency efforts, will meet the region’s water supply needs through 2050. The long‑range demand forecast included in the plan shows regional water demands are expected to remain nearly flat over the planning horizon.
As part of its long‑term supply strategy, the Water Authority is pursuing transfer agreements that could exchange excess water with agencies outside of the San Diego region. These agreements could generate additional revenue to help mitigate future rate increases.
Next Steps
April 23, 2026 – Public hearing before the Water Planning and Environmental Committee
April 25, 2026 – End of the 45‑day public comment period
May 28, 2026 – Board of Directors expected to consider adoption of the final plans
July 1, 2026 – Final plans due to the California Department of Water Resources
How to Review or Submit Comments
To review the draft plans, visit:
SDCWA Public Review Draft 2025 UWMP With Appendices
SDCWA Public Review Draft 2025 WSCP
Comments on the Draft 2025 UWMP and Draft WSCP must be received by April 25, 2026, and can be emailed to the Water Authority, to Efren Lopez, at elopez@sdcwa.org, or by writing to: Efren Lopez, Senior Water Resources Specialist, San Diego County Water Authority, 4677 Overland Ave., San Diego, CA 92123. For further information regarding the public hearing or the Draft 2025 UWMP and Draft WSCP, or if you would like to request reasonable accommodation to facilitate your participation in this process, please contact Efren Lopez, Senior Water Resources Specialist, at 858-522‑6721.
Background
Urban water suppliers in California are required to update Urban Water Management Plans every five years. The plans assess water supply reliability under normal, single dry‑year and multiple dry‑year conditions. The planning process includes analysis of demand forecasts, water supply sources, water‑use efficiency programs and shortage contingency planning.
Together, these planning documents help guide long‑term water supply planning and ensure that San Diego County maintains reliable water supplies for the region’s 3.3 million residents and $267 billion economy.