January 23, 2018
Water Authority's Preferential Rights to MWD Water Increase

The Water Authority's rate case litigation against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California produced a significant increase in the Water Authority's preferential rights to MWD water. The courts ruled that MWD unlawfully undercalculated the Water Authority's statutory right to MWD's supply and ordered MWD to recalculate the preferential rights to include the Water Authority's wheeling payments. 

After accounting for those payments, the Water Authority's preferential right to MWD water supply increased from 18.53 percent - as previously miscalculated by MWD - to 24.22 percent. Based upon an available MWD supply of 1.75 million acre-feet, the Water Authority right increased by about 100,000 acre-feet per year. That's enough water to serve 200,000 typical San Diego County families per year.

Major Pipeline Relining Project Reaches Milestone

Construction on a major pipeline relining project in La Mesa has reached a milestone, with 50 percent of the liners installed at the end of 2017. Earlier this month, News 8 produced a story about the relining project, click here to watch the video. 

The Lake Murray to Sweetwater Reservoir Pipeline Project will rehabilitate approximately 4 miles of the Water Authority's 66-inch and 69-inch diameter pipe, extending the pipeline's service life by 75 years. Construction began in September 2017 and is on schedule to be completed by summer 2018.

Upcoming Tours of State Water Project, Colorado River Aqueduct

Each year, the Water Authority's delegates to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California host tours that give community leaders a first-hand look at the water delivery systems that feed Southern California  by visiting numerous sites and facilities across the state. 

Tour participants learn about current and historical water issues affecting the San Diego region from both statewide and local perspectives.

Upcoming tours: 
  • March 2-3: State Water Project/Bay Delta
  • March 17-18: Colorado River Aqueduct System
Transportation, lodging and meals are provided free of charge. Space is limited and applicants are not guaranteed a spot. To receive email notices about upcoming MWD Tours, email [email protected].

Click here to learn more and to apply for an upcoming tour.
Free Workshops Teach Homeowners How to Create a WaterSmart Landscape

Learn how to convert high-water-use turf areas to beautiful water-efficient landscapes by attending a free three-hour WaterSmart Landscape Design Workshop.

Based on the award-winning A Homeowner's Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape, participants will receive an introduction to the skills and resources needed for a landscape makeover. Topics include soil, design, turf removal, plant selection, planning, irrigation, rainwater catchment and implementation. Registration is required.

Several workshops are scheduled countywide in coming months. They include:
  • Saturday, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Chula Vista
  • Tuesday, March 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Encinitas
  • Saturday, March 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Escondido
  • Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Vista
Did You See?

On Jan. 10, Jeff Stephenson, a principal water resources specialist at the Water Authority, was on The CW San Diego/ News 8's morning show to talk about the impact of the region's first significant winter storm, water supplies and water-use efficiency in San Diego County.

Click here to watch the interview.
STAY CONNECTED: