July 10, 2018
Wholesale Water Rates Kept in Check for 2019

Wholesale water rates adopted by the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on June 28 include some of the smallest increases in the past 15 years due to successful litigation against the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and strategic use of financial reserves.

The rates also highlight a historic shift in water costs: The Water Authority’s independent and highly reliable supplies from the 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement are now less expensive for the region than supplies from MWD, and that difference will grow in the years ahead.

New Landscape Transformation Program Increases Incentives in San Diego County

Residents in San Diego County now can receive $2.75 per square foot for replacing turf with sustainable landscaping features as part of a new Landscape Transformation Program launched on July 9 across Southern California.

The new program includes a partnership by the San Diego County Water Authority and the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to boost the per-square-foot incentive amount available in the Water Authority's service area and streamline the application process.

Report Highlights Significance of Water Reliability for San Diego County

A new report by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation highlights the multi-billion-dollar economic impact of safe and reliable water supplies for the San Diego region.

“The Importance of Water Reliability to San Diego’s Economy” provides an overview of more than $2.4 billion invested by the San Diego County Water Authority in five major water reliability projects over the past two decades. Featured Water Authority projects generated $4.8 billion in total economic impact, supporting an average of 1,475 jobs annually over 20 years and creating more than $1.8 billion in local wages and salaries. The report also found that access to safe and reliable water supplies supports $482 million in total regional sales of goods and services daily.

Brought to You by Water: Tourism

San Diego County is a world famous tourist destination -- attracting 35 million visitors annually and generating $17.9 billion for the local economy. But would our tourism industry be the same without safe and reliable water supplies?

Did You See?

On June 25, the Coast News published an op-ed written by Water Authority Board Chair Mark Muir about the importance of a safe and reliable water supply in San Diego County. 

"Water is critical for developing new smartphone technology, next-generation medicines, high-tech military ships and world-class guitars and banjos. And the list goes on," Muir wrote. "That’s where the San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies come in. Together, we secure, treat and deliver this vital resource 24/7/365."

Don't Miss the CalCon Expo Happening July 19-20

The Water Authority and other local public agencies are participating in the California Construction Expo on July 19-20 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets to attend are still available and the expo will provide one-on-one networking opportunities with statewide government agencies, contractors and vendors.

Opportunities include access to over $150 billion of viable public works projects, face time with top-performing general contractors, information on traditional and alternative project delivery methods, as well as key resources and tools provided by city, county and public entities.

Local agencies participating include the Water Authority, SANDAG, San Diego Regional Airport Authority and UCSD, along with other municipalities. It's a great opportunity for small businesses to expand their profile and learn what work will be available in the next several years in the public and private sectors.

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