Today, lawyers for the San Diego County Water Authority will argue in San Francisco Superior Court for overturning illegal rates charged by the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, commencing a five-day trial that has financial implications for water ratepayers across the region and state.

In opening statements before Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow, the Water Authority's attorneys will argue that MWD's rates don't align with the costs of the services it provides.  Numerous California statutes, the California Constitution and common law all require that public agencies such as MWD set their rates based on the actual costs of the services they provide.

The first phase of the trial is expected to run through Dec. 23. It will focus on the challenges to MWD's rates for 2011 through 2014 in two cases that have been coordinated for trial. A second, yet-to-be-scheduled phase of the trial would address the Water Authority's claim that MWD miscalculates San Diego's preferential rights to MWD water, and the Water Authority's claim that MWD breached the contract it signed with the Water Authority promising to charge only lawful rates for the transportation of its Colorado River water.

The trial's outcome will have a major impact on San Diego County residents and businesses alike, which prompted dozens of public agencies, business groups and community organizations to formally support the Water Authority's litigation against MWD.