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May 28, 2014  
In This Issue
Board Affirms Support for San Diego Water Recycling Project
Proposed Rates Support Maintaining Reliable Water Supply
9th Circuit Court Upholds QSA
Region Recovering From Wildfires
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H2O Videos
Firewise Landscaping
Firewise Landscaping




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Water Authority Board Affirms Support for Pure Water San Diego
 

 

The Water Authority's Board of Directors on May 22 approved a formal resolution supporting the city of San Diego's proposed large-scale water recycling project, Pure Water San Diego, which the Water Authority has identified as the region's most likely next source of local supply.

 

For more than two decades, the Water Authority has promoted the advancement of water recycling and reuse in San Diego County as part of the region's water supply diversification strategy. It has done so by promoting ongoing scientific analysis and guidance by technical advisory panels, securing money to study related issues, conducting polling to measure public support for water recycling, and sponsoring state legislation to speed the adoption of regulations for potable reuse. The Water Authority also is assisting regional efforts to advance potable reuse through public outreach, technical collaboration and coordination on regulatory issues.

 

The Pure Water San Diego project is anticipated to enhance the city's local supply reliability by providing up to 83 million gallons per day of ultra-pure water by 2035. It will also help reduce the region's reliance on Los Angeles-based water wholesaler Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

 

Click here to view the news release. 

 

For more information, please visit the Pure Water San Diego website.

Proposed 2015 Water Rates Help Maintain Reliable Water Supply 

 

The Water Authority has proposed rates and charges for 2015 that support the agency's commitment to water conservation during the statewide drought, help maintain its solid financial position, and incorporate new costs related to providing a safe and reliable water supply. 

 

The Water Authority Board of Directors will consider options that would increase the "all-in" rates charged to member agencies by 2.9 or 3.8 percent for untreated water and 2.6 or 3.3 percent for treated water in calendar year 2015. Actual figures will vary by member agency. If adopted, the rate increases would be among the smallest in the past decade.

 

The Board is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed 2015 rates and charges, and consider their adoption, at its regular meeting on June 26.

 

The biggest factor behind the Water Authority's rates remains the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Overall, MWD represents 74 percent of the Water Authority's cost of water. MWD's treatment surcharge will jump nearly 15 percent in 2015, forcing up the cost of treated supplies purchased by the Water Authority. The Water Authority was able to mitigate some of MWD's increase by decreasing its own costs related to water treatment by approximately 8 percent.

  

To read more about the proposed rates, click here.

 

Federal Appeals Court Upholds 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement

All-American Canal

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on May 19 rejected a legal challenge to the Secretary of the Interior's approval of the Colorado River Water Delivery Agreement, one of more than 30 agreements that make up the Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreements. Approved in 2003, the QSA serves as the framework for delivery of Colorado River water in California, including the historic water conservation and transfer agreement between the San Diego County Water Authority and the Imperial Irrigation District.

 

The three-judge panel upheld a ruling by District Court Judge Anthony Battaglia that the Secretary of the Interior did not violate the National Environmental Policy Act or the Clean Air Act in approving the Colorado River Water Delivery Agreement.

 

Monday's ruling strengthens a key component of the region's diversified water supply portfolio. The Water Authority will receive 180,000 acre-feet of water this year as a result of the Colorado River water transfers and related canal-lining agreements. By 2021, the QSA supplies will provide 280,000 acre-feet annually to San Diego County, enough to meet about one-third of the region's water demands.

 

To read more about this decision, click here.
Region Recovering After Devastating Wildfires
Major Water Infrastructure Undamaged
Firefighting aircraft dipped into local lakes and reservoirs for water to help fight the wildfires


The Water Authority extends its condolences to those who were displaced or lost homes due to the wildfires that wreaked havoc across the region earlier this month.

 

A special thank you to all firefighters, emergency response personnel and volunteers who helped fight the fires in 100-degree temperatures and helped concerned residents with evacuation information.

 

70 Water Authority employees were also involved or assisted in the Water Authority's response to the wildfires. There was no significant damage to Water Authority structures or facilities, and the Water Authority was able to meet all member agency water demands during the wildfires.

 

If you are interested in learning how you can help make your landscaping and home more "fire-wise," and "water-wise" at the same time, view the video in the left margin of this newsletter.

  

For emergency preparedness information, visit the County of San Diego's website readysandiego.org.

The San Diego County Water Authority works through its 24 member agencies to provide a safe and reliable water supply to support the region's $191 billion economy and quality of life of 3.1 million residents.