The Water Authority has filed its third legal challenge against rates set by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, alleging that MWD's rates for 2015 and 2016 aren't based on the costs of providing the services. If allowed to stand, MWD's rates for those two years alone would overcharge San Diego County ratepayers by $92 million; over 45 years, the total overcharges by MWD could exceed $2 billion.

The latest lawsuit follows a sweeping victory for the Water Authority in the first phase of litigation in two similar lawsuits challenging MWD's rates. On April 24, San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Curtis E. A. Karnow issued a final statement of decision that said MWD violated cost-of-service requirements in California's Constitution, statutes and common law when setting rates for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Specifically, the court said MWD's rates violate California's wheeling statute, Government Code section 54999.7(a), and common law that apply to ratemaking. He also said MWD's 2013 and 2014 rates violate Proposition 26, approved by voters in November 2010 and now embodied in the California Constitution as Article XIIIC.  Proposition 26 shifted the burden to public agencies to prove they are not charging more than the actual cost of the services they provide.

As San Diego County heads into summer and the peak season for water use, regional water-saving programs are growing thanks to two pieces of good news - a $1 increase in the amount offered per square foot for replacing turf grass, and a major boost in grant funding to extend the Water Authority's turf replacement program.

Residents, businesses, homeowner associations and public agencies in San Diego County are now eligible for rebates of up to $3.50 per square foot from regional programs for replacing turf grass with water-efficient landscaping options more suited to the county's semi-arid climate.

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