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San Diego Region Attracts More Than $15 Million for Water Projects
Collaborative effort secures drought response grant funds for improving water supply reliability
The San Diego region has been awarded more than $15 million in fast-tracked funding by the state Department of Water Resources for a variety of projects aimed at increasing local water supplies and decreasing demands. Together, the projects will produce or save more than 12,000 acre-feet of water annually, enough to serve nearly 25,000 typical four-person homes.
The state grant from voter-approved Proposition 84 (2006) provides funds for projects identified in the 2013 San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan, which was developed collaboratively by a group comprising staff from the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego and the Water Authority, along with an array of regional stakeholders.
In the current round of projects, all $15,074,938 is going to the Water Authority or its member agencies - Carlsbad Municipal Water District, Fallbrook Public Utility District, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, the City of San Diego and Sweetwater Authority. The selected local projects will expand groundwater desalination and water recycling, improve water quality, and enhance water conservation initiatives such as the regional WaterSmart Turf Replacement Program. Work on six of the seven funded projects is expected to begin within the next several months.
The Water Authority administers the San Diego IRWM Program.
For more information about the IRWM Plan, go to www.sdirwmp.org.
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Countywide Water Use Increases 6 Percent in October
Hot weather spurs rise in consumption compared to October 2013
Driven by extremely high temperatures, potable water use in San Diego County rose 6 percent in October 2014 compared to October 2013. The year-over-year increase follows water use decreases in August and September compared to the same months a year ago.
The average daily maximum temperature in October 2014 was about 6 degrees above normal while the average was slightly below normal in October 2013. During the seven-day stretch from Oct. 2-8, 2014, the average daily maximum temperature was 14 degrees above normal.
The year-over-year increase in potable water use is based on figures reported to the San Diego County Water Authority by its 24 member agencies.
Since August, the region's water-saving efforts have saved about 1.1 billion gallons of water, enough to serve about 18,800 residents for a year. And since 2007, regional per capita water use has declined by more than 20 percent, an achievement that increases the challenge of making additional conservation gains. Water agencies across the county have adopted mandatory water-use restrictions to save water in case 2015 is a fourth consecutive dry year.
Click here to learn more.
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Congratulations to Graduates of Inaugural Citizens Water Academy!
There weren't any caps and gowns, but the first class of the Citizens Water Academy graduated on Nov. 15 after touring the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, Olivenhain Reservoir and Stone Brewing Co.'s wastewater system. Fifty people from across the county participated in the Water Authority's three-week program.
The Academy comprises three class sessions and a tour of water-related facilities. Graduates gain knowledge about key water issues and regional initiatives.
The Academy is open to future and emerging leaders in the San Diego region. The Water Authority is seeking more people interested in expanding their knowledge about water issues and serving as community ambassadors.
The next session of the Citizens Water Academy begins in March 2015. Click here for more information, including an application form and a form to nominate someone else who would benefit from attending the academy.
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