April 23, 2015

In This Issue

Poll Shows Increasing Support for Water Supply Diversification Amid Drought

San Diego Seeks More Equitable State Water Reduction Regulations

Spring Garden Festival This Weekend

2014 Annual Report

"Stand & Deliver - Rising to the Water Reliability Challenge"

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Poll Shows Increasing Support for Water Supply Diversification
Amid Drought

New research highlights concerns, attitudes and actions related to water

The vast majority of San Diego County residents -- 84 percent -- support the region's water supply diversification strategy, according to the Water Authority's most recent public opinion poll presented to the Board of Directors today. The survey also showed that 87 percent of respondents believe using water efficiently is a civic duty, while more than half said they could conserve more at home and support mandatory measures to cut water use. Overall, the results indicate that severe drought conditions have translated into a growing appreciation for the value of water across the region.

For more than 15 years, the Water Authority has performed periodic public opinion research to determine San Diego County residents' knowledge and attitudes regarding water issues. The latest poll of 1,000 adults in San Diego County was conducted by Probe Research from March 16 to April 1, the day Gov. Jerry Brown issued an executive order that mandated 25 percent water-use reductions statewide.

Even before the executive order was issued, Water Authority poll results show that water supply concerns were by far the county's most prominent top-of-mind issue, after ranking second in 2014. Thirty-three percent of respondents identified the most important issue in San Diego County as water supplies or drought, three times more than the second-most prominent issue of poor economic or employment conditions (10 percent). No other issue garnered a response by more than 5 percent of respondents. Water-related issues ranked far higher as a top-of-mind issue in the 2015 survey than they did in 2009 (18 percent), when the region last faced mandatory supply cutbacks.

To view the full results of the 2015 poll and prior polls, click here.

San Diego Seeks More Equitable State Water Reduction Regulations

Water Authority pursues credit for region's investments in drought-proof supplies

This week, the State Water Resources Control Board released updated draft regulations for meeting Gov. Jerry Brown's statewide water-use reduction target of 25 percent. The updated draft regulations now provide an exemption for farmers who make up our region's agriculture economy -- an important allowance requested by the Water Authority and critical to our region's $1.9 billion farm economy.

The Water Authority appreciates the efforts by the governor and the state board to address this unprecedented drought. It's encouraging the state board incorporated some of the Water Authority's suggestions into its draft regulations and the Water Authority will continue to work with the state board to develop the most equitable final regulations possible.

Yesterday, the Water Authority sent a follow-up letter to the state asking to give communities credit toward water-use targets for developing local, drought-proof supplies, such as the Carlsbad Desalination Project. That plant is expected to come online this fall and produce 50 million gallons per day for the San Diego region -- enough to meet about 7 percent of regional demand. Click here to view the letter.

The state board is expected to adopt its final water-use reduction regulations on May 5 and 6.

While the state process plays out, it's critical that everyone across the region and state take additional steps to conserve water every day, every way. Water lawns no more than two days a week. Shorten showers. Fix all leaks immediately. For updated drought information, along with water-saving resources such as rebates and home water-use surveys, go to www.whenindrought.org.

Spring Garden Festival
This Weekend

The annual Spring Garden Festival at Cuyamaca College is this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The family-friendly community event celebrates spring and offers programs, exhibits and demonstrations related to gardening and water conservation.

Parking and admission are free. For more details about the festival, click here.

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 $206 billion economy and quality of life of 3.1 million residents.