Water: Difference between revisions

After experiencing severe drought and water shortages in the 1990s, the San Diego County Water Authority, its 24 member agencies and residents countywide simultaneously invested in the largest [https://www.sdcwa.org/your-water/imported-water-supplies/colorado-river/ water conservation and transfer program] in U.S. history while reducing per capita water use by more than 40%. At the same time, the Water Authority’s commitment to affordability includes securing $25 million from the State of California to pay water bills for San Diego County residents impacted by COVID-19; securing $90 million in 2021-22 through successful litigation efforts and distributing that money directly to its 24 member agencies; avoiding hundreds of millions of dollars in future costs on water deliveries; and maintaining strong credit ratings that reduce the cost of infrastructure.

Local water agencies also have invested in local supplies such as brackish groundwater, recycled water and water purification. And the Water Authority developed the largest seawater [https://www.sdcwa.org/your-water/local-water-supplies/seawater-desalination/ desalination plant] in the nation, which provide approximately 50 million gallons a day of drought-proof water supplies. Today, about a third of the water used across the region is from local sources – and that number is expected to grow as more water purification projects come online. The San Diego strategy has been featured as a model in [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/17/us/san-diego-drought.html The New York Times], [https://www.wsj.com/articles/californias-drought-leads-to-cutbacks-in-marin-county-but-not-in-san-diego-11625045401 Wall Street Journal], [https://e360.yale.edu/features/a-quiet-revolution-southwest-cities-learn-to-thrive-amid-drought Yale Environment 360], and [https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/parched-california-climate-crisis-san-diego-county-way-forward-water-shortages/ CBS News].

Over the past few decades, residents and businesses across San Diego County have adopted “WaterSmart” plants, irrigation technologies and habits that not only save money, but also create vibrant yards, reduce energy use, protect natural resources and reduce landscape maintenance. The Water Authority partners with other agencies and organizations to offer a variety of [https://www.sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/ WaterSmart tools], including classes and rebates, along with a water-use calculator and other resources.