San Diego’s Quest for Water Reliability: Exploring Our Options
Anne Omsted | Published on 5/31/2023
Water management is a complex issue with unique challenges, especially in Southern California. In the past, the San Diego Region relied heavily on imported water sources and regional water transfer agreements to provide it with its supply. After enduring one of the longest droughts ever from late 1986 through 1992, the San Diego region has worked vigorously to develop local, sustainable water supplies to reduce the dependence on imported water. The Water Interest Committee has been hearing from local leaders in the water community and national experts on a range local water supply opportunities including water reuse (non-potable and potable), groundwater and ocean water desalination, stormwater capture and conservation.
Planned future speakers will cover topics ranging from direct potable reuse, conjunctive use and regional water conveyance. During the monthly meetings, the committee also receives updates on San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) actions, local water supplies, desalination, climate change impacts on water and relevant proposed and pending state legislation.
Tom Kennedy, Rainbow Municipal Water District (RMWD) General Manager, will be the speaker at the June 6th meeting. RMWD serves more than 8,000 agricultural, commercial and residential customers. Agriculture is an important economic component of our county. It faces a future which includes climate change, constrained water supplies and higher costs for water and labor. In an attempt to mitigate some of the rising water costs, RMWD and Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD) petitioned LAFCO to de-annex from SDCWA and annex to Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) to the north, which charges less for water. San Diego’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meets on 6/5/2023, a day before Tom Kennedy will be speaking at the Water Interest Committee meeting, to decide if the petition request will be granted.
Photos of a recent tour of the San Elijo wastewater treatment facility:
Join the Water Interest Committee as we explore how the San Diego region can increase its local water supplies and reduce its reliance on imported water and emissions associated with the movement of imported water and how the League can take action on future water activities, following LWV protocols.