The value of safe, reliable drinking water in San Diego

San Diego has a lot to boast about, from abundant sunshine to a stunning coastline.

• But ensuring that the semi-arid region has enough water involves creativity, innovation and plenty of hard work. 🚰

The story: For more than 80 years, the San Diego County Water Authority and its 22 member agencies have worked together to deliver safe and reliable water to more than 3.3 million people.

• Despite climate challenges and a limited local water supply, strategic investments ensure that water continues flowing to support homes, businesses and the economy — all day, every day.

What you need to know: The region relies on a diversified water supply — from imported water to local options — to ensure long-term reliability.

• About 61% of its water comes from the Colorado River, secured through conservation efforts in the Imperial Valley, where water savings from farms and canals are transferred to San Diego.
• 33% comes from local sources like seawater desalination, recycled water, purification and brackish groundwater.
• The remaining 6% flows from the State Water Project, which moves water from Northern California's Bay-Delta through an extensive delivery system managed by the California Department of Water Resources.

How it's done: Water can travel up to 1,000 miles before it reaches San Diego's taps. The Water Authority's countywide delivery system, powered by multiple aqueducts, 1,600 structures and 100 flow control facilities, makes this possible.

• This behind-the-scenes network is vital to provide the region with a safe and reliable source of water.

Here's the deal: Maintaining this complex, reliable system comes at a cost — and as with many essential services across the state, those costs are rising for a variety of reasons.

• Inflation is driving up the cost of items like electricity, steel and chemicals needed for water delivery and treatment.
• The Water Authority and its member agencies are not immune from those impacts.

The impact: San Diego County's strategic investments in supply reliability, coupled with the work to maintain the aqueduct system, means upward pressure on water rates will continue — just like it will for almost everything else.

Last year's rate increases were driven by both internal investments and external forces, including:

• +3% Water Authority finance and infrastructure.
• +4% Metropolitan Water District.
• +3% supply costs.
• +4% detachment of two member agencies.

💸 Curious about where your water bill goes? Here's an insight into the SD County Water Authority's budget breakdown in 2025:

• 64% water purchases and treatment.
• 16% debt service.
• 10% capital improvement program expenditures.
• 7% operating departments.
• 2% other and grants.
• 1% equipment replacement.

The breakdown: All together, 90% of the Water Authority's costs are driven by just three things — water purchases and treatment, debt service and capital improvements to ensure the reliability and safety of water delivery.

• Just 7% of the budget funds the agency's operations and staff.

Looking ahead: Even during long dry spells and challenges, the San Diego County Water Authority can meet the region's demand for water that sustains its economy and quality of life.

• To understand your water bill, find your local retail agency with the Authority's locator tool.
• Rates vary by agency based on numerous factors.

Discover the value of water in San Diego.