San Diego County Grand Jury
• 2013-2014
Politics and Water Do Not Mix the Dark Side
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 6 findings
F01
Part of the future of San Diego’s local supply of water depends on desalination of ocean water. Fact: The purified water from the NCWRP drinking water passed quality standards set forth by the California Department of Public Health. Fact: The complete findings and results of the project were documented in a report and adopted by the City Council. Fact: The Advanced Water Purification Facility has been funded for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015 and is estimated to cost $720,000.
F02
Millions were spent to build a small-scale demonstration plant to purify water; it proved the efficacy and safety of potable water reuse. Fact: Conservation is a necessity for all San Diego County water districts. 22Journalism for the Common Good, http://inewsource.org/2014/03/06/lake-morena-reservoir-is-4-percent-full-and- will-stay-that-way / 11
F03
The practice of conservation reduces the amount of water used, but also always increases rates because infrastructure to deliver the water will have to cost more in order to make up for revenue lost due to lower amounts of water being used. Fact: The rainfall in San Diego amounts to just over the desert threshold. Fact: San Diego is the third driest large city in the United States.
F04
Using water reserves during years when rainfall is below normal instead of purchasing water from MWD only delays price hikes. Fact: Approximately 30,000 acre feet of recycled water are beneficially reused within the Water Authority's service area annually. Fact: There are a few local firms that have dual-plumbed their buildings to allow the use of recycled water.
F05
Every gallon of recycled water used saves a gallon of drinking water Fact: Today imported water comprises 85percent of our water supply; 53 percent of that amount is purchased from MWD. Fact: Water rates were kept artificially low in 2012 and 2013 as a political decision to gain favor from ratepayers.
F06
San Diegans are now facing a nearly 15 percent increase in water rates to cover losses incurred during 2012 and 2013.
Recommendations 7
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14-73Page 12Stop funding NCWRP and move on to build full-size plants.
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14-74Page 12Establish realistic timelines based on likely funds available to move forward
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14-75Page 12Support the need for Capital Improvement Projects designated for water
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14-76Page 12All new construction should include dual plumbing so recycled water can be
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14-77Page 12Establish policy that requires water rates go up to cover the new rate when
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14-78Page 13Consider an economic reward for conservation measures taken by
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14-79Page 13Be more transparent in their explanations of how and why projects are
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
San Diego
City
San Diego County Water Authority
Special District