As the possibility of two rural water districts departing from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) edges closer, concerns over the implications on water rates and the future of the region's water management continue to cause ripples. According to NBC San Diego, the potential divorce, spearheaded by the Fallbrook Public Utility District and the Rainbow Municipal Water District, comes after a vote by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) that permitted them to explore other, more affordable water supply options via the Eastern Municipal Water District.
In an effort to reduce their wholesale water costs, which have been affected by rising rates from the SDCWA, the two rural districts believe their departure will bring significant financial savings. According to FOX 5 San Diego, they estimate savings of about $7.6 million per year for their largely agricultural communities. However, the potential exit of these districts brings concerns about the effects on the remaining member districts of the Water Authority.
SDCWA board chair Mel Katz stated that the potential departure is "very disappointing" and will likely impact disadvantaged communities, working families, and small businesses throughout the region by raising water rates. The Water Authority also noted that with the districts' exit, the remaining more urban districts might shoulder more responsibility for expensive infrastructure projects and maintenance.
While the two districts have yet to secure their exit, their proposal is not without objections. As Voice of San Diego reports, the SDCWA, backed by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's administration, indicates that the departure of Fallbrook and Rainbow would leave the remaining 22 water districts with an increased burden of about $200 million in growing water costs, although LAFCO staff estimate the potential burden to be around $66 million.
Meanwhile, general manager of the Rainbow Municipal Water District, Tom Kennedy, believes that the approved $24 million exit fee the detaching districts are willing to pay over five years should help offset any additional costs, as shared with FOX 5 San Diego. This sentiment is echoed by Fallbrook general manager Jack Bebee, who expressed gratitude to the LAFCO commissioners for their support in their quest for a change in water suppliers.
As of now, the controversial split is not entirely finalized, with the decision laying in the hands of the voters of the respective districts in an upcoming election scheduled for next year, based on reports by NBC San Diego. While the Water Authority may still pursue legal action against the LAFCO decision, other alternatives are being explored, as mentioned in the same Voice of San Diego report. Notwithstanding the ongoing debate and legal complexities, it is clear that the future of water rates and supply in the San Diego region hangs in the balance, as both sides of the debate continue to argue for their best interests.
