San Diego County has announced that it has an ample water supply to meet the region’s needs for 2024 and the foreseeable future. This is thanks to wet winters and local conservation efforts that have helped ensure a sufficient water supply, according to the San Diego County Water Authority.
As of early March, the county had already surpassed its annual rainfall average since the water year began on Oct. 1, as reported by the National Weather Service.
The announcement comes after the California Department of Water Resources conducted its fourth snowpack survey in the Sierra Nevada, confirming that the early winter’s “snow drought” has transitioned to a slightly above-normal snowpack due to a series of storms.
In addition, the Colorado River Basin, which is the primary water source for San Diego County, is experiencing above-average snow levels for this time of year, according to the department.
The City of San Diego relies on Northern California and the Colorado River for 85 percent to 90 percent of its water supply.
Currently, the majority of California’s major reservoirs are above historical averages, with many nearing full capacity. Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, the state’s two largest reservoirs, are at 93 percent and 88 percent of capacity, respectively.
Officials also praised San Diego County’s long-standing efforts to enhance its drought resistance. Despite a statewide drought from 2020 to 2022 that required water-use reductions for millions of residents, the county has largely been able to avoid such restrictions. This is partly due to the region’s success in reducing water demand per capita by over 50 percent since 1990, as noted by the water authority.
The county is also exploring opportunities to utilize surplus water to generate additional income. In late 2023, a deal that sold some of the surplus water supply to areas with higher needs brought in approximately $20 million for the San Diego region.
“We are entering a new era in water management for San Diego County, characterized by collaboration, creativity, and efficiency,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “The Water Authority is at the forefront of creating strategic alliances that benefit not only San Diego County but the larger region as well.”
Established in 1944, the San Diego County Water Authority serves 3.3 million residents, including cities, special districts, and a military base.
