Water Ways Report

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• Will the Water Ways report Report focus only on identifying opportunities within the unincorporated areas of San Diego County?

  The Water Ways Report will identify opportunities for the whole region, including local municipalities, Imperial County, and binational cities.

• What types of infrastructure improvements will the Report be evaluating?

  Infrastructure improvements in the report include stormwater diversion, collection, and reclamation. 

• Where are these infrastructure projects likely to be located?

  Most commonly at County parks, facilities, and roads. Projects along highways will require collaboration with San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and Caltrans agencies.

• What levels of investment are needed to fund opportunities identified in the Report?

  The Water Ways Report will identify the financial investment needed to make the region’s water infrastructure more resilient to the effects of climate change. The report will also identify the financial risks brought upon the region by extreme weather conditions.

• Has the County considered the benefits of graywater systems?

  Graywater is untreated wastewater from bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, and clothes washers. Graywater does not include wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, or dishwashers. The Report will include research on ways other jurisdictions are utilizing graywater reuse.

• Why should the County prioritize drought management and water infrastructure sustainability?

  As extreme weather conditions become more frequent due to climate change, it is critical that the County prioritize drought management and water use best practices that advance equity, address environmental and climate justice, and lead to community adaptation and resilience.

• The agricultural industry is a major stakeholder in the region’s water supply. Will the Report evaluate opportunities for water strategies within the agricultural industry?

  The report will identify risks, opportunities, and incentives related to water and agriculture across the region.

• How can the region make new water available for use?

  The region can make new water available for use by utilizing collected stormwater, desalinating ocean water, and diversifying water supplies. These strategies will be included in the report. 

• Who is responsible for getting water supplies to homes and businesses?

  State and federal governments operate large water delivery systems in California, but typically local water districts and jurisdictions have primary responsibility for conveying water supplies to homes and businesses.

• Who is responsible for implementing strategies recommended by the Report?

  Multiple local and regional entities play a role in water management. Implementation of drought management and water use best practice strategies would likely involve multiple stakeholders including local agency leaders, federal partners, farmers, business owners, and individual residents.