Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/850954
E n s u r i n g a S t r o n g F u t u r e 21 | P a g e CHAPTER 2 - OPERATING ENVIRONMENT County Water Authority The San Diego County Water Authority (CWA) is a public, wholesale agency that was formed in 1944. It serves its 24 member agencies including Padre Dam as a local retailer. Water deliveries are distributed to these 24 member agencies through approximately 300 miles of conveyance pipelines and facilities located throughout San Diego County. The District imports 100 percent of its potable water from CWA. CWA purchases most of its water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California ("MWD"). MWD water is a blend in varying amounts from the Colorado River and State Water Project sources. CWA also receives water from local supplies (local runoff, ground water reclamation, and its Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant completed in 2015) and non-MWD imports (the CWA/Imperial Irrigation District Conserved Water Transfer Agreement and the Coachella Canal Lining Project). Metro Wastewater Opened in 1963, the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant (Point Loma) treats approximately 175 million gallons of wastewater per day (mgd) generated in a 450-square-mile area by over 2.2 million residents. Located on a 40-acre site on the bluffs of Point Loma, the plant has a treatment capacity of 240 mgd. The City of San Diego is the sole operator of the Metro System. The District is one of 12 agencies that make up the Metropolitan Wastewater Joint Powers Authority (Metro JPA), a coalition of municipalities and special districts that share in the use of the City of San Diego's wastewater facilities. These agencies collectively pay for approximately 35 percent of the system's upkeep and capital costs. Usage rates are based on the percentage of wastewater flow they generate and the strength of their discharge. Regulatory Environment The District is regulated by various local, state and federal agencies in every aspect of its operation. This continuously changing environment requires diligence to comply with regulations and permits. The District is active in the regulatory rule and decision making process and endeavors to submit comment letters stating our position on key issues. Staff also attends public hearings to speak on behalf of the District in support of our position. Staff works hard to maintain positive, productive relationships with all regulatory agencies by being open, transparent and cooperative. As a result, Padre has gained the trust of many regulators including the following: