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San Diego staff warn water and wastewater funds will strain without new revenue; council urged to pursue internal efficiencies and CWA fixes
Summary
City staff told the City Council that wholesale water-cost increases and flat sales will put San Diego's water and wastewater finances under strain over the next five years, requiring use of rate stabilization funds and CIP deferrals; the council asked staff to pursue internal savings, lease revenue and coordinate with the San Diego County Water Authority.
City staff presented an informational five-year financial outlook for the Public Utilities Department's water and wastewater enterprise funds, warning that rising wholesale costs and flat demand will strain key financial metrics and require continued use of the city's rate stabilization funds.
"We run one of the largest wastewater and water systems in the entire state of California as well as the nation," Adam Jones, deputy director of finance for the Public Utilities Department, said, adding that changes in County Water Authority costs and a higher salary assumption contributed to the updated forecast. He said staff prioritized dam safety, pump stations and treatment-plant modernization while deferring some neighborhood pipeline projects.
Jordan Moore of the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst said the IBA's review shows the water system's…
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