CLIMATE CONVERSATIONS: Need Water? San Diego County to the Rescue

One could argue that water is the most precious commodity in a warming climate. San Diego county is betting on that as it steps up to share its water surplus with neighboring, water starved neighbors. The desalination plant in Carlsbad is running at one-third capacity, so the utility is looking to make deals with Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Those states face water shortages due to little snow melt and drought.

According to the NEW YORK TIMES, the San Diego County Water Authority recently announced a deal to sell water to two Riverside County utilities. Dan Denham, regional manager of the San Diego County Water Authority, is looking for more partnerships. Denham says that they’re looking to recoup billions in costs passed along to ratepayers.

This kind of water transfer hasn’t been done before. It’s complicated and could require Congressional action. The toughest part may be getting consensus among the seven western states that rely on the Colorado River, whose flow has been reduced by 20% over the past 25 years. Two mayors from Arizona claim “This is one of the most consequential moments for American water policy in a generation.”