San Diego Water Supply and Importation Notes

Overview of Water Supply in San Diego

  • The San Diego region has a limited natural water supply, emphasized by the local vegetation at Cowles Mountain, including:
    • California sage
    • Flat top buckwheat
  • The region is categorized as a semi-desert environment.

Population and Water Demand

  • San Diego has a rapidly growing population leading to increased water demands.
  • The region achieves this demanding requirement primarily by importing water from other areas.

Sources of Imported Water

  • Main Water Importation:
    • The major supply of water for San Diego is imported from far locations.
    • Lake Murray is mentioned as an example of imported water.

Local Water Districts

  • Grossmont College Example:
    • Located on the stadium conglomerate which lacks natural water sources.
    • Relies on purchasing water from local water agencies.
  • Padre Dam Water District:
    • Grossmont College is part of this district that does not have its own natural water.
  • San Diego County Water Authority:
    • Acts as a regional wholesaler supplying water to various local agencies including Padre and Helix Water District.
    • Faces similar challenges of limited natural water supplies.

Primary Water Suppliers

  • Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California:
    • Main wholesaler providing water to San Diego County.
    • Receives its water from two key sources:
    • Colorado River Aqueduct:
      • Has allocations from the Colorado River flowing out of the Rocky Mountains.
    • State Water Project:
      • Supplies water from the Bay Delta through the California State Aqueduct.
      • This aqueduct is 444 miles long, bringing water from the Feather River to Southern California.

Supplemental Water Sources

  • Imperial Irrigation District (IID):
    • In recent years has entered contracts to supply water to the San Diego County Water Authority.
  • Recycling Wastewater:
    • Some local agencies are beginning to recycle wastewater to supplement water supply.
    • Agencies like City of San Diego and Helix are implementing recycling projects along with local reservoirs from nearby mountains.

Conclusion

  • Understanding the structure of imported water is crucial for the upcoming exam.
  • Review local agencies and their water sources, especially the dependence on imported water from distant locations, as well as new initiatives to enhance water supply in the drought-prone region of San Diego.