Carlos Quintero
Water affordability is top of mind for families and businesses across San Diego County. Costs are rising in nearly every aspect of daily life, and public agencies must be especially mindful of the financial pressures facing the communities they serve. That is why I am proud to share that Sweetwater Authority customers now pay the lowest average water rates among all water agencies in San Diego County, with an average monthly bill of $71.98.
This achievement is not the result of short-term decisions or temporary measures. It reflects years of deliberate planning, disciplined budgeting, and strategic investment in local water supplies. At Sweetwater Authority, we have focused on strengthening and maximizing our own resources — because local control is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep rates stable.
Unlike many water agencies that rely heavily on imported water, Sweetwater Authority benefits from a diversified local supply. Water from the Sweetwater River is stored in the Sweetwater Reservoir and treated at the Perdue Treatment Plant, while the Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility provides an additional drought-resilient source. By optimizing these local assets, we reduce our dependence on more expensive imported water supplies, shielding our customers from additional regional costs.
Affordability also requires fiscal discipline beyond operations. We aggressively pursue state and federal grants to offset infrastructure investments. Recently, we secured $1 million through U.S. Representative Juan Vargas’ Community Project Funding request and $1.53 million from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Every external dollar we secure is a dollar that does not have to come from our ratepayers.
But affordability is not only about keeping rates low — it is about equity and accessibility. Sweetwater Authority serves nearly 200,000 residents in Chula Vista, National City, and Bonita, and approximately 65 percent of our service area is considered historically disadvantaged. We understand that even modest rate increases can be challenging for our customers. That is why our Governing Board approved a Water Affordability Program in 2024 to support customers experiencing financial hardship.
Maintaining the lowest rates in the county does not mean we compromise on safety or reliability. Our responsibility is to provide reliable drinking water that meets or exceeds regulatory standards, maintain critical infrastructure, and prepare for future droughts and climate variability. Long-term sustainability requires careful balancing — investing today to avoid higher costs tomorrow.
Water is not a luxury; it is an essential public service. Our commitment is simple: provide safe, reliable water at the most affordable rates possible. That commitment guides every financial decision, infrastructure investment, and operational strategy we undertake.
Affordability is not accidental. It is the product of thoughtful governance, strong management, and a continued focus on local solutions. We are proud of where we stand – and we remain focused on delivering for our customers.
Quintero is General Manager of Sweetwater Authority
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