Who We Are

The San Diego County Water Authority is a public agency serving the San Diego region as a wholesale supplier of water from the Colorado River and Northern California. The Water Authority's mission is to provide a safe and reliable supply of water to its 24 member agencies serving the San Diego region.

Water Authority Headquarters in Kearny Mesa

The Water Authority has been importing water to meet the region’s needs for more than 60 years. As wholesale agency, the Water Authority purchases its water from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The Water Authority also obtains water via long-term Colorado River water conservation and transfer agreements with agencies in the Coachella Valley and Imperial County. The Water Authority sells this water to its 24 member retail agencies, who in turn provide that water to the retail customer - residents and businesses - in San Diego County.

The Water Authority also works with its member agencies to develop local supplies and promote water efficiency.

The Water Authority is run by a 36-member Board of Directors representing the 24 member agencies. A member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors also serves as a non-voting member to the Water Authority Board of Directors.

The Water Authority was formed in 1944 by the California State Legislature, and operates under the County Water Authority Act, which can be found in the California State Water Code.

The Water Authority operates under the Administrative Code. The Administrative Code contains regulations adopted by the Water Authority's Board of Directors governing Water Authority property, contracts, business, operations and other matters. Click here to view the Administrative Code.