Story perspectives

San Diego Water Authority Sells Excess Desalinated Water Amid Debt Concerns

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The San Diego County Water Authority sells excess water from its desalination plant, operating at one-third capacity.
The plant cost nearly $1 billion after droughts in the 1990s.
Arizona and Nevada seek to buy water, but interstate transfers may require federal rules.
Long-term Riverside County agreements could generate about $660 million and ease the authority's debt.
S&P Global Ratings maintains a negative outlook on the Water Authority's AAA rating.

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Story summary

The San Diego County Water Authority sells excess water from its desalination plant, operating at one-third capacity.
The plant cost nearly $1 billion after droughts in the 1990s.
Arizona and Nevada seek to buy water, but interstate transfers may require federal rules.
Long-term Riverside County agreements could generate about $660 million and ease the authority's debt.
S&P Global Ratings maintains a negative outlook on the Water Authority's AAA rating.