HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-03; Encina Wastewater Authority One Water North San Diego County Water Reuse Project (Districts All); Gomez, PazBoard Memo -EWA One Water North San Diego County Water Reuse Project (Districts -All)
October 3, 2024
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Since the beginning of the feasibility study, several factors have impacted the viability of this
project, specifically the cost estimates and the regulatory outlook.
The EWA revisited the cost estimates that were prepared in a 2018 feasibility study and
presented revised cost estimates that reflected more than a 40% increase for the various
feasibility study scenarios. This increase would bring the cost of the EWA water that would be
produced via advanced treatment processes closer to the cost of producing desalinated water,
thus making the project unattractive for the member agencies. As of now, two of the member
agency managers have informed the EWA that they have withdrawn their support for this
project.
The issuance of state regulations for potable reuse standards has also slowed. With the recent
rains for the past couple of years, the state's priority for developing, implementing and
mandating potable water reuse regulations and standards has been shifting, and additional
studies and research are now required to support the new regulations for this water source.
Next Steps
Two major setbacks have resulted in the EWA revisiting the strategic plan for this project. The
EWA is scheduled to provide a draft strategic plan to the member agencies in early 2025 with an
expected presentation to the EWA Board of Directors in spring 2025.
At that time, the EWA Board will discuss the viability of moving forward with this project. Staff
will keep the CMWD Board and the City Council apprised of any future updates.
Attachment: A. Joint staff report dated September 27, 2022
cc: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant Executive Manager
Cindie McMahon, General Counsel
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
Gina Herrera, Assistant General Counsel
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Zach Korach, Finance Director
Jeff Murphy, Community Development Director
Kristina Ray, Communication & Engagement Director
Dave Padilla, Assistant General Manager/District Engineer