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The San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) and the Vallecitos Water District have reached an agreement over pipeline repairs and how to measure water deliveries.
The settlement was approved by the SDCWA’s Board of Directors earlier this month, bringing an end to a $6 million lawsuit filed by Vallecitos last year.
In 2015, Vallecitos built a $1.5 million pipeline to deliver 3,500 acre-feet of desalinated water from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. An inspection in 2017 revealed a protective coating was not applied by the contractor to prevent rust. Vallecitos had offered to make the repair, but SDCWA declined. Vallecitos then learned in 2018 that SDCWA had turned off the pipeline.
The differences over the timing and makeup of water deliveries, along with the responsibility for repairs to facilities eventually led Vallecitos to file suit.
“We appreciate Vallecitos’ willingness to resolve these complex issues in a collaborative manner,” said Water Authority Board Chair Gary Croucher in a written statement. “We came to an equitable solution, and I’m delighted to put this behind us as we work together to provide safe and reliable water supplies across San Diego County.”
Vallecitos Board President Mike Sannella expressed similar sentiments: “Our agencies have been partners in the critical mission of water supply reliability for decades, and we will continue our collaboration to support our ratepayers and the region. This is a great example of how two parties can find common ground for the good of everyone involved.”
