press release

January 22, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WATER AGENCY PLANS PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

Sweetwater Authority will hold a public open house to celebrate 20 years of public ownership on Saturday, February 7 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. The event will feature tours of the public water provider’s recently remodeled business office and displays to commemorate the agency’s history. It will be held at 505 Garrett Avenue, Chula Vista.

Sweetwater Authority, a public agency, provides water service to 165,00 residents in the communities of Chula Vista, National City and Bonita.

Editor’s Note: Sweetwater Authority assumed operation of the former Sweetwater Division of the California American Water Company in 1977, as a result of a voters’ initiative authorizing $22.5 million in bond funding. The takeover followed a protracted court battle over the purchase price. Portions of the system date to the late 1800's, including the Sweetwater Dam, which was completed in 1888. The Authority also owns and operates Loveland Dam, which was completed in 1945. The agency is governed by a Board composed of five representatives elected by division from the South Bay Irrigation District and two representatives appointed by the Mayor of National City, subject to City Council confirmation.