press release

June 15, 2005

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY APPROVES 39.4 MILLION BUDGET

The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board approved a 39.4 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2005/2006 at their June 10 meeting. The budget includes $29.7 million in operating and maintenance expenses and $9.7 million in capital improvements. It also includes a 3.6 percent rate increase to take effect January 1, 2006 for customers in Chula Vista, National City and Bonita who get their water from Sweetwater Authority.

“Although a small portion of the rate increase is due to higher imported water costs, the balance will ensure ongoing local water reliability and safety in several areas,” said General Manager Dennis Bostad. “Replacements of aging water mains, and upgrades and retrofits of distribution facilities will lower the average age of the system’s infrastructure. Also, the construction of an additional well is expected to supply an added one million gallons of water per day for treatment at the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility.”

Other budget highlights include studies by the U.S. Geological Survey of the San Diego Formation Aquifer, and ongoing air and water quality monitoring of SR-125 construction near Sweetwater Reservoir. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

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