30 years of excellence

On August 30, 2007, Sweetwater Authority marked a milestone in its long and eventful history. For 30 years the publicly owned water agency has provided safe, reliable and affordable water to its customers in Chula Vista, National City and Bonita.

When Sweetwater Authority took over the operation of the water system in 1977, it was a major victory for local residents. For more than 20 years, the public had complained of rising prices and dirty water. The 175,000 customers who would eventually become part of the Authority's service area would come to know a much more reliable system under public ownership.

Since 1977, the Authority has invested 30 million dollars to replace aging cast iron pipelines. In 1977, there were more than 200 water main leaks. In recent years, that number dropped to 34.

The Authority has also been a pioneer in developing rare new local water supplies. The Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Demineralization Facility opened in 1999. The plant treats highly salted, or “brackish” groundwater with reverse osmosis filtration, creating drinking water from a source considered useless back in 1977. The plant now produces up to four million gallons per day, enough to serve 12 thousand families.

Please join Sweetwater Authority’s Directors and Staff in celebrating its Silver Anniversary. Meet Sweetwater Authority representatives at booths celebrating the anniversary during local community festivals throughout the coming year.

Look for us at the Cinco de Mayo in downtown Chula Vista on Saturday, May 4, 2008.