History
South Bay Water (SBW) was formed as an independent California Special District in 1951 to represent local residents. Voter approval assured the move toward access to imported water from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA), the County's water wholesaler. At that time, local water resources were inadequate to serve the needs of those living and working in the growing Sweetwater Valley.
In 1977, as a result of another public initiative, SBW and National City formed a joint powers public water agency, named Sweetwater Authority (Authority). Today, the Authority manages and operates the system that provides water to National City, western and central portions of Chula Vista and Bonita. South Bay Water acts as the governance branch of the Authority, providing five elected representatives to sit on the Authority’s seven-member Governing Board (Board). Two additional directors are appointed to the Authority’s Board by the Mayor of National City, subject to City Council confirmation.