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1. What are the costs of imported water when compared to the Perdue Water Treatment Plant?

In 2025 rate schedule, rates for imported raw water purchased through the San Diego County Water Authority are priced at $1,500 per acre/foot and would still require treatment, which would add additional cost of around $50-60 per acre/foot. Perdue water is free, but treatment costs about $250 per acre/foot. To purchase imported water, we’d be looking at imported water costs that would still be millions of dollars. That is an option, but it’s an expensive one.

2. If Sweetwater Authority invests in long-term treatment, how would costs be allocated? What is the immediate cost of imported water to offset PFAS impacts? Would customers bear the expense?

We’re not sure about cost allocation yet. Based on preliminary estimates, we’re likely looking at a capital investment of about $40 million for treatment facility and additional costs for ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility.

Purchasing imported water immediately is estimated to cost as much as $44 million over a 3-year period, in addition to the $40 million estimated to build a purification facility.

As we continue to complete additional testing, we’ll be completing financial analysis for what these long-term costs would be and how they’d be administered. This could impact customers’ bills, but Sweetwater Authority would pursue all available local, state and federal grants and funding to offset those impacts.

3. How much does it cost for an individual PFOA test? Is there EPA funding available to cover this?

According to staff, PFAS testing for UCMR-5 costs approximately $2,100 for three samples (Perdue, Reynolds Desal and National City well), which would be around $700 per sample. Initial EPA funding covered testing for certain water systems, but additional costs will need be incurred by Sweetwater Authority to address long term treatment