While water discussions for 2026 were ongoing at the San Diego County Water Authority, the San Diego County Farm Bureau learned of a staff recommendation to eliminate the Permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate program and the Ag Discount over a two-year period. Those actions would have led to increased water rates for PSAWR subscribers — with a projected 50% increase by 2027.
The SDCFB advocated against the elimination of these programs at the May 22 SDCWA meeting at which the board was reviewing the legality of the PSAWR program. During the meeting, the SDCWA board declared their commitment to not eliminating the ag water rates and their intention to continue reviewing the issue. SDCFB has requested to be part of the PSAWR review process and will provide updates as they become available.