Producers in San Diego County face unique and sometimes difficult challenges when dealing with water. San Diego County growers pay some of the highest water prices for agricultural water in the state, some growers paying 30-times more than those of the Central Valley Project or the Imperial Irrigation District.
Beyond skyrocketing water prices, water availability is also an important factor to consider. Specifically when choosing a location, growers should really consider water availability. As a result of these circumstances, topics such as water quality, water availability, water sources, irrigation management, locating the proper water district, and water conservation must be carefully addressed when discussing the development of an agricultural enterprise. To learn more about water-related issues and available resources, visit the websites listed below and or under the Resources tab of this site.
County of San Diego
- County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures
Agriculture Water Quality Program - County of San Diego Agriculture Promotion Project Environmental Impact Report (February 2017)
Section 2.8 - Water Supply and Groundwater
San Diego County Water Authority
Mission Resource Conservation District
California Department of Water Resources
- Water Use & Efficiency
- Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
- California Irrigation Management System
The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- California Institute for Water Resources
- UCCE San Diego-Ag Water Quality Research and Education Program
California Department of Food and Agriculture