Water
Water is life. However, regional water infrastructure is aging, and water supply is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Identifying innovative ways to update water systems will be essential for mitigating the strain on households and threats to the stable future supply of fresh water.
The Policy & Innovation Center’s water research and policy work focuses on multiple aspects of water systems, including affordability, upgrading regional water infrastructure, and interventions that promote a more sustainable future.
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Water Funding: Challenges and Solutions
This report provides water agencies with a robust set of innovative financing strategies to facilitate the implementation of infrastructure, technology, and other water delivery solutions. This report includes case studies on programs that have utilized grants, loans and private financing, revenue generation strategies, partnerships and asset management best practices to highlight how similar agencies can…
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Water Affordability in San Diego County
This report provides a comprehensive examination of water affordability across San Diego County using four metrics, including (1) California’s standard for affordable water, (2) household burden and poverty prevalence indices, (3) hours worked at minimum wage to afford water, and (4) percent of income dedicated to water. The report highlights the affordability challenges faced by…
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Customer Assistance Programs for Water Bills in San Diego County
This report reviews customer assistance programs (CAPs) designed to address water affordability challenges within the limitations of current state law (Proposition 218) that restricts the ability for local water agencies to establish their own customer assistance programs and summarizes the impact of a federal CAP (the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP) in San…
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The Story of San Diego’s Water
San Diego County has faced significant challenges in securing a reliable water supply due to its geography and climate. The region has employed various strategies over the decades to address water scarcity, including reliance on imported water, infrastructure development, and diversification efforts. This report examines how these decisions and other climate and policy factors have…
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Lessons from LIHWAP in San Diego
The report describes the federal COVID-era program, Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and results and learnings for future programs that may be proposed at the federal, state, or local level. The report uses Census data, data from local service providers, a survey, focus groups, interviews, and research and industry literature to analyze LIHWAP performance…
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Water Innovations Navigator
When trying to solve challenges related to drinking water, storm and wastewater management, or water energy and use efficiency, decision-makers do not always have time to research innovations across the country. Policy & Innovation Center’s new Water Innovations Navigator tool will help local governments and agencies to identify unique interventions that have worked elsewhere, access funding sources, and…
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Regional Utility Map
Regional Utility Map This dashboard provides an in-depth analysis of internet speeds, electricity usage, charging stations, related infrastructure, and broadband coverage for the San Diego Region. The goal is to provide you with a tool to identify disinvested communities and opportunities for targeted investments while also providing support for funding applications to the state and…
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Water Affordability Dashboard
Water Affordability Dashboard This interactive dashboard is brought to you by the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center (PIC). Our objective is to provide a robust tool that allows for in-depth analysis of the San Diego region, and serve as a valuable resource for understanding water affordability and potential impacts of customer assistance programs.…
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Water Risk Map
This interactive dashboard is brought to you by the Policy & Innovation Center in collaboration with water districts, the County of San Diego and municipalities. Our aim is to provide insights regarding water risks and opportunities for targeted investments within the region. While we make every effort to ensure…
