San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County Water Authority is a U.S. local government entity registered with the federal government since September 2005 that receives project grant funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. The organization provides critical water infrastructure and resource management services to the San Diego region, focusing on water supply reliability, desalination initiatives, and environmental habitat restoration. As a public agency, the Water Authority manages regional water systems and implements federal grant programs to enhance local water security and environmental sustainability.

The Water Authority's recent federal grant portfolio demonstrates a diverse range of water infrastructure and environmental management capabilities. Under the Water Recycling and Desalination Construction Programs (CFDA 15.504), the organization received a $77,575,000 project grant in December 2024 for the Carlsbad Desalination Intake Project, which involves constructing new seawater intake and discharge facilities to enable standalone operation of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant and secure greater local reliable water supply for the region. Additionally, the Water Authority secured a $10,313,475 project grant in December 2025 from the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART program (CFDA 15.507) to restore and enhance approximately 42.5 acres of riparian, wetland, and upland habitat within the San Luis Rey Habitat Management Area, including removal of non-native vegetation and implementation of native species planting to support threatened and endangered species such as the southwestern willow flycatcher, least Bell's vireo, and arroyo toad. The organization has also served as a prime grantee working with sub-award partners, as evidenced by its collaboration with the Office of Emergency Services on culvert and road repair projects awarded in November 2023. These grants reflect the Water Authority's expertise in desalination infrastructure development, habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and emergency infrastructure maintenance across San Diego County.