The San Diego Water Authority approved a 3% wholesale water rate increase for 2027 on Thursday during a board meeting largely devoid of members of the public. The utility said an increase is necessary to meet revenue requirements, operational needs and fiscal goals. Leaders with the authority said the rate hike is nothing to celebrate, but the 3% overall increase in the coming year is below the national rate of inflation and down from earlier projections close to 6%. They said the lower increase is due to the impact of two water transfer agreements this spring.

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• San Diego Union-Tribune: County wholesale water rate to rise 3% in January, lowest hike in many years