This October marks 20 years since San Diego cut a famous deal that protected it from drought but paved the way for putting a high price on otherwise free water from the Colorado River. The hard-fought deal – called the Quantification Settlement Agreement, or QSA – dramatically lowered how much water California takes each year from this river that makes life possible in seven western U.S. states and northern Mexico. It ensured, for the first time, that California wouldn’t use any more than its share. … Dan Denham, the new general manager of the San Diego County Water Authority, said it is interested in trading, leasing or someone buying into the Carlsbad plant, maybe parties like Los Angeles or Orange County or even Arizona or Nevada which desperately need more water especially in drought. 

Related articles: 

• Times of San Diego: San Diego County Water Authority predicts ‘reliable supplies’ for 2024
• KPBS – San Diego: San Diego County water officials report San Diego should have enough water in 2024 
• 10 News – San Diego: San Diego County Water Authority says water outlook, supply look good for 2024