San Diego County’s cash-strapped water authority is considering a plan that could remove a discount it gives to local farmers — something farmers claim could put them out of business. The authority gives a roughly 25% discount to about 1,000 farmers, who grow everything from flowers to avocados. Everyone involved in the issue is facing higher costs. The authority has been imposing consistent double-digit rate increases on local water agencies in recent years primarily because of declining demand. Farmers are facing higher costs for labor, supplies, equipment, transportation and fuel. Critics say removing the discount is shortsighted because it threatens to kill off a customer class the water authority can’t afford to lose. At the same time, rates for other customers may increase to cover the authority’s costs.

Other San Diego water rate news:

• Voice of San Diego: Water Authority floats lower rate hike — council says not good enough​