Where does our water come from?

100% of the drinking (potable) water in the Santa Margarita Water District service area is imported from hundred of miles away. It is purchased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). The water comes from two sources: the Colorado River Aqueduct, which brings water from the Colorado River to Lake Mathews in Riverside County, and the State Water Project, which is the largest aqueduct system in the world and brings water from Bay-Delta in Northern California. The District is dedicated to developing local, reliable drinking water supplies.  

Show All Answers

1. Where does our water come from?
2. What are the District's Water Conservation "rules"?
3. Who is the Metropolitan Water District?
4. How much does our water cost to import?
5. How does SMWD determine its water rates?
6. What are the current water and sewer rates?
7. How does the District's tiered rate structure work?
8. What can I do to lower my bill?
9. Why do I pay a power surcharge?
10. Does SMWD offer a low income rate?
11. Why does my tax bill show an increase in a SMWD improvement district bond levy?
12. What has SMWD done to reduce its dependency on imported water?
13. What is gray water? Can I use it?
14. What are the official rules and regulations concerning water, recycled water and wastewater service?