Council adopts the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and shortage contingency plan
May 12, 2026 | San Diego City, San Diego County, California
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San Diego City Council on May 11 adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and the accompanying water shortage contingency plan, documents the city is required to submit to the California Department of Water Resources.
Public Utilities staff said the 2025 UWMP updates the city’s demand forecasting methodology, using parcel-level data and SANDAG Series 15 regional population forecasts. Megan Hickey, Assistant Deputy Director, said the city adopted a 25‑year planning horizon (longer than the required 20 years) to better align capital planning with expected development and the Pure Water program.
Staff presented a range of findings: the city has reduced potable demand by roughly 34% over the past two decades despite population increases; recent SANDAG projections lowered near‑term growth expectations, producing a flatter long‑term demand forecast; and the city anticipates a progressive increase in local supplies — including Pure Water — reducing reliance on imported Colorado River and Northern California supplies over time.
The plan includes a water shortage contingency section with standard shortage levels and corresponding response actions (supply augmentation, demand reduction actions, operational changes and mandatory prohibitions). Staff emphasized compliance with state conservation measures, including restrictions tied to the nonfunctional turf ban (AB 1572).
Public commenters recommended additional measures such as enhanced rainwater capture and detailed monitoring for infrastructure and water‑intensive projects; others raised regional scarcity concerns and called for stronger tracking of conservation outcomes. Councilmembers thanked staff for the data-driven approach, moved and seconded adoption of the plan, and the council approved the resolutions to adopt and submit the UWMP and shortage contingency plan to DWR.
The UWMP will be submitted to the Department of Water Resources by the July 1 deadline and will inform future water-supply and capital decisions for the city.
Public Utilities staff said the 2025 UWMP updates the city’s demand forecasting methodology, using parcel-level data and SANDAG Series 15 regional population forecasts. Megan Hickey, Assistant Deputy Director, said the city adopted a 25‑year planning horizon (longer than the required 20 years) to better align capital planning with expected development and the Pure Water program.
Staff presented a range of findings: the city has reduced potable demand by roughly 34% over the past two decades despite population increases; recent SANDAG projections lowered near‑term growth expectations, producing a flatter long‑term demand forecast; and the city anticipates a progressive increase in local supplies — including Pure Water — reducing reliance on imported Colorado River and Northern California supplies over time.
The plan includes a water shortage contingency section with standard shortage levels and corresponding response actions (supply augmentation, demand reduction actions, operational changes and mandatory prohibitions). Staff emphasized compliance with state conservation measures, including restrictions tied to the nonfunctional turf ban (AB 1572).
Public commenters recommended additional measures such as enhanced rainwater capture and detailed monitoring for infrastructure and water‑intensive projects; others raised regional scarcity concerns and called for stronger tracking of conservation outcomes. Councilmembers thanked staff for the data-driven approach, moved and seconded adoption of the plan, and the council approved the resolutions to adopt and submit the UWMP and shortage contingency plan to DWR.
The UWMP will be submitted to the Department of Water Resources by the July 1 deadline and will inform future water-supply and capital decisions for the city.
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