South Bay water affordability program offers relief as cost of living rises

As the cost of living rises from gasoline to groceries, some South Bay residents say even small savings can make a difference.

Laura and Roberto Leggs of Chula Vista recently enrolled in the Sweetwater Authority’s Water Affordability Program, which provides monthly bill credits to income-eligible customers and seniors. The couple said the savings have helped ease the strain of higher prices for essentials, like gas, food and medication.

“The cost of gas is like ridiculous,” Laura Leggs said. “I’m pinching pennies, so every penny counts, right?”

Roberto Leggs agreed.

“It’s very stressful,” Roberto Leggs said. “It’s hard for us.”

The couple has found a small bit of relief on their water bill.

Sweetwater Authority’s Water Affordability Program provides six consecutive $30 credits on a customer’s bill, totaling $180 per year. Seniors ages 65 and older receive an additional $10 credit per billing cycle, bringing their total benefit to $240 annually.

“That’s gas. That’s a medication,” Laura Leggs said.

Ditas Yamane, chairwoman of the Sweetwater Authority, said the agency is able to keep rates lower than other parts of San Diego County because of its local water supply.

“We are in a very unique place,” Yamane said.

Yamane said Sweetwater Authority captures free rainwater and runoff in the Loveland and Sweetwater reservoirs, which make up a vast majority of the supply for about 200,000 customers. About once a year, water is transferred from Loveland in Alpine to Sweetwater near Bonita. She said that local supply has allowed the authority to slow rate increases while offering assistance programs.

“It is our responsibility to provide the best affordable rates to our customers,” Yamane said.

Sweetwater Authority says 65% of its customers are historically disadvantaged. Customers only need to call the agency to find out if they qualify for the Water Affordability Program.

“It does matter. It matters a lot,” Laura Leggs said.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.