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State water shortage: An economic fallout?

U-T EconoMeter panel weigh on impacts to San Diego

Roger Showley, U-T SAN DIEGO

Friday, February 21, 2014

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Kelly Cunningham, National University System 

Answer: NO

San Diego benefits from billions of dollars invested to store and move water around Southern California by the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Whereas the Central Valley is in dire shape, Southern California should be able to weather the drought this year. But if California continues to experience drought beyond 2014, San Diego could see dramatic declines in agriculture and horticulture. Power generation at Glen Canyon and Hoover dams could also be significantly cut, impacting the supply and cost of power. Rising prices for both water and electricity will have lasting and significant economic impacts.