The Guaranteed Water for Industry Program was created to provide an uninterruptible supply of water for manufacturing and research and development (R&D) firms, many of whom are highly dependent on water for industrial processing and cooling needs.

Businesses can apply to have a site certified as "exempt" from the water allocations under SDMC Section 673806(c) during Drought Response Level 1 and 2.

Option A:

If business location (manufacturing plant or R&D laboratory) is located anywhere within the City of San Diego, (except within that portion of Otay Mesa served by the Otay Water District), it can obtain the exemption if:

(1)The customer has satisfactorily implemented the Best Management Practices identified by the City Manager.

The applicable Best Management Practices for potable process water conservation are specific to broad industry clusters as listed in the attached document.

(2)The customer is in compliance with the California Plumbing Code, title 24, part 5 of the California Code of Regulations, including using all applicable water-conserving fixtures and fittings on the premises to the fullest extent possible.

Option B:

If business location (manufacturing plant or R&D laboratory) is located within the Optimized Zone (“Northern Services Area”) see link here: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-utilities/sustainability/recycled-water/switching it can obtain the exemption if:

(1)The customer uses reclaimed water on its premises to the fullest extent possible, including in landscape irrigation and evaporative cooling, if applicable.

(2)The customer is in compliance with the California Plumbing Code, title 24, part 5 of the California Code of Regulations, including using all applicable water-conserving fixtures and fittings on the premises to the fullest extent possible.

For information about the Guaranteed Water for Industry Program, please contact Divian Contreras at 619-533-6199 or drcontreras@sandiego.gov.

Apply for the program: Guaranteed Water for Industry Program Application