The Santa Fe Irrigation District and San Dieguito Water District have filed a lawsuit against the City of San Diego over alleged “negligent” maintenance on the Lake Hodges Dam. The aging dam underwent emergency repairs in 2022 and the districts’ suit seeks financial damages of $21 million due to breach of contract and resulting loss of access to local water which they say has forced them to raise water rates, negatively impacting customers. The lawsuit also alleges a violation of California’s Public Records Act, according to a press release issued by the district. San Diego’s office of the city attorney said they had not yet been served with the suit as of July 26 and were unable to provide comment at this time.