Regional Partnership Strengthens Reliability Across Riverside County
RIVERSIDE — This week, Western Municipal Water District’s (Western Water) Board of Directors approved regional water supply agreements with the City of Corona, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD), and Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water), marking another significant step toward a more collaborative approach to managing Southern California’s water future.
“Today’s action represents another important milestone in Western Water’s commitment to long-term water reliability,” said Laura Roughton, Western Water Board President. “But this success belongs to all the agencies involved. Neighboring water agencies can accomplish more by working together than any one agency could on its own. By expanding access to another diversified water supply, we’re creating lasting value not just for one agency, but for the communities we collectively serve.”
Earlier this year, Western Water entered into a long-term agreement with the San Diego County Water Authority, securing access for up to 20,000 acre-feet of water annually through one of the most cost-effective water supply opportunities available today.
Recognizing the value of a regional approach, Western Water, the City of Corona, EVMWD, and Rancho Water worked together to expand access to a new long-term water supply for the region. Together, the agencies will receive portions of the 20,000 acre-feet of water available each year, enough to serve approximately 60,000 Southern California households annually.
Under the agreements, Western Water will receive the water from the San Diego County Water Authority and allocate portions of the annual supply to each participating agency using existing regional infrastructure. By building on infrastructure already in place, the agencies avoided the need for new facilities while maximizing the value of existing investments.
The long-term agreements are projected to generate nearly $100 million in regional savings through 2047, while expanding access to dependable water supplies and helping responsibly manage long-term water costs for the customers and communities each agency serves.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the agreements establish a regional framework for future water supply opportunities. By planning together today, the participating agencies are strengthening drought resilience, diversifying their water portfolios, and creating greater flexibility to respond to California’s evolving water landscape.
“This is what forward-thinking leadership looks like,” said Tom Moody, Utilities Director for the City of Corona. “When agencies look beyond their own boundaries and focus on what’s best for the region, everyone benefits. I look forward to building on this partnership as we continue creating new opportunities together.”
“Planning for the future means looking beyond our own boundaries,” said Andy Morris, Board President at EVMWD. “By working together, we’re strengthening water reliability, diversifying our water portfolio and making smart investments that will benefit our communities for decades.”
“Strong partnerships with neighboring water agencies are key to making the most of existing resources while creating new opportunities to strengthen water reliability for our customers,” said Jack Hoagland, Board Member at Rancho Water. “This agreement, combined with the expanded groundwater storage capacity at Valle de Los Caballos, gives Rancho Water greater flexibility to store water today and prepare for the needs of tomorrow.”
To learn more about how each agency is building water resiliency for their communities, visit their websites at WesternWaterCA.gov, CoronaCA.gov, EVMWD.com, and RanchoWater.com.
Board of Directors Elects New Leadership and Welcomes Three New Directors
LIVERMORE – The Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Directors elected new leadership during its annual reorganization at the regular monthly board meeting on July 15, naming Laurene Green as Board President and Sarah Palmer as Vice-President.
The Board also welcomed three newly elected directors who will help guide the Agency as it continues its mission of providing safe, reliable water, managing the region’s groundwater basin, and protecting the Tri-Valley from flooding.
“It is an honor to serve as President of the Zone 7 Board of Directors,” said Board President Laurene Green. “Zone 7 plays a vital role in the daily lives of everyone who lives and works in the Tri-Valley. I look forward to working with my fellow directors to ensure we continue investing in reliable water supplies, protecting our groundwater resources, and providing the high level of service our community expects.”
Green, who has served on the Zone 7 Board of Directors since 2020, is a Pleasanton resident with a B.S. in Geology, and an M.S. in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) from Stanford University. She brings valuable technical expertise in groundwater, water resources, and environmental engineering that support the Board’s work in guiding long-term investments in water quality, water supply reliability, groundwater sustainability, and flood protection.
General Manager Valerie Pryor welcomed the new Board members and recognized the value of their diverse professional backgrounds.
“Each member of our Board brings unique experience and perspectives that will help guide important decisions affecting water reliability, water quality, groundwater sustainability, flood protection, and long-term infrastructure investments,” Pryor said. “We look forward to working with our returning and newly elected directors as we continue planning for the future of the Tri-Valley.”
The Agency welcomes the following newly elected directors:
Alan Burnham of Livermore holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Illinois and spent much of his career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory contributing to energy and national security research. His professional background also includes work in geochemistry and geology, and he has served in numerous civic and nonprofit leadership roles throughout the Livermore community.
Jim Lehrman of Pleasanton is a licensed Professional Geologist and Certified Hydrogeologist with more than 40 years of experience in groundwater investigations, environmental consulting, and groundwater quality. A longtime Tri-Valley resident, Lehrman has dedicated his career to protecting groundwater resources and brings extensive technical expertise in hydrogeology and environmental stewardship.
Sean Roberts of Livermore is a computer engineer with more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale infrastructure and technology programs in both the public and private sectors. His experience includes organizational governance, strategic planning, financial oversight, and infrastructure management, bringing valuable expertise to the Board’s oversight of critical water and flood protection infrastructure.
The Agency also congratulates Vice President Sarah Palmer on her re-election and looks forward to continuing to benefit from her leadership and experience on the Board.
The seven-member Board of Directors provides governance and policy direction for Zone 7 Water Agency, ensuring the Agency continues to deliver safe, reliable water, sustainably manage the Livermore-Amador Valley Groundwater Basin, maintain critical flood protection infrastructure, and make strategic investments that serve approximately 270,000 Tri-Valley residents today and into the future.
Zone 7 Board meetings are open to the public, and community participation is welcomed and encouraged. Meetings may be attended in person or viewed live and on demand on TV30 through the link provided with each Board meeting agenda. Members of the public may comment on agenda items and other matters within the Agency’s jurisdiction in person or by mail, email, or telephone.
For more information on Zone 7’s board and committees, please visit https://www.zone7waterca.gov/board-directors
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About Zone 7 Water
Zone 7 Water Agency is one of the 10 active zones of the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The District was established by the State Legislature in October 1949 to solve problems of flooding, drainage, channel erosion and water supply and conservation in Alameda County. In 1957, by popular vote, Zone 7 became a special district governed by a seven-member board of directors. Along with flood protection, Zone 7 supplies water to all of eastern Alameda County and a population of approximately 270,000 residents. Treated water is sold wholesale to local retailers, including the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton, the Dublin San Ramon Services District, and the California Water Service Company. Zone 7 also distributes untreated water to local agriculture operations and golf courses.
Rancho Water Maintains Highest Possible AAA Credit Rating
TEMECULA – Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District) has once again earned the highest possible long-term credit rating from S&P Global Ratings (S&P). The achievement reaffirms S&P’s confidence in the District’s financial management, strong operational performance, and commitment to serving customers.
The prestigious AAA rating is reserved for the world’s most financially sound organizations. Awarded only to entities with an exceptionally strong capacity to meet their financial commitments and the lowest level of credit risk, the designation is considered the gold standard in creditworthiness. Only a select number of U.S. governments, public agencies, and corporations achieve and maintain a AAA rating. In the corporate sector, companies such as Microsoft and Johnson & Johnson are among the few organizations to hold this distinction.
The top-tier rating reflects Rancho Water’s continued financial strength and enables the District to secure the lowest possible borrowing costs for future investments. Lower financing costs ultimately benefit ratepayers while supporting continued investment in reliable water infrastructure.
“Maintaining a AAA credit rating reflects decades of responsible financial stewardship and thoughtful planning,” said Rancho Water Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Naylor. “Our Board and staff remain committed to making sound investments that protect our water supplies while delivering exceptional value to our customers.”
S&P affirmed Rancho Water’s AAA rating and stable outlook based on the agency’s exceptional financial strength, disciplined fiscal management, and long-term planning. The rating enables Rancho Water to finance infrastructure projects at the lowest possible cost, maximizing customer dollars while continuing to invest in reliable, resilient water systems.
“Achieving a AAA rating is an accomplishment. Maintaining it year after year is even more significant,” said General Manager Jason Martin. “The rating allows us to continue investing in critical infrastructure and essential District improvements while minimizing borrowing costs for our customers.”
Rancho Water’s strategic investments in water reliability, local supplies, and infrastructure, combined with its strong financial stewardship, have positioned the agency as an industry leader. For ratepayers, the AAA rating translates into lower financing costs for critical infrastructure projects, helping maximize customer dollars while ensuring reliable water service.
Federal Health Agency Confirms Fort Ord Drinking Water Was Safe During Army Era
MARINA— A federal public health agency has concluded that drinking water in the former Fort Ord area posed no health risk from 1985 to 1994. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reviewed historical water data from that period and found that, although some contaminants were detected, levels were below health concern thresholds for both cancer and noncancer health effects.
ATSDR used updated scientific methods and tools to re-examine drinking water sampling data from 1985–1994 provided by the U.S. Army and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD). The evaluation covered exposure through everyday household water use (drinking, showering, washing, and cooking) for both residents of the former Fort Ord area and soldiers-in-training stationed at the base. Although nine contaminants required additional evaluation, ATSDR concluded that none reached levels of health concern. The study covers 1985–1994, the period for which drinking water sampling data are available.
“We have always believed in the safety of the water we deliver, and this independent federal review — using the latest scientific tools — backs that up,” said Remleh Scherzinger, General Manager of Marina Coast Water District. “We welcome this kind of review. Our ratepayers deserve to know their water is safe, and they deserve the confidence that comes from outside experts agreeing with us. It is also important for customers to know that our drinking water is drawn from different aquifers that are separate from and significantly deeper than the shallow groundwater that the Army is cleaning. The shallow groundwater has never been utilized as a drinking water source. If you have questions, we encourage you to read the report and call us directly at (831) 384-6131.”
ATSDR first evaluated the Fort Ord site in 1996 and found no apparent public health hazard. In 2022, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and a Fort Ord veteran petitioned ATSDR on behalf of veterans and their families who had been stationed at Fort Ord to revisit that evaluation using today’s more advanced scientific methods. The updated analysis reached the same conclusion — and stated it more definitively: drinking water contaminants in the former Fort Ord area were not a past health Hazard.
MCWD has operated the Fort Ord water and wastewater systems since acquiring them from the U.S. Army in 2001. Providing safe, reliable, high-quality water is the District’s top priority. Today, water from MCWD wells consistently meets all safe drinking water standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California State Water Resources Control Board.
The District carefully tests water from the groundwater source all the way to the tap. Last year, over 700tests were performed for more than 120 substances — all conducted by independent, state-certified laboratories, with results reported to and reviewed by the State. Advanced monitoring systems, backup power supplies, and stored water reserves help ensure reliable service at all times. Results are published annually in MCWD’s Consumer Confidence Report, available at Water Quality : Marina Coast Water District.
The U.S. Army continues active efforts to monitor and address its groundwater contamination within the former Fort Ord lands. Army groundwater monitoring wells in the area do not supply drinking water to MCWD customers.
Public comments on the ATSDR report are due by August 22, 2026.
Submit comments by email to OCHHAPublicComment@cdc.gov or by mail to:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Attn: Records Center
4770 Buford Highway NE, MS S106-5
Atlanta, Georgia 30341
The full report is available at California | Public Assessment & Health Consultation | ATSDR. The ATSDR fact sheet summarizing the findings is available at www.mcwd.org.
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WELL Accepting Applications for Two Leadership Programs
Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) is currently accepting applications for both its Educate 2 Lead leadership development program and UnTapped Fellowship program.
The Educate 2 Lead program is designed for mid-level managers in California’s water and energy sectors. Participants engage in four in-person sessions designed to foster practical leadership skills and professional growth.
More information about the program, including eligibility requirements, meeting dates and the application, is available online. Deadline to apply is July 24.
WELL is also accepting applications for its UnTapped Fellowship, a six-month, in-person leadership program designed for local elected leaders to deepen their understanding of California’s water challenges and strengthen their capacity to make informed water policy decisions.
More information about this program is available online. Deadline to apply is Oct. 1.
For more information about WELL, visit https://latinosforwater.org/
WVWD Appoints Michael Lin to Board of Directors
The Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) Board of Directors has appointed Michael Lin, CPA, MBT, to serve as the Division V representative on the Board of Directors, filling the vacancy created after former Director Scarlett Kwong relocated outside the District’s service area.
Lin was appointed following a public recruitment and interview process in accordance with California Government Code requirements. He will serve until the November 2026 General Election, when voters will elect a representative to complete the remainder of the term.
A Division V resident, Lin is a Certified Public Accountant and business leader with extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, governance, and regulatory compliance. Throughout his career, he has worked with businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community organizations while remaining actively involved in civic service throughout Southern California.
“Michael brings a proven track record in finance, public accountability, and community service,” said Jerry Tang, President of the Walnut Valley Water District Board of Directors. “The Board is confident that his experience and commitment to public service will be a tremendous asset as we plan for the District’s future. We welcome him to the Board and look forward to the leadership he will bring.”
“I am honored to serve the residents of Division V and the Walnut Valley Water District,” said Lin. “I look forward to working alongside the Board and District staff to help ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable water services while serving the best interests of our community.”
The Board also extends its appreciation to former Director Scarlett Kwong for her service to the District and wishes her the very best following her move outside the District’s boundaries.
Walnut Valley Water District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors elected by division to establish policies and provide strategic direction for the District. The Board is committed to ensuring reliable water service, responsible financial stewardship, and long-term investments that benefit the communities it serves.
For more information about Walnut Valley Water District and its Board of Directors, visit walnutvalleywater.gov.
Poll Shows Nearly 8 in 10 California Voters Want a Governor Who Prioritizes Water
SACRAMENTO – A new statewide survey conducted by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and FM3 Research found strong, broad-based and bipartisan support for prioritizing and addressing California’s water issues. Among the highlights, 77% of California voters say they are more likely to support a candidate for governor who prioritizes improving California’s water reliability and affordability. That support holds up across party lines, including 83% of Democrats, 77% of Independents, and 67% of Republicans.
The polling results reinforce the timing of ACWA’s Vision for Our Water Future initiative to elevate water as a top priority for California’s next governor, legislators and state officials. The Vision outlines a clear, solutions-focused framework to secure a resilient and reliable water system that meets the needs of California’s economy, communities and environment.
“California voters have sent a clear message: they want the next governor to make water a top priority. Statewide polling shows broad support across party lines for improving water supply reliability and affordability, underscoring that water must be a central part of California’s policy agenda,” said ACWA Director of Regulatory Relations Chelsea Haines. “Water is foundational to California’s economy, housing, agriculture, public health and environmental stewardship. Meeting the state’s long-term water challenges will require bold leadership and strong partnerships, and ACWA’s Vision for Our Water Future provides a practical policy framework to help the next administration deliver lasting solutions.”
Other key findings from the recent poll include:
- 93% said safe and reliable water supplies are critical to addressing California’s goals.
- 88% think California needs to modernize water infrastructure to protect clean drinking water.
- 87% think we need to accelerate the construction of water infrastructure to prepare for droughts, floods and changing climate conditions.
- 69% support using state funds to improve water systems, prepare for drought and flooding, and help keep water rates affordable.
Media Resources:
- Download the FM3 polling memo.
- For more information about ACWA’s Vision for Our Water Future initiative, please visit acwa.com/vision.
- To schedule an interview with Chelsea Haines, contact Heather Engel at (916) 669-2387 or heathere@acwa.com.
District Funds the Future While Balancing Current Budget
ROWLAND HEIGHTS – At its regular meeting on June 9, 2026, the Rowland Water District (RWD) Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operations and Capital Budget that supports reliable delivery, sustainable supplies, and cost containment for customers.
The budget reflects months of planning, with staff carefully reviewing operational costs, maintenance needs, and the improvements and upgrades that will enhance service and position RWD for the future. The plan pairs the annual budget with a ten-year financial outlook, balancing the demands of current operations against the investments the district will need over the next decade. By examining both the near term and the long term, RWD keeps the district on a path to deliver consistent, high-quality water service for years to come.
“Taking a deep, detailed approach to our annual budgets gives us an opportunity to evaluate how every dollar is maximized to benefit our customers,” said RWD General Manager Tom Coleman. “We are making prudent decisions for the upcoming year and focusing on the future so our ratepayers can trust that we are delivering the value they expect every day.”
The $32.5 million Fiscal Year 2026-2027 total budget allocates $4.1 million to capital improvement projects in addition to roughly $28.4 million in operations. These long-term investments in RWD infrastructure include the rehabilitation of one reservoir, enhanced site security systems, connections that enable future imported water capabilities, and fire hydrant replacements, along with other system upgrades. These projects strengthen the reliability and resilience of RWD’s water system and advance the goals set in the district’s strategic plan “Effective Action for Sustainable Progress.” For more information about RWD’s budget and financial planning, visit www.rwd.org.
Annual PWD Water Quality Report, Showing All Standards Met, Now Available
PALMDALE – This year’s Palmdale Water District (PWD) Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which provides information on water quality from tests conducted in 2025, has been published.
Customers interested in learning more about the quality of the water provided by PWD can view the report at www.palmdalewater.org/ccr or by calling the Customer Care Department at 661-947-4111. The digital and printed copies are available in English and Spanish. They show PWD’s water met all federal and state guidelines.
The CCR is a comprehensive annual report detailing where PWD’s water comes from, what it contains and how it compares to drinking water standards set by the state. Required by the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water, the report is due July 1 of each year.
“I’m very proud to be a part of the PWD Team that oversees how we take our raw water resources and transform them into drinking water that meets or exceeds the strict federal and state water quality standards,” said Operations Manager Joe Marcinko. “It’s an important responsibility to provide safe and reliable potable water for our customers 24/7, and we hope that they use the CCRs to learn more about their excellent water quality.”
In 2025, PWD completed more than 15,000 tests for over 80 regulated contaminants.
The CCR includes an easy-to-read Water Quality Data Chart that is divided into two standards – Primary and Secondary. Primary standards identify contaminants in water that may be immediately harmful to humans or affect their health if consumed for long periods of time. Secondary standards highlight water qualities related to aesthetics, such as taste, mineral content, odor, color and turbidity.
In addition to the water quality data, the comprehensive report has information about PWD’s four water sources – State Water Project, Littlerock Dam, groundwater wells and recycled water – and the amount supplied by each in 2025.
Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org.
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CDFW Releases Amendments on Invasive Mussel Regulations
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced amendments that would expand existing regulations to cover all invasive mussel species, including golden mussels, to align with existing Fish and Game codes.
CDFW has opened a comment period that will end on Aug. 18, when it will host a virtual public hearing. ACWA will submit written comments and attend the hearing.
While similar to invasive quagga and zebra mussels, golden mussels pose more significant challenges because they can thrive in a wider range of water conditions. They significantly impact water systems because they attach to infrastructure in dense clusters, clogging water conveyance systems, pipelines, pumps, filters, hydropower facilities and agricultural operations.
Left unaddressed, their continued spread will put massive strain on California’s water system, leading to costs which will ultimately be borne by ratepayers.
ACWA fact sheets, additional details and background are available in a July 6 ACWA Advisory. Member login is required.