July 2026 Priority Issues Update Now Available
The July 2026 Priority Issues Update is now available online to members.
The update is a summary of the latest developments on issues of interest to ACWA members. This issue contains information on ACWA’s sponsored bills, golden mussels, the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, federal funding and more.
The new and previous Priority Issues Updates can be found here.
Partnership Delivers One-Million-Gallon Reservoir to Banning Heights
BEAUMONT – More than 50 community leaders and water professionals including San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) gathered on June 11, 2026, to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Banning Heights Mutual Water Company’s (BHMWC) new one-million-gallon reservoir. This major addition to the community’s water system will provide reliable drinking water and strengthen wildfire response in the hills above Banning.
“This reservoir represents neighbors looking out for one another and agencies stepping up to solve challenges together,” said Robert Ybarra, Board President of SGPWA. “When wildfire threatens our communities, or families turn on the tap, this resource will be there doing its job. That is what public service is all about.”
The new reservoir expands drinking water storage for the 552 people who rely on BHMWC for their drinking water and will support SGPWA’s regional Heli-Hydrant network, providing rapid refill access for firefighting helicopters during wildfires. The planned Banning Heights Heli-Hydrant site will serve Banning, Banning Heights, Banning Canyon and the Morongo region. The location was selected based on lessons from the 2020 Apple Fire, which burned more than 33,000 acres nearby and forced widespread evacuations.
“Every family we serve will benefit from this project,” said BHMWC Board President Steve Romberg. “For a small mutual water company, completing a project like this is a tremendous achievement. It gives our community greater water security and strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies. We’re grateful to every partner who helped make it possible.”
The project was supported by a $3.756 million Department of Water Resources grant and gap funding from SGPWA, which kept construction moving while grant reimbursements were processed.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from leaders representing the Department of Water Resources, the City of Banning, CalMutuals, BHMWC and SGPWA while recognizing project partners, including the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and the California Rural Water Association’s Small Systems Water Assistance Program. The reservoir’s hunter green finish, selected by the BHMWC Board of Directors, also drew praise throughout the ceremony and quickly became a favorite talking point among guests.
Speakers called the project an important step toward a safer, more resilient Pass area, bolstering both residents and first responders.
For more information, visit sgpwa.com.
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About San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
Formed in 1961, SGPWA is a State Water Contractor that serves a 225-square-mile area of western Riverside County. The service area includes the cities of Calimesa, Beaumont, and Banning, and the communities of Cherry Valley, Cabazon, and the Banning Bench. In addition to importing State Water Project (SWP) water from Northern California to augment local groundwater sources, the Agency builds local system infrastructure, participates in water transfers, partners in statewide water projects and collaborates on regional water reliability and conservation efforts.
CVWD Welcomes More Than 100 Guests to Annual Water Treatment Plant Tour
RANCHO CUCAMONGA — More than 100 community members attended the Cucamonga Valley Water District’s (CVWD) annual Public Water Treatment Plant Tour on Thursday, June 25th, for a behind-the-scenes look at how safe, reliable drinking water is treated and delivered throughout the community.
The evening began at CVWD’s Environmental Learning Center, where Vice President James Curatalo welcomed attendees and highlighted the District’s commitment to community education. Guests learned about the Environmental Learning Center’s no-cost educational field trips, which serve local K-12 students throughout the school year, as well as the District’s Water Ranger Summer Camp, which introduces young learners to water science and conservation through hands-on activities.
Attendees also had the opportunity to visit educational booths hosted by several CVWD departments, including Production, Engineering and Water Resources where they learned how each team plays an important role in delivering high-quality water and wastewater services.
Following the welcome, CVWD treatment plant operators led guests through the state-of-the-art facility, showcasing the steps involved in treating, testing, and monitoring water before it reaches homes and businesses. Along the way, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the treatment process, water quality testing, and the dedicated staff who work around the clock to provide safe, reliable drinking water. The Lloyd W. Michael Water Treatment Plant plays an essential role in CVWD’s mission to provide reliable service to more than 200,000 customers across Rancho Cucamonga and portions of Fontana, Ontario, Upland, and unincorporated San Bernardino County.
“Providing opportunities like this allows our customers to see firsthand the work that goes into delivering safe, reliable drinking water every day,” said CVWD Vice President James Curatalo. “We appreciate everyone who joined us and hope they left with a greater understanding of the people, technology, and dedication behind the water they depend on.”
The Public Water Treatment Plant Tour is one of many educational outreach programs offered by CVWD to help connect the community with its local water resources. To learn more about CVWD programs, events, and services, please visit CVWDwater.com or call (855) 654-2893.
Water Management Plans Project Reliable Water Supplies Through 2050
ROWLAND HEIGHTS – Following a public hearing on May 19, the Rowland Water District (RWD) Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt the 2025 Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP) and its companion Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), demonstrating how the District will manage available water sources to meet both current and future customer needs.
State regulators require water providers to develop urban water management plans every five years. The process looks 25 years ahead, weighing climate change, population growth, conservation and infrastructure investments against projected demand under both average conditions and extreme drought. The effort confirms the long-term reliability of RWD’s supplies.
The WSCP, also required by the state, sets out how RWD would respond if a drought, regulatory cutback or other event temporarily reduced available supplies. It defines six progressively stricter shortage levels, from a shortage of up to 10% to a shortage greater than 50%, each with specific conservation measures, water-use restrictions and supply actions. The plans together provide a long-range view of water supplies and a defined response for short-term shortages.
Formally, the 2025 RUWMP reached important findings including that “the region has adequate and reliable water supplies to meet projected demands through 2050, even under extended drought conditions”; and that the region “is well positioned to adapt to future challenges, including climate change and regulatory requirements, while maintaining reliable water service for residents and businesses.”
“Our customers can rest easy, knowing that when they turn on their faucets, water will be there,” said RWD General Manager Tom Coleman. “By diversifying our water portfolio, carefully managing resources and collaborating with our regional partners, we are confident that water will be here to serve local families and businesses for many years to come.”
RWD partnered with Three Valleys Municipal Water District and six other retail agencies to develop the RUWMP. By working together on a regional plan, RWD was able to split costs with the other agencies, thereby reducing the impact on ratepayers.
Complete plans as well as information about the region’s capital improvement projects referenced in the RUWMP, are available online at www.rwd.org
Fire Readiness & Water System Rehabilitation in a Historic California City
San Juan Capistrano is one of Orange County’s most historic communities. While its rich history is part of what makes the city so special, portions of its water and wastewater infrastructure were built decades ago and now require ongoing rehabilitation and modernization to meet today’s reliability and emergency response standards.
Since assuming responsibility for San Juan Capistrano’s water and wastewater system in 2021, Santa Margarita Water District has invested more than $32.4 million in repairing, rehabilitating, and strengthening critical infrastructure throughout the community. Reservoirs have been rehabilitated, aging water and sewer pipelines have been repaired and inspected, pump stations have been upgraded, and critical monitoring systems have been modernized to improve the reliability of the services residents depend on every day.
SMWD has also made significant investments in the San Juan Groundwater Treatment Plant, upgrading treatment equipment and expanding the facility’s capacity from 2.4 million gallons per day to nearly 5 million gallons per day. This modernization strengthens SMWD’s local drinking water supply, helping reduce dependence on imported water while improving long-term water reliability.
With these critical improvements well underway, SMWD is now focused on the next phase: Fire Readiness & Water System Rehabilitation.
As one of the oldest communities in California, San Juan Capistrano has many components of its water system that were not originally designed to meet today’s fire-flow requirements or the demands of modern emergency response. To strengthen community resilience, SMWD is evaluating and prioritizing improvements that may include upsizing aging water mains, expanding storage capacity, enhancing pressure regulating systems, upgrading pump stations, strengthening emergency backup power, and rehabilitating other critical infrastructure that supports firefighters and emergency responders when it matters most.
These investments are about more than replacing aging infrastructure. They are designed to improve emergency preparedness, strengthen water system reliability, and help protect homes, businesses, and the community for generations to come.
Much of this work takes place underground and behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day. By making thoughtful, long-term investments in San Juan Capistrano’s water infrastructure, SMWD is helping preserve the city’s historic character while building a stronger, more resilient water system that is ready for the future.
Learn more at SMWD.com/SJC. View the campaign artwork (posters).
Crescenta Valley WD Celebrates Fourth with Fire Hydrant Art Project
LA CRESCENTA — As part of commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, Crescenta Valley Water District (CVWD) hosted local Girl Scout troops, community associations, and the Los Angeles County Fire and Glendale Fire Departments to transform fire hydrants into patriotic artwork.
Participants of all ages created unique designs using red, white, and blue paint that reflect both national heritage and local community pride.
“This project demonstrates the power of community partnerships and the positive impact of working together toward a common goal,” said James D. Bodnar, Board President. “The creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication shown by our Girl Scouts, volunteers, community groups, and fire department partners made this celebration exciting and meaningful.”
CVWD extends its gratitude to all participants who helped make the project meaningful and memorable. The decorated hydrants will serve as lasting reminders of community spirit, civic engagement, and the shared values that represent the ethos of the Crescenta Valley community.
For more information about Crescenta Valley Water District, visit cvwd.com.
Newsom Appoints Blumenfeld to State Water Board
Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced the appointment of Jared Blumenfeld, former California Environmental Protection Secretary, to the State Water Resources Control Board.
Blumenfeld served as California Environmental Protection Secretary from 2019 to 2022. His experience also includes serving as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2010 to 2016.
Blumenfeld will succeed former Board Member Laurel Firestone, who departed the State Water Resources Control Board on June 18. Firestone was first appointed February 2019.
Newsom also announced the reappointment of Dorene D’Adamo as Vice Chair of the State Water Board earlier this year.
Blumenfeld’s appointment requires state Senate confirmation.
“On behalf of ACWA, I congratulate Jared Blumenfeld on his appointment to the State Water Resources Control Board,” said ACWA Interim Executive Director Marwan Khalifa. “ACWA looks forward to partnering with Mr. Blumenfeld in his important role on the Board to advance collaborative solutions that balance California’s diverse water needs and strengthen the state’s long-term water resilience.
“We also extend our appreciation to the former Board Member Laurel Firestone for her dedicated service and thank Board Member D’Adamo for her continued service to advancing sound water policy for California.”
In addition to Blumenfeld and D’Adamo, the five-member State Water Board includes Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel, Sean Maguire and Nichole Morgan.
Newsom Appoints Gibson as New DWR Director
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom on June 29 appointed Thomas Gibson as Director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR). He succeeds Karla Nemeth, who joins ACWA as Executive Director effective Sept. 1. She had served as DWR Director since former Gov. Jerry Brown appointed her to the position in 2018.
Gibson’s appointment as DWR Director requires confirmation by the state Senate. He would lead DWR after serving as its Chief Deputy Director since 2024 and has extensive experience as an attorney and through executive positions at the California Natural Resources Agency and Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“ACWA staff are excited to work with Director Gibson, and we look forward to continuing our long-term collaboration with the Department of Water Resources on behalf of our member agencies,” ACWA Interim Executive Director Marwan Khalifa stated in a June 30 news release. “His years of experience at DWR, the California Natural Resources Agency and California Department of Fish and Wildlife make him an excellent selection for this vital leadership role in the California water space. This is especially true as the state faces multiple challenges in building water resiliency and identifying opportunities to establish a secure water future for California.”
Gibson, of West Sacramento, also previously served as Chief Counsel at DWR from 2021 to 2024. He held multiple positions at the California Natural Resources Agency from 2014 to 2020, including serving as Deputy Secretary and Special Counsel for Water, Undersecretary and General Counsel.
Additionally, he served in multiple positions at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2007 to 2014, including General Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel. He previously worked for Best, Best, & Krieger LLP from 2002 to 2008, including as Partner and Associate. Gibson was also an Associate at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara PC from 1999 to 2002 and at Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard PC from 1997 to 1999.
He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from University of California, Davis.
WVWD Joins Flume and WRF in Nationwide Residential End Use Study
WALNUT — Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) participated in the Residential End Uses of Water, Version 3 (REUWS 3) study, an updated and expanded assessment of water use in single-family and multi-family households across North America. WVWD is pleased to announce the release of the final report, which provides valuable data and insights to better understand residential water use and support more efficient and sustainable water management.
In partnership with Flume, Inc. (Flume) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF), WVWD was one of 52 water suppliers across the United States and Canada that participated in the study. WVWD contributed residential metered water consumption data from both single-family and multi-family accounts and supported the Flume team in implementing an internet-based customer survey.
Building on studies conducted in 1999 and 2016, the REUWS 3 study documents how residential water use has changed over the past 30 years. The study provides updated data on usage patterns and highlights improvements in water use efficiency, offering valuable insights for water utilities, water agencies, and policymakers.
Residential water use information is essential for water planning, demand forecasting, metering, efficiency and demand management programs, water loss control, plumbing product development, and supporting the long-term sustainability and resilience of communities.
Walnut Valley Water District is proud to have been part of this important study and values the opportunity to collaborate with Flume and the WRF. Partnerships like this strengthen the water industry’s collective understanding of water use, support data-driven decision-making, and advance innovative solutions that promote long-term water efficiency, sustainability, and resilience for the communities we serve.
For more information, please contact Joe at Flume directly at joe@flumewater.com
ACWA Congratulates Gibson on Appointment to Lead DWR
SACRAMENTO – ACWA Interim Executive Director Marwan Khalifa issued the following statement in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointment of Thomas Gibson as the new Director of the California Department of Water Resources.
“ACWA congratulates Thomas Gibson on his appointment as California Department of Water Resources Director. ACWA staff are excited to work with Director Gibson, and we look forward to continuing our long-term collaboration with the Department of Water Resources on behalf of our member agencies.
“His years of experience at DWR, the California Natural Resources Agency and California Department of Fish and Wildlife make him an excellent selection for this vital leadership role in the California water space. This is especially true as the state faces multiple challenges in building water resiliency and identifying opportunities to establish a secure water future for California.”
Gibson succeeds DWR Director Karla Nemeth, who joins ACWA as its next Executive Director, effective Sept. 1.