EBMUD Announces Resignation of Board Member John A. Coleman

Water District Recognized for Excellent Financial Performance

ROWLAND HEIGHTS – S&P Global Ratings (S&P) has elevated Rowland Water District’s (RWD) long-term credit rating from AA- to AA. The rating is among the highest possible given by S&P for District’s of similar size, underscoring RWD’s fiscal accountability to its customers and stakeholders.

S&P specifically highlights RWD’s stable fiscal outlook. The District has strong debt coverage and liquidity levels, including a low debt burden at 32.8 percent debt-to-capitalization. S&P expects this figure to strengthen with the District’s fully cash-funded five-year capital improvement plan.

“Our goal is to be a steady resource for our community, and the S&P credit rating underlines our efforts,” said Myra Malner, Director of Finance. “Just as we are stewards of our regional water supply, we handle our funding and financial position with the same responsibility.”

S&P considered RWD’s rate structure, which includes a drought surcharge and a 45 percent fixed component. This balanced structure offsets the high cost of imported water, allowing RWD to recoup its operating and maintenance fees and ensure financial stability during dry years. Customers benefit from this rate stabilization and flexibility.

RWD’s proactive and comprehensive management policies impacted their AA credit rating. These policies help the District provide reliable services to its 55,000 customers while continuing to carefully manage the funds the public entrusts to them.

S&P predicts that RWD’s financial performance will remain strong thanks to its approved rate plan through 2026 and the lack of additional debt plans.

To learn more, visit rwd.org.

###

About Rowland Water District

Rowland Water District was formed 70 years ago to provide water service to 200 ranchers and farmers in a rural, agricultural community. Over the years, the District has evolved to meet the changing needs of a dynamic and rapidly growing customer base. Rowland Water currently delivers 14 million gallons of safe drinking water to about 55,000 people every day. The District maintains 150 miles of potable water pipeline and 25 miles of recycled water pipeline to serve 13,800 customer connections across 17.2 square miles in southeast Los Angeles County, including portions of Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, and the cities of Industry and West Covina.

Kristine McCaffrey Takes the Helm at Calleguas MWD

After more than three decades of dedicated service to providing safe, clean drinking water to the majority of Ventura County, Calleguas Municipal Water District General Manager Tony Goff announced today that he will be stepping away as leader of the organization. Goff began his career at the District in 1989, serving in a variety of roles, including Manager of Operations and Maintenance and Operations and Water Quality Supervisor, before taking on the role of General Manager in 2019. His legacy includes not only technical and operational accomplishments, but also achievements in creating a collaborative and supportive workplace, promoting regional cooperation, and tirelessly advocating for Ventura County water supply reliability.

Calleguas Board of Directors President Scott Quady remarked, “Tony has served Calleguas with the utmost professionalism and dedication during his 35-year tenure. From his start as a Water Treatment Operator, to working his way up to supervisory and management roles, and ultimately serving as General Manager, his knowledge, expertise, and team-focused approach have earned him the respect of colleagues both inside and outside of the District. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Tony for his exemplary service throughout the years, and wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter of life.”

Perhaps no event posed greater challenges than California’s recent historic droughts, during which Ventura County experienced unprecedented water shortages requiring severe cutbacks. However, out of that emerged Calleguas’s “New Model for Resilience,” the Board of Directors’ vision for how the District and Ventura County region can better prepare for tomorrow by working together. Goff spent the last two years of his tenure laying the groundwork, through organizational changes and program initiation, for Calleguas to flourish in this new era of regional water resilience.

“When I began my career at Calleguas in the 1980s, I never could have imagined where my path would lead,” said Goff. “I’ve been honored to work with some of the finest professionals in the water industry serving the community that I love, and I’m so proud to have been part of the projects and programs that have increased water reliability for Ventura County. I want to express my deep appreciation for the Board’s support and vision for the future, which will carry the District forward in new ways. I’m confident that the District will continue to fulfill its core mission with innovation and integrity, supported by exceptional staff and in partnership with our purveyors, community, and Southern California water suppliers.”

Goff’s departure marks the end of an era for Calleguas Municipal Water District, but his influence will continue to resonate. Deputy General Manager Kristine McCaffrey, who has worked at the District for 20 years alongside Goff, will step into the role of General Manager effective immediately. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to step into this role at such a critical time for the District and, really, for all of us,” said McCaffrey. “Our changing climate presents extraordinary challenges for water management, but is also forcing us to try new approaches and work together in new ways. Tony brought us through an incredibly difficult period, between the pandemic and the worst drought on record, and we emerged in better shape, from an organizational perspective, than we’ve ever been in. On behalf of the staff, we’re all incredibly grateful for his leadership. I’m inspired and encouraged by the Board’s confidence in me to help the District fulfill their vision. There is much work to do and I’m excited to get underway.”

McCaffrey is spearheading several initiatives derived directly from the Board’s 2023 Strategic Plan, including unwavering advocacy at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for equitable water service and pursuing transformative partnerships through regional water resource development. With a wide variety of experience both prior to and during her two-decade tenure at Calleguas, McCaffrey is perfectly suited to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the region’s water management. Having built and managed exceptional teams at the District, she will provide the stability and maintain the momentum the District and the region need.

“Responding to system changes is not just limited to water supply,” President Quady noted, “and it is a testament to the District’s institutional agility that Kristine is ready, willing, and able to step into this role. As President of the Board, and a longtime resident of the District, I am proud of the work this organization has done over the course of decades to invest in staff development and succession planning.”

Goff leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, resilience, and a deeply ingrained culture of excellence. The Board, management, and staff of Calleguas Municipal Water District extend their heartfelt gratitude for his years of dedicated service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

###

ACWA Announces Spring Conference Keynote Speaker

ACWA 2024 Spring Conference & Expo coming to Sacramento May 7-9 will feature a keynote address from Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) President and CEO Tani Cantil-Sakauye.

Cantil-Sakauye was selected to lead the PPIC at the beginning of 2023. Previously, she served 12 years as the 28th Chief Justice of California, where she led the state’s highest court as its first person of color and second woman to occupy the Chief Justice position.

As PPIC President and CEO, Cantil-Sakauye oversees a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that works to improve public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. A significant part of that work includes a highly influential role as the premier source of research and analysis within the California water space.

The upcoming conference will include several new and improved features that debuted during the ACWA 2023 Fall Conference & Expo that brought more value to attendees.

In addition to the changes, planning is currently underway to provide the same valuable information attendees expect with discussion panels, roundtable talks and region discussions that will explore the latest policy developments, emerging trends and best practices in the California water industry. There will also be ample opportunity to network and connect with peers.

The popular Exhibit Hall will also offer innovative products and services specifically designed for water agency professionals. Continuing education will also be available for attorney, finance, energy, communications and drinking water operator professionals.

Additionally, ACWA will continue its group savings offer. If an attending agency or organization registers five individuals, it will receive a sixth registration free of charge.

To learn more and register, visit online at www.acwa.com/events. For more information on securing a space in the Exhibit Hall, contact ACWA Business Development Representative Joseph Ramos.

WVWD Announces Launch of New Website

• User-friendly search function to help users navigate and easily find critical information;
• Improved accessibility to allow all users access to WVWD’s online resources; and
• A refreshed and responsive design for optimal viewing across devices

# # #

ACWA Members Should Check Opt-Out Status for DuPont PFAS Settlement

ACWA member agencies opting out of the Dupont settlement agreement regarding PFAS contamination now have a way to check the status of their requests. 

The court overseeing the settlement recently released a Notice Administrator Report that showed only 170 out of 1,000 opt-out requests filed by water agencies were accepted. In response, the court released an order to provide additional guidelines to the Notice Administrator for reviewing opt-out request compliance.  

Water agencies that want to determine the status of their filing for the PFAS settlement can call a hotline number at (855) 972-9592.  

For information about the proposed settlements, visit the official PFAS settlements website. 

Second Snow Survey Shows Modest Improvement for Snowpack

SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the second snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 29 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 10 inches, which is 58 percent of average for this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

Today’s results reflect a modest increase in the snowpack since January 1, but overall conditions are still far below normal. DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the state indicate that the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 8.4 inches, or 52 percent of average for this date, an improvement from just 28 percent of average on January 1. One year ago, the snowpack statewide was 214 percent of average on February 1.

“This year’s El Niño has delivered below average precipitation and an even smaller snowpack,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Californians must prepare for all possible conditions during the remaining months of the rainy season.”

Despite additional precipitation in January, many storms so far this year have been warmer than average, producing rain rather than snow at higher elevations. Overall statewide precipitation is 82 percent of average for this date. Last year’s snowpack was aided by both above average precipitation and below average temperatures, which created a historic snowpack and improved reservoir storage statewide, which is still above average. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, is currently 76 percent of average.

“Despite strong El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean, a high-pressure system and several other climate factors have led to below average conditions so far and most storm impacts have been focused along the coastal regions,” said Dr. Michael Anderson, State Climatologist with DWR. “Many of these storms have also been warmer than average and produced more rain and less snow, a far cry from last year’s near-record snowpack and once again demonstrating how California can swing from one extreme to another.”

Coachella Valley WD Welcomes New Director of Finance

Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is introducing a new District Executive team member.

Karla Romero, who served as CVWD Controller for a year, has accepted the post of Director of Finance.

She has more than 14 years of government finance experience, most recently as Finance Director/City Treasurer for Brawley, where she also stepped in as Acting City Manager in the absence of the City Manager.

Previously, Romero was Finance Director/City Treasurer for the City of La Quinta and Senior Accountant for the Indio Water Authority.

At CVWD, she will oversee the District’s finances and manage the accounting, finance, and procurement departments.

Romero holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

She is a member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and the Government Finance Officers Association.

Romero replaces former Director of Finance Richard R. Aragon, who has accepted a post as Chief Financial Officer at the Rainbow Municipal Water District in Fallbrook.

Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of directors. The District provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and reclamation services, regional stormwater protection, groundwater management and water conservation. It serves approximately 113,000 residential and business customers across 1,000 square miles, located primarily in Riverside County and in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties.

###

Media Contact: Lorraine Garcia, Lorraine.Garcia@cvwd.org, (760) 398-2661, ext. 2549, or (760) 695-4007

Dr. Kimberly Cox Selected as MWA Board President

APPLE VALLEY — Dr. Kimberly Cox, longtime Mojave Water Agency Board Member, was recently selected as President at the board’s annual reorganization meeting.  The Agency is governed by a seven-member elected board. Cox, who was first elected to the board in 2003, serves Division 1.

“Water has never been a more critical issue in our state than it is right now,” said Dr. Cox. “It is an honor to serve the Agency during this time as we deal with regional growth, cyclical droughts, and challenging water legislation.”

The annual reorganization also installed Division 5 Director Rick Roelle as Vice President, Division 2 Director Marina West as Secretary, and Division 4 Director Mike Page as Treasurer. The Board of Directors is rounded out by Division 3 Director Kathy Hoffman, Division 6 Director Jesse Ramirez, and Division 7 Director Michael Limbaugh.

Mojave Water Agency is a water wholesaler that serves a 4,900-square-mile service area. As one of 29 State Water Contractors, the Agency is permitted to deliver water from the California Aqueduct. The MWA is also the entity charged with implementing the adjudication, a court sanctioned groundwater management system designed to gradually bring water used in balance with the available supply.

In addition to her duties on the Mojave Water Agency Board, Cox serves as the General Manager for the Helendale Community Services District, a position she has held since 2007. She previously worked for the cities of Hesperia and Victorville, and as an instructor at Victor Valley College. Dr Cox is also an adjunct faculty member at California Baptist University in Riverside.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business management, a Master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Water Resource Management, and a Doctorate in Public Administration.

The Mojave Water Agency Board of Directors meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the board room at 13846 Conference Center Drive in Apple Valley. Public participation is encouraged. For more information, visit the Agency’s website at www.mojavewater.org or follow us on social media @mojavewater.

New Report Confirms Benefits of FIRO Strategy at Prado Dam

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – A new report illustrates the benefits of the Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) which will soon be implemented at Prado Dam. This innovative strategy, developed collaboratively by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Orange County Water District (OCWD), and the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, is poised to revolutionize water resource management.

The report, titled the Prado Dam FIRO Final Viability Assessment, describes how forecasting tools can allow operators to increase the volume of stormwater that is temporarily retained behind the dam and released later at a rate that allows recharge into the Orange County groundwater basin to enhance water supply. FIRO enables the optimization of stormwater capture at Prado Dam through advanced forecasting of atmospheric rivers (ARs). These forecasts are crucial in managing both beneficial precipitation and flood risks in California.

The findings quantify FIRO effectiveness, revealing an average annual increase of 4,000-6,000 acre-feet of groundwater recharge, which is enough water for 32,000 to 48,000 people per year. In a wet year, FIRO could provide up to 23,000 acre-feet of additional recharge, which is enough water for over 180,000 people. Implementing FIRO at Prado Dam would result in a significant boost in water supply, valued at millions of dollars, and a positive impact on flood risk management.

OCWD President Cathy Green highlights the local benefits, stating, “It has been tremendously rewarding to partner with Scripps, USACE and other key stakeholders on this project, which will increase water supply reliability for the region. Local capture decreases the reliance on imported water, which is increasingly more expensive and less reliable.”

“FIRO pilot sites like Prado Dam add valuable experience to our agency’s understanding about how to implement FIRO in various kinds of watersheds and reservoirs, enabling us to find better balances between multiple authorized purposes such as flood-risk management, water supply and ecological benefits at our reservoirs. FIRO is also a powerful tool in adding flexibility to water management practice that improves the resiliency of existing infrastructure to better face the challenges presented by a changing climate” said Cary A. Talbot, with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and FIRO program national lead for the Corps.

The first FIRO pilot study was at Lake Mendocino on the Russian River. Implementation of FIRO at Lake Mendocino was shown to increase water supply by nearly 20 percent. At Prado Dam, FIRO is expected to increase average stormwater recharge by 8 to 11 percent. Additional sites are being evaluated as part of a broader assessment by the USACE and CW3E including Seven Oaks Dam in San Bernardino, Calif., and Howard Hanson Dam near Seattle, Wash., with a nationwide screening process underway. Advances in atmospheric river forecasting, supported by CW3E’s Atmospheric River Reconnaissance program that collects data on these storms from Air Force and NOAA “Hurricane Hunters,” and partnerships including California’s Department of Water Resources, have significantly improved forecast reliability, aiding dam operators in effective water management.

Marty Ralph, chief scientist for the FIRO National Expansion Pathfinder and director of CW3E commented: “This FVA represents the second completed FIRO assessment, and like the first, demonstrates the positive impacts of using atmospheric river forecasts to enhance operational flexibility at a major dam. These scientific and engineering results are a key milestone towards incorporating FIRO more formally into the future rules that govern Prado Dam operations. The success of FIRO hinges on improvements in forecast skill and that skill is founded on scientific knowledge, specialized observations, and specialized forecast tools. Further advances in forecast skill are likely to enable greater flexibility in the future as we better anticipate where and when ARs will strike.”

Justin Gay, deputy district engineer of the USACE Los Angeles District, which maintains Prado Dam, reflects on the project’s historical context: “For several decades, Prado Dam has served its purpose well. The dam has reduced the flood risk for Orange County, while also balancing water conservation, ecological and recreational benefits. FIRO provides an opportunity to further enhance our dam operations to reduce flood risk for Orange County and provide water conservation and ecological benefits.”

Michael Anderson, state climatologist with the California Department of Water Resources, sums up the collaborative effort: “The Prado Dam FIRO project is an example of how multiple agencies can collaborate to collectively explore the potential of emerging technologies and improved forecasts and create an adaptive strategy with multiple benefits for water management in a changing climate.”

“FIRO ensures that the huge investment we’ve made in Prado Dam infrastructure provides the greatest benefits possible,” said James Tyler, senior engineering manager at Orange County Public Works.

The success of the Prado Dam FIRO project showcases the efficacy of innovative water management strategies and sets a precedent for similar innovations across other USACE reservoirs nationwide. With the completion of this Final Viability Assessment, the FIRO strategy is set to be tested at Prado Dam over the next several years with the goal of making this a permanent feature of Prado Dam operations by 2027.

To view photos and videos related to Prado Dam FIRO Final Availability Assessment, please visit the atmospheric river multimedia gallery.