Association of California Water Agencies

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Erik K. Weigand Appointed to Orange County Water District Board

FOUNTAIN VALLEY– The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) Board of Directors announces the appointment of Erik K. Weigand to the Division 7 seat, formerly held by the late Kelly Rowe. Weigand, a Newport Beach Council Member with over 20 years of experience in legislative, political, and public policy domains, took the oath of office during the Board meeting on January 17. He immediately commenced his role, actively participating in his inaugural session and demonstrating his commitment to the District’s goals.

An Orange County native, Weigand expressed his dedication to furthering OCWD’s innovative water supply initiatives, including the globally acclaimed Groundwater Replenishment System. “Joining the OCWD Board is an immense honor, and I look forward to collaborating on policies that will augment our water supply and its reliability – a crucial resource,” Weigand stated. “I am committed to serving my constituents and maintaining local stewardship of our water resources.”

Weigand’s extensive public service background, including his ongoing role with the Newport Beach City Council and former position as a city planning commissioner, equips him with valuable insights for his new role at OCWD.

OCWD President Cathy Green warmly welcomed Weigand to the Board. “Erik’s extensive experience in public policy and his commitment to community service make him an ideal representative for the 2.5 million people we serve,” Green commented.

Weigand will represent Division 7, encompassing Costa Mesa and parts of Irvine and Newport Beach, until November 2024 when the seat is up for general election.

The OCWD Board of Directors, a 10-member body representing various divisions and cities in north and central Orange County, is integral in guiding the District’s strategies and initiatives. Detailed information about the Board and individual director biographies can be found on the OCWD website.

DWR Completes GSP Reviews for High, Medium Priority Basins

SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) marked a major milestone in long-term water supply management efforts today with the completion of the review process of groundwater sustainability plans for high and medium priority groundwater basins in the state. The plans were prepared and submitted at the local level for the first time, ensuring that communities near these precious resources have a significant role in ensuring their sustainability.

California’s groundwater basins, which collectively make up a massive underground reservoir, provide a critical water supply for 15.4 million people, especially during dry years when surface water supplies are lacking. As California adapts to a hotter, drier future, these groundwater supplies will become a more vital resource for local water agencies and agriculture.

In 2014, the state legislature passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), establishing a statewide framework to help protect groundwater resources over time. For each high and medium priority basin, local groundwater sustainability agencies are tasked with preparing and implementing groundwater sustainability plans to help ensure current and long-term water supply resiliency for the communities, households, industries, and environmental habitats that are dependent upon them.

Among other issues, the groundwater sustainability plans address overdraft, which is when the average annual amount of groundwater extraction exceeds the long-term average annual supply of water to the basin. Negative effects of overdraft can include seawater intrusion, land subsidence, groundwater depletion, and chronic lowering of groundwater levels. Some basins are at risk of critical overdraft, meaning that the continuation of present water management practices will likely result in significant adverse overdraft-related environmental, social, or economic impacts.

“It is remarkable that now, for the first time under SGMA, groundwater basins that make up 98 percent of the state’s groundwater use are being actively managed by local agencies with locally developed groundwater sustainability plans that have undergone initial review, said Paul Gosselin, Deputy Director of DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Office. “Since 2014, local agencies, with state support, have met every ambitious milestone required by SGMA, and with today’s announcement, DWR has met the required deadline to review and issue determinations for all initial groundwater sustainability plans. The work does not stop here and DWR will continue to partner with local agencies to build a more sustainable water future for all Californians.”

In the final round of reviews for 17 plans released today, DWR has approved ten plans, and deemed seven plans incomplete.

DWR has approved plans for the following basins:

DWR has deemed the following basin plans incomplete:

For those basins that have been deemed incomplete, groundwater sustainability agencies have 180 days to revise and resubmit their plans. Upon evaluation of resubmitted plans, DWR will determine that the basin is either approved or inadequate. An inadequate determination will initiate consultation with the State Water Resources Control Board for possible State intervention.

The complete DWR release can be viewed here.

The Sterling Natural Resource Center Recycled its ‘First Drop’ of Water

HIGHLAND – East Valley Water District has begun operations at the Sterling Natural Resource Center (SNRC), a state-of-the-art reclamation facility and community center that will recycle up to 8 million gallons of wastewater per day. The first indirect potable reuse project in the region will replenish the local groundwater basin that is at historic low levels and is the source of water for approximately 650,000 people. A significant milestone in operations was reached with the SNRC officially recycling its ‘first drop’ of water. The SNRC broke ground in October 2018, paving the pathway to a water resilient future by creating a new, sustainable source of water for the community. The new treatment plant, community center, recharge basins and pipelines were fast-tracked using a design-build delivery method. The community has widely supported the project that will be net-zero energy when fully operational. The SNRC’s Administrative Center, located on the western portion, was completed in July 2022 and includes a customer service center, banquet hall for special events and meetings, and demonstration garden displaying water-efficient landscape. “While small in size, the first water drop presents a big milestone for our community and region,” said Michael Moore, General Manager/CEO. “Years of planning, design, construction, and testing come to fruition with this water drop. East Valley Water District is now ready to recycle wastewater and create a sustainable future for generations to come.” “The Sterling Natural Resource Center was built on the commitment of improving quality of life and making every source a resource,” said James Morales Jr., Chairman of the East Valley Water District Board. “This investment was a bold move for the District, and today we celebrate this major achievement for our customers.” An official ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the SNRC’s plant operation is scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2024. Community members are invited to join the celebration and learn about the facility. The Sterling Natural Resource Center is a $250 million project funded by a variety of sources. Low interest loans, grants, and regional infrastructure partnerships have been provided in full or in part by the Proposition 1 – the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Urban Greening Grant, and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District- Regional Recycled Water Program.
For information about East Valley Water District and the Sterling Natural Resource Center, visit eastvalley.org/SNRC. ### East Valley Water District was formed in 1954 and provides water and wastewater services to over 107,000 residents within the City of Highland and portions of both the City and County of San Bernardino. EVWD operates under the direction of a 5-member elected Board. More information is available at www.eastvalley.org.

MSWD Appoints Brian Macy as General Manager

Mission Springs Water District is pleased to announce the official appointment of Brian Macy as General Manager after the unanimous approval of his contract (5-0) by the Board of Directors.

“The decision to appoint Brian as the permanent General Manager comes after a thorough evaluation of his performance, dedication, and ability to lead the District effectively,” said Board President Ivan Sewell. “The Board of Directors is confident that he is the right person to continue leading the water district towards continued success.”

Following the retirement of 18-year General Manager Arden Wallum in August, Macy has served in the interim general manager position. During this time, he has focused on improving District transparency and has overseen several notable projects, including the District’s new strategic plan, financial master plan, and new wastewater pre-treatment guidelines, all currently under development.

He has also been instrumental in the continued construction of the Nancy Wright Regional Water Reclamation Facility and the accompanying Conveyance Line Project, one of the largest endeavors ever undertaken by the District.

On Tuesday, the Board of Directors approved a three-year contract with General Manager Macy, reflecting MSWD’s commitment to long-term stability. General Manager Macy will oversee the District’s day-to-day operations and implement strategic initiatives that ensure the agency’s long-term success.

“It is an honor to continue leading the dedicated staff of MSWD, and I am grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the Board of Directors,” said General Manager Macy. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our team to ensure the continued delivery of our award-winning water and reliable wastewater services.

General Manager Macy joined the District in 2019 as the Assistant General Manager. An accomplished leader with over 30 years of engineering and management experience overseeing operations and the strategic planning of water districts, he has a proven track record of successful leadership.

He previously served as the General Manager of Indio Water Authority (2013-2018) and was the Assistant General Manager at Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (2018-2019). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Ohio Northern University and is a licensed civil engineer in California and Ohio.

 

Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez Elected New President of PWD Board of Directors

PALMDALE – Three-term Palmdale Water District (PWD) Board Director Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez is the new Board President following a recent change of officers. The Board voted 4-0 to have President Mac Laren-Gomez take the helm from Director Don Wilson, who served one year in the top leadership position.  The five-member Board currently has a vacancy in Division 3.  The application period for the seat that will be filled by Board appointment is open until Feb. 4. During the change of officers, Director Scott Kellerman remained the Vice-President.  Director Wilson took the role of Treasurer while Director Vincent Dino was elected Secretary.  The Division 3 replacement will be the Assistant Secretary.  The assignments expire in January 2025. “It is always a great honor to serve as the PWD Board President,” said President Mac Laren-Gomez.  “I am grateful to my fellow Directors who trust me with this huge responsibility.  I am excited to lead this united Board and can’t wait for a new member to join us as we continue advocating for the people who elect us.” President Mac Laren-Gomez will receive the gavel and preside over her first meeting on Monday, Jan. 22. In addition to representing PWD’s Division 4, President Mac Laren-Gomez is an Antelope Valley State Water Contractors Association Commissioner, the Public Water Agency Director on the Antelope Valley Watermaster Board, and an Alternate Board Member of the Palmdale Recycled Water Authority.  She also is the PWD Board’s alternate liaison for Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency and United Water Conservation District, and chairs PWD’s Personnel and Outreach committees. In 2011, she was elected to her first term on the PWD Board and served as Board President from 2013 to 2015.  A Palmdale resident since 1989, she served two terms on the city of Palmdale’s Planning Commission and is a past president of the Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise.  She works in business development for IBEW/NECA. 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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ACWA Hires New Director of Federal Relations

ACWA has hired Ian Lyle as its new Director of Federal Relations to lead its advocacy team in Washington D.C., including advocating on behalf of member agencies before Congress and at federal executive branch agencies.

He replaces David Reynolds, who retired in December after 30 years at ACWA.

Lyle has two decades of experience working collaboratively with federal, state and local partners. He worked for 10 years in Congress, including for the Water and Power Subcommittee. Subsequently he worked for nearly a decade in advocacy and management work in the nonprofit association sector.

His nonprofit association experience includes serving from 2014 through 2022 at the National Water Resources Association (NWRA) first as Director of Federal Affairs and then as its Executive Vice President. ACWA is a member of NWRA. Most recently, he worked at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, an organization that provides at-cost power to 42 million people across 48 states.

“We are incredibly fortunate in being able to bring Ian into ACWA,” said ACWA Executive Director Dave Eggerton. “He has an exceptional combination of relevant experience, the utmost professionalism, and the personality and demeanor to excel in this position. He knows California water policy and many of our member agencies.”

Lyle has experience testifying before Congress, engaging news media, speaking at numerous congressional roundtables, and planning and executing dozens of conferences.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to become part of the exceptional ACWA team,” Lyle said. “ACWA and its members are on the leading edge of efforts to address the many challenges facing public water agencies. I am excited to join this critically important effort.”

He will be attending ACWA’s 2024 Spring Conference & Expo in Sacramento and looks forward to getting to know more of ACWA’s members.

Otay Water District Board Elects Jose Lopez as 2024 Board President

SPRING VALLEY – At its January meeting, the Otay Water District board of directors elected new officers to lead the District’s board for 2024. The board elected director Jose Lopez, who represents division four, as president. The board also elected board member Ryan Keyes, serving division two, as vice president, and Mark Robak, serving division five, as treasurer. President Jose LopezLopez’s election as president follows one year of board leadership under past president Mark Robak. Lopez will serve as president through January 2025 when officer elections will again take place. He has served most recently on the District’s board since December 2020. He also served on the Otay board from 2001 to 2016. “I am honored and humbled by the trust that my fellow water board members place in me by electing me as president. Serving our customers in this role is a responsibility I take seriously,” says Lopez. “As we embark on this journey together, my focus will be on fostering collaboration, transparency, and sustainable water management practices. Our community’s access to high quality and reliable water is of utmost importance, and I am committed to working diligently to ensure the continued well-being of our residents. I look forward to building upon the solid foundation laid by my predecessors and collaborating with our dedicated board and staff to address the opportunities and challenges ahead.” In 2023, Lopez served as vice president of the board. Last year, he also served on the District’s engineering, operations, water resources, desalination project, and ad hoc legal services committees. He also represents the District at various local organizations and taskforces including the OWD and Sweetwater Authority Task Force to develop recycled water opportunities, Water Conservation Garden Authority, and South County Economic Development Council. Lopez also previously held the position of treasurer in 2004, 2021, and 2022. Also, during his tenure on the Otay board from 2001 to 2016, he served as president of the board in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2012 to 2015. He also served as vice president from 2006 to 2010, and 2016. Lopez retired as an Assistant Fire Marshal from the San Diego Fire Department in 2011. He also served on the San Diego County Water Authority board from 2002 to 2003. He has an Associate of Science in Fire Science/Fire Suppression from San Diego Miramar College and attended the University of California, San Diego. In addition, Lopez has served as a member of the South Bay Forum since 1998, City of Chula Vista Safety Commission from 1999 to 2008, and Board of Appeals and Advisors Commission from 2009 to 2014. He currently lives in Chula Vista, California, with his wife Bertha, and enjoys spending time with his grandkids. Lopez enjoys traveling and has traveled to 45 countries so far. About the Board of Directors The five-member board of directors is the governing body of the District and is responsible for setting rates for service, taxes, policies, ordinances, adopting the annual budget and other matters related to the management and operation of the water agency. Voters within each of the District’s five divisions elect a director to represent the public’s interest on the board. Directors serve four-year terms in office. Following the vote of officers by the board at its meeting, each of the directors immediately assumed all powers and duties of an officer of the board of directors. To learn more about the District’s board, terms, and service area, visit otaywater.gov/board-of-directors. About the Otay Water District The Otay Water District is a public agency providing water, recycled water, and sewer service to more than 240,000 customers within approximately 125 square miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of eastern Chula Vista, Bonita, Jamul, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa, and eastern Otay Mesa along the international border with Mexico. For more information on the Otay Water District, visit otaywater.gov.  

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Zone 7 Director to Serve Third Term as Chair of Los Vaqueros Reservoir JPA

CONCORD – Angela Ramirez Holmes of the Zone 7 Board of Directors will serve a third term as Chair of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority (JPA). The JPA Board voted unanimously to retain the current leadership for the ensuing one-year term at their January 11, 2024, board meeting. “I am pleased to continue to serve as the Chair of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir JPA. This important regional partnership continues to make progress on bringing a reliable water supply and public benefits to Bay Area and Central Valley water users and wildlife refuges. We look forward to continuing our efforts in 2024,” said Board Chair Angela Ramirez Holmes. The Los Vaqueros Reservoir JPA leadership includes: Election of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir JPA officers occurs every January at the regularly scheduled Board meeting. Officers serve a one-year term. Zone 7 worked collaboratively as one of eight regional water agencies to form the JPA in October 2021 to govern the Project. The Project will increase Bay Area and Central Valley water supply reliability, develop water supplies for wildlife refuges, and improve water quality while protecting Delta fisheries and providing additional Delta ecosystem benefits. When completed, it will increase the Los Vaqueros Reservoir capacity from 160,000 acre-feet to 275,000 acre-feet and add new and modified conveyance facilities to provide environmental, water supply reliability, operational flexibility, water quality, and recreational benefits. The Project has been approved for $477 million from California Proposition 1 funds and $174 million for construction from federal appropriations to date. The remainder of project costs will be covered by additional federal funding and JPA Member contributions. While the project could potentially provide new supplies from the Delta, Zone 7 is primarily looking at the Project as additional local storage upstream of Zone 7’s system, making it more accessible. Zone 7 could store excess supplies in Los Vaqueros Reservoir for later use during droughts or emergencies when supplemental supplies are needed. With a new connection to the SBA, the Project also provides the benefit of emergency conveyance, a crucial element for when there are pumping restrictions in the Delta, thus adding much needed operational flexibility, particularly in times of drought. The project would improve water supply reliability by increasing accessible local storage and providing alternative/emergency conveyance when Delta pumping is restricted. To learn more about the Project, and the suite of possible solutions that Zone 7 is evaluating to ensure continued water resiliency and supply reliability for the Tri-Valley visit https://trivalleywater.org/los-vaqueros-reservoir-expansion/. To learn more about the Los Vaqueros JPA, visit https://losvaquerosjpa.com/ ### 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 over a quarter million 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.

EVMWD Director Burke Reappointed to US EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee

LAKE ELSINORE — Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) is pleased to announce the reappointment of Director Darcy M. Burke to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC).

Director Burke, serving on the EVMWD Board of Directors since 2018, will continue as a critical member of the LGAC for a new term spanning December 2023 to January 2026. The LGAC, established in 1993, plays a pivotal role as an advisory body to the US EPA, providing essential guidance on a broad spectrum of environmental policies and programs.

Burke, recognized for her wealth of experience, strong advocacy for responsible water management and environmental stewardship, is an ideal representative for local government on the LGAC.

“I am honored to be reappointed to the LGAC,” said Burke. “Collaborating with local leaders from across the nation has resulted in policies that safeguard public health, protect our environment, and ensure the vibrancy of our communities. I look forward to continuing this important work.”

Greg Thomas, EVMWD’s General Manager, acknowledged Director Burke’s continued commitment to public service. He stated, “Darcy Burke’s dedication and contributions to the LGAC highlights her steadfast commitment to providing a world of experience and expertise across multiple spectrums and prioritizing the needs of our local communities on this crucial advisory committee. She is a voice of reason to help the Committee make sound recommendations to the EPA and safeguarding public health.”

Director Burke, as one of the two LGAC members from California, contributes to the committee’s female majority, marking the first time in its history that the LGAC group is predominantly composed of women. The selection of 37 members from over 60 highly qualified candidates reflects the committee’s commitment to diverse representation in terms of geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and stakeholder perspective.

In addition to her role on the EVMWD board, Burke has held diverse positions in the water sector, including Director of Public Affairs for the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and former Executive Director for The Center for Water Education, a non-profit associated with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. She also served as the former Executive Director of the California Nevada Section, American Water Works Association (CA-NV-AWWA). Burke’s extensive background encompasses past membership in the California Department of Public Health Services Title 22 Technical Advisory Committee and the founding of the (CA-NV-AWWA) Water College. Holding a bachelor’s degree in international business & marketing from Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles, she also earned a master’s in business administration with an emphasis in organizational leadership.

For more information about the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and its services, please visit www.evmwd.com.

 

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EVMWD provides service to more than 159,000 water and wastewater customers in a 97-square-mile area in Western Riverside County. The EVMWD team delivers total water management that powers the health and vibrancy of its communities so life can flourish.

Mojave Water Agency Awards Scholarship for Student Essay

APPLE VALLEY — When shortening showers, removing grass, and turning off the faucet aren’t enough, what other actions can you take to conserve water, regardless if we are in a drought or a deluge? This was the 2024 essay contest question posed to high school students living within the Mojave Water Agency’s 4,900-square-mile service area.

Hesperia High School senior, Alexis Cisneros, rose to the top of 42 entrants to earn a $3,000 scholarship. Oak Hills High School sophomore, Mariana Strong, and Oak Hills High School junior, Diego Cruz, came in as runners up to secure $1,000 scholarships.

“This was a very timely topic for the students to address,” said Mojave Water Agency Board President, Dr. Kimberly Cox. “Ever-changing state regulations continue to create a burden for water service providers and their customers to further cut back on water usage, and our students may very well have the answer to this challenge.”

Securing the first-place spot in this annual event is a multi-faceted process. Essays were reviewed by an independent panel of judges who determined the three finalists. This year’s judges were Jisela Corona-Gonzalez, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for the Academy for Academic Excellence; Shannon Dunkle, Public Relations Specialist for the Town of Apple Valley; and Miriam Munoz, Public Information Officer for the City of Barstow.

All three finalists were then paired with a community mentor to steward them through the next phase of the competition, which included turning their essay into a presentation they delivered in front of the judges and an audience of friends, family, and Mojave Water Agency staff.

This year’s mentors included Hesperia City Manager, Rachel Molina, who guided Cisneros to her first-place win; Terry Saenz, Public Relations and Marketing Manager for ICR Staffing, who coached Strong; and Chris Nunez, Director of Fund Development & Scholarships at Victor Valley College Foundation, who mentored Cruz.

In addition to her $3,000 scholarship, Cisneros will reprise her presentation to an estimated 300 high school and middle school students at the Agency’s upcoming Innovators High Desert Water Summit on Feb. 9. This event is free and open to schools within the Agency’s service area. Bus stipends are available for schools to attend, and lunch is included. Contact efratt@mojavewater.org or call (760) 946-7000 ext. 7054 to register or for more information.

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