Congressman Issa Proposes $850,000 for Rancho Water Pipeline Project
Congressman Darrell Issa has recommended $850,000 in federal funding for Rancho California Water District’s (Rancho Water/District) Pipeline Infrastructure Protection and Economic Security Project (PIPES). The funding has been proposed to be secured through the Environmental Protection Agency’s State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program and represents one of the highest funded requests in the region.
The PIPES project will replace segments of high-risk water pipelines throughout Rancho Water’s service areas in Temecula, Murrieta, and surrounding communities to improve water service reliability for homes, businesses, and agricultural operations. The project areas were identified through data-driven analysis with pipe replacements reducing service disruptions, limiting costly emergency repairs, and protecting the economic activity that relies on dependable water delivery. Improving the resilience of the regional drinking water system will help sustain local businesses, support agricultural production, and protect public health for more than 150,000 residents in the district.
“Rancho Water is grateful to Congressman Darrell Issa for championing this critical investment in our region’s water infrastructure,” said Rancho Water General Manager Jason Martin. “By investing in critical infrastructure before failures occur, we are strengthening system resilience and helping ensure reliable water service for our customers now and into the future.”
The project supports compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act by reducing the likelihood of pipeline failures that can lead to pressure loss, service interruptions, and potential water quality risks associated with aging infrastructure.
“Federal partnerships like this are essential as water providers across California work to modernize aging infrastructure,” continued Martin. “This potential funding allows Rancho Water to continue strategically reinvesting in the long-term reliability of our water system while protecting public health and supporting the region’s growing economy.”
For more information about Rancho Water and its projects, visit RanchoWater.com.
CVWD Board Appoints Alex Sanchez to Vacant Division 4 Seat
PALM DESERT — Alex Sanchez of La Quinta was sworn in today as a CVWD Board Member after being appointed to the vacant Division 4 seat previously held by Peter Nelson.
The CVWD Board appointed Sanchez after interviewing four candidates during a public meeting on Monday, May 18. A long-time Coachella Valley resident, Sanchez brings more than 20 years of experience in agricultural operations, including working as a farm manager and ranch unit director. He serves in several regional leadership roles, including President of the Coachella Valley Irrigated Lands Coalition, Vice President of the Riverside County Farm Bureau and Vice President of the Darby Estates Homeowners Association. Sanchez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Sciences from the University of Arizona. “Water is essential for the Coachella Valley’s quality of life,” Sanchez said. “This Board has done a great job securing the water we have and my priority is ensuring our community has resilient water supplies for generations to come.” During the selection process, CVWD Board President John Powell Jr. emphasized the importance of selecting a board member committed to protecting CVWD’s imported water rights. “I see Alex Sanchez continuing the legacy of Peter Nelson to protect CVWD’s imported water supply. The community will benefit by having Alex on our Board of Directors,” said Powell. The Appointment Process The vacancy was publicly noticed through multiple channels, including publication in The Desert Sun, postings throughout the district, CVWD’s website, social media, and outreach through the cities of Indio and La Quinta. Sanchez will serve in the Division 4 seat through the end of 2026. The seat will appear on the November ballot as a special election to fill the remaining two years of Nelson’s four-year term. Sanchez, along with any other qualified candidates, can choose to run in that election. For more information about CVWD board meetings and actions, visit CVWD.org. 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, primarily in Riverside County and portions of Imperial and San Diego counties. Media Contact: Lorraine Garcia Communication Manager/PIO Email: Lorraine.Garcia@cvwd.org Office: (760) 398-2661, ext. 2549 Cell: (760) 695-4007Contra Costa Water District Celebrates 90 Years
Efforts to secure a reliable supply of high quality water in Contra Costa County began in the early 1900s as farmers and community leaders worked to address declining water quality amid a prolonged drought and changing Delta conditions. Those efforts culminated in support from President Franklin D. Roosevelt for the Central Valley Project and led to the incorporation of Contra Costa Water District in 1936. Ninety years later, CCWD now delivers high‑quality drinking water to approximately 550,000 people across central and eastern Contra Costa County – while remaining grounded in the public‑service values that shaped its beginning.
“As we mark this milestone, we’re reminded that CCWD was built on innovation, collaboration and long‑term planning,” said CCWD Board President Ernesto Avila.
Building a Water System for the Community
CCWD was established to bring dependable, high quality water supplies from the Sacramento‑San Joaquin Delta to central and eastern Contra Costa County, supporting agriculture and, over time, a rapidly urbanizing region. Early investments in conveyance and treatment facilities laid the foundation for a system designed to grow and adapt alongside the communities it serves. Over the decades, CCWD’s mission expanded beyond water delivery to include water quality protection, watershed stewardship, and collaboration with regional and state partners.
Innovation Through the Decades
Like numerous water agencies throughout California, CCWD has navigated cycles of drought, regulatory change, and population growth. Meeting these challenges has required ongoing innovation – from advances in water treatment and monitoring to investments in system reliability and emergency preparedness.
A long‑standing focus on source water protection and Delta partnerships has helped safeguard supplies while balancing environmental needs. Over the past 25 years, CCWD built and expanded the Los Vaqueros Reservoir to improve water quality and provide emergency supplies. More recently, CCWD has advanced critical initiatives like the Canal Replacement Program, which will modernize infrastructure while enhancing climate resilience and safeguarding water quality through a fully enclosed, buried pipeline.
“We have a responsibility to not only deliver reliable water today, but to undertake the thoughtful planning needed to advance the Canal Replacement Program to ensure reliable water for decades to come,” said CCWD General Manager Rachel Murphy.
People at the Center of the Mission
Behind every milestone are the public servants who carry CCWD’s mission forward. Across technical, operational, and administrative roles, CCWD staff have served generations of customers with a shared commitment to safety, transparency, and accountability. Equally important are the communities CCWD serves, whose engagement and trust remain central to decision‑making.
Looking Ahead to the Next 90 Years
While a 90th anniversary invites reflection and celebration, CCWD is also focused on the future. Investing in infrastructure and maintaining reliability across California’s increasingly complex water landscape requires collaboration, innovation, and long‑term planning.
As it enters its tenth decade, Contra Costa Water District continues to invest in sustainable solutions that protect water quality, ensure reliability, and support regional resilience – building on 90 years of service while preparing for tomorrow.
SMWD’s “AA” Bond Rating Reflects Financial Strength and Long-Term Stewardship
Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) has once again earned high marks for financial strength and responsible fiscal management. On May 18, 2026, Fitch Ratings affirmed the District’s “AA” credit rating on its outstanding General Obligation and Revenue Bonds — an important independent assessment that reflects the District’s strong financial position, prudent planning, and long-standing commitment to serving customers responsibly.
Fitch cited SMWD’s “very strong” financial profile and revenue defensibility for Revenue Bonds, as well as a “very strong repayment source” for General Obligation Bonds, which are supported by dedicated property taxes and a history of nearly 0% unpaid taxes.
This approach allows SMWD to responsibly spread the cost of critical infrastructure projects across many years, rather than placing the financial burden entirely on current customers. These investments support the reliability and resilience of the water, recycled water, and wastewater systems that serve the community every day.
The “AA” rating also provides independent, third-party validation that SMWD is managing public resources responsibly and maintaining the financial stability needed to adapt to future challenges, economic shifts, and infrastructure needs.
At SMWD, fiscal responsibility is about more than balancing budgets — it is about protecting long-term community interests, maintaining transparency and accountability, and making thoughtful decisions that support reliable service for generations to come.
Photo: Santa Margarita Water District Finance and Accounting Teams.
Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.
BCVWD Recognized with CSMFO Award for Budget Excellence
BEAUMONT – The Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) has been awarded the Operating Budget Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) for its Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget and 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Budget.
This marks the sixth consecutive year the District has received this statewide recognition, highlighting its continued commitment to transparency, long-term planning, and responsible financial management.
The CSMFO Operating Budget Excellence Award is presented to agencies whose budget documents meet rigorous standards as a policy document, financial plan, and communication tool, demonstrating clarity, completeness, and effectiveness in communicating financial information to the public.
BCVWD’s budget outlines the District’s financial priorities, operational needs, and planned infrastructure investments over a five-year period. It serves as a key tool for communicating how ratepayer funds are managed while supporting reliable water service and long-term system sustainability.
“Earning this recognition reflects the District’s commitment to thoughtful planning and clear communication with our community,” said Board President Lona Williams. “Our budget outlines how we responsibly invest in infrastructure, operations, and long-term water reliability for our customers.”
“This recognition highlights the District’s continued focus on fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability,” said Board Treasurer John Covington. “A well-developed budget ensures we are making informed decisions today while preparing for future infrastructure and service needs.”
CSMFO is a statewide organization serving municipal finance professionals and is dedicated to promoting excellence in financial management through innovation, education, and the advancement of best practices.
For more information about Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, visit https://bcvwd.org/.
Sweetwater Authority Announces 2026 High School Photo Contest Winners
CHULA VISTA – Seven local high school students were recognized for their award-winning photographs during the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Board Meeting on May 27. The winners were selected from 85 photo entries submitted by 78 students representing high schools throughout the South Bay for the Authority’s annual High School Photo Contest. “The Board is proud to support this annual contest and looks forward to the continued involvement and creativity of our local high school students,” said Board Chair Ditas Yamane. “We are continually impressed by the talent and photography skills of students throughout our service area and encourage the community to visit the exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.” The following students received top honors: Color Category:- 1st Place: Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
- 2nd Place: Francisco Damian, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
- 2nd Place: Ryleigh Le, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10
- 3rd Place: Alexis Ardagna, Hilltop High School, Grade 9
- 1st Place: Josue Nunez, Hilltop High School, Grade 11
- 2nd Place: Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
- 3rd Place: Andrea Roman, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 12
- Color Category: Yahaira Alvarado, Chula Vista High School, Grade 12
- Black & White Category: Mia Ramirez, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
Calleguas MWD Provides Primary Water Supply for Aerial Firefight During Sandy Fire
Since the start of the Sandy Fire on the morning of May 18, Calleguas Municipal Water District’s (MWD) on-site reservoir, Lake Bard, served as the primary water source for aerial firefighting operations.
Lake Bard holds over 3.4 billion gallons of water – plenty to provide sufficient supply for firefighting operations and maintain the emergency drinking water supplies the lake was built for. Calleguas continued to top off the lake during firefighting operations to keep it full.
Lake Bard was utilized by aircraft from Ventura County Fire, Los Angeles County Fire, and the U.S. Forest Service hundreds of times during this incident – day and night. A total of 787,000 gallons of water was pulled.
Aircraft include Ventura County Fire Department Firehawks, which can carry up to 1,000 gallons of water, and Coulson Helitankers, which can carry up to 3,000 gallons of water.
Each “dip” into the lake lasts approximately 30-90 seconds depending on aircraft tank capacity, allowing aircraft to refill promptly. A single helicopter can refill multiple times over the space of an hour.
Calleguas is proud to provide water supply in support of regional emergency response efforts, and makes water from Lake Bard available for aerial firefighting operations without seeking reimbursement.
Having a nearby water source like Lake Bard reduces turnaround times for helicopters compared to trips to the ocean or other distant sources, helping aircraft return water to the fire faster during critical response periods.
Of the 19 retail water agencies that Calleguas serves in Ventura County, the following deliver water to areas impacted by the fire or evacuation orders:
- City of Simi Valley (Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8)
- Golden State Water Company
- Brandeis Mutual Water Company
- Ventura County Waterworks District No. 17 (Bell Canyon)
Calleguas provides significant portions of these water agencies’ demands, which increase during fire events as fire engines and pumper trucks pull water from fire hydrants. As the firefight began on Monday morning, demands from the fire-affected areas went up significantly, and Calleguas increased its water deliveries from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California by 40%. Calleguas’s ability to accommodate these demand increases requires continuous monitoring, coordination, and the technical expertise of District staff.
Bureau Announces WaterSMART Funding Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently announced three new funding opportunities through its WaterSMART Program to support water recycling, desalination and watershed resilience projects. The opportunities include funding for Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, Desalination Construction Projects and Enhancing Water Resources Projects.
- The Title XVI program supports the planning, design and construction of water recycling and reuse projects that help communities build drought-resilient water supplies and reduce reliance on vulnerable sources. Applications are due this Aug. 26 and Aug. 26, 2027, with feasibility studies required by June 26 or Jan. 15, 2027, depending on the application round.
Full application details can be found on Grants.gov under funding opportunity number R26AS00079.
- The Desalination Construction Projects opportunity funds seawater and brackish water desalination facilities that diversify local water supplies and improve drought resilience. Application and feasibility study deadlines mirror those for the Title XVI program.
Full application details can be found on Grants.gov under funding opportunity number R26AS00034.
- The Enhancing Water Resources Projects opportunity supports multi-benefit projects that improve water supply reliability and watershed health, including restoration, fish passage, conservation and infrastructure improvements. Applications for this funding opportunity are due this Sept. 9 and Sept. 8, 2027.
Full application details can be found on Grants.gov under funding opportunity number R26AS00017.
The Bureau will host a June 16 webinar on the Enhancing Water Resources Projects opportunity. For more information on this and other webinars regarding WaterSMART, visit the Bureau’s website. Interested applicants may also schedule consultation calls with Bureau staff.
TUD Celebrates Completion of the Willow Springs Sewer Lift Station
Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the brand-new Willow Springs Sewer Lift Station (SLS) in Soulsbyville! TUD commemorated the project’s completion by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house last week, where the community had the chance to discover firsthand the innovative features of our latest infrastructure milestone, learn about the project’s significance, and connect with TUD staff and Board members.
The previous lift station’s building, sumps, pumps, and equipment had served our community well but had come to the end of their useful life, falling short of current safety and operational standards. Persistent trash screen clogs demanded almost daily attention, leading to inefficient use of staff resources.
Upgrading the old station on its original site posed logistical challenges, as continuous service would have required constructing a temporary facility. Thanks to the generosity of a neighboring property owner who transferred a parcel to TUD, we were able to build the new station and guarantee uninterrupted service to our customers.
“Investing in modern water infrastructure is critical for ensuring the health and safety of our community,” stated Don Perkins, TUD General Manager. “We’re excited to unveil this state-of-the-art sewer lift station and share the details behind this vital upgrade!”
State launches new $1 billion rebate program for electric trucks
California recently launched a new $1 billion rebate program for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks, including those purchased by government agencies for Advanced Clean Fleets compliance.
Rebates for the California Clean Fuel Reward (CCFR) program will be available statewide to help fleets access and deploy zero-emission electric technology. The program is expected to become the largest utility-administered rebate program for electric trucks in the country, with $250 million available this year and over $1 billion in total rebate funding expected through 2030.
Beginning June 26, rebates will be available at authorized retailers for public and private fleets across the state. The rebates will range from $7,500 to $120,000 and can be applied toward the purchase of new electric medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, including drayage trucks, electric semis, box trucks, delivery vans and other fleet vehicles.
“This new rebate program builds on California’s long record of incentivizing zero-emission vehicle deployment and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to clean transportation,” California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez stated in a news release. “By returning revenue from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard directly to truck buyers at purchase, we’re making zero emission trucks the better choice for fleets and delivering cleaner air along freight corridors where it’s needed most.”
For more information about the rebate and how to apply, visit https://cleanfuelreward.com.