SMWD Receives CAPIO Award for Annual Report

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) was honored at the 2026 California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) EPIC Awards program in San Diego, receiving statewide recognition for its 2025 Accomplishments Report — a publication that captured a year of innovation, infrastructure investment, community engagement, and organizational excellence across the District.

Presented annually, CAPIO’s EPIC Awards recognize outstanding public sector communications that demonstrate creativity, effectiveness, transparency, and meaningful community impact. The organization represents more than 1,000 public communicators throughout California, including professionals from municipalities, special districts, public safety agencies, schools, and water agencies.

While the award recognizes the quality of the report itself, the accomplishments featured throughout its pages reflect the work of teams across the entire organization.

From engineering and operations to information technology, customer care, water use efficiency, public affairs, finance, and administration, the report highlighted SMWD’s broad commitment to reliability, sustainability, innovation, and customer service.

Among the many achievements featured in the report were major infrastructure and resiliency efforts, including the transformation of a decommissioned sewer lift station into the Las Flores Recycled Water Pump Station, a project expected to save approximately 49.2 million gallons of drinking water annually through expanded recycled water use.

The report also highlighted the District’s investments in energy resiliency and operational continuity. Solar panels, microturbines, and battery backup systems now generate more than $750,000 in annual energy savings while helping protect critical facilities such as the Chiquita Wastewater Reclamation Plant, which processes more than 5.5 million gallons of wastewater daily.

Additional accomplishments included securing $22.5 million in grants to offset infrastructure costs, advancing smart sewer system management through integrated CCTV and GIS technologies, supporting the rapid growth of Rancho Mission Viejo communities, and strengthening regional fire preparedness efforts through emergency water storage, hydrant infrastructure, and partnerships with firefighting agencies.

The report also recognized the people-focused work happening throughout the District. SMWD’s Customer Care team assisted tens of thousands of customers throughout the year, while the Water Use Efficiency team helped customers navigate rebates, conservation programs, legislative changes, and sustainable landscaping practices. Public outreach efforts — including the annual Water Festival, infrastructure bus tours, HOA engagement, educational workshops, podcasts, and award-winning videos — helped customers better understand the value of water and the infrastructure required to deliver it reliably.

The accomplishments report also showcased industry recognition received throughout the year, including statewide awards for excellence in wastewater collections, transparency in governance, innovation in recycled water infrastructure, and communications.

SMWD also recognized the partnership behind the award-winning publication itself. The District partnered with Rebecca Cole and the team at Ardurra on the report’s graphic design and visual presentation, while SMWD staff developed the content and storytelling that brought the organization’s accomplishments to life.

“Receiving recognition from CAPIO is an honor, but the real story is the exceptional work happening across Santa Margarita Water District every day,” said David Robertson, who attended the awards program on behalf of the District. “This report reflects the dedication, expertise, and innovation of employees throughout the organization who work tirelessly to serve our communities.”

If the accomplishments highlighted in the 2025 report are any indication, SMWD’s 2026 Accomplishments Report is already shaping up to be another remarkable reflection of progress, innovation, and public service.

Read the 2025 Accomplishments Report. 

SMWD Joins Regional Urban Agriculture & Sustainability Discussion

Santa Margarita Water District joined regional leaders in sustainability, agriculture, and environmental innovation during the Urban Agriculture: Growth & Circularity event hosted by Sustain SoCal in collaboration with Rancho Mission Viejo on May 19 at Ranch Camp in Rancho Mission Viejo.

The event brought together experts from across Southern California to explore how agriculture, water management, waste reduction, and sustainable development can work together to support resilient communities and environmental stewardship.

Representing SMWD, General Manager Robert Grantham participated in a panel discussion focused on Water Management & Irrigation Efficiency. The discussion explored sustainable irrigation practices, water resource management, soil health, and emerging agricultural technologies that support long-term water reliability and efficient land stewardship.

Additional sessions throughout the event examined topics including composting, SB 1383 implementation, food system safety, and innovative approaches to transforming waste streams into valuable community resources.

Following the program, attendees participated in guided field tours showcasing sustainable agricultural operations and circular resource management practices at Rancho Mission Viejo farmlands and nearby Prima Deshecha landfill operations.

Events like these provide valuable opportunities for collaboration among water agencies, environmental organizations, agricultural leaders, and industry professionals working toward practical sustainability solutions across Southern California.

For more information about Sustain SoCal and future sustainability roundtables, visit Sustain SoCal.

Water Management & Irrigation Efficiency Panel: Steve Hohl, Principal, Water Concern, Robert Grantham, General Manager, Santa Margarita Water District, and Natalie Levy, Soil Health & Organic Materials Management Advisor, UC Agriculture & Natural Resources (UCANR)

Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.

PCWA and U.S. Forest Service Celebrate Re-Opening of French Meadows Campground

The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest, celebrated the re-opening of the French Meadows Campground following a major modernization project designed to improve recreation, water system reliability, and accessibility in the Middle Fork American River watershed.

Originally constructed in the 1960s, French Meadows Campground is one of the most popular recreation destinations within PCWA’s Middle Fork Project. The $6.8 million rehabilitation project marks the campground’s first major modernization.

Improvements include:

• New paved roads and upgraded campsites
• Wider parking areas designed to accommodate vehicles and trailers
• ADA-compliant restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and water faucets
• Hazard tree removal and safety improvements
• Flattened tent pads for improved camping access and comfort
• A new outdoor “amphitheater” area with natural log seating for small group events

At the same time, PCWA completed major upgrades to the South Shore Water Supply system serving the campground, nearby picnic areas, and boat launch. The project replaced aging infrastructure with a new vertical well and more than 5,000 feet of new water distribution piping, improving long-term water quality, reliability, and operational efficiency. The new water system is in final commissioning, with completion expected soon.

By coordinating both projects together, PCWA limited the impacts to a single recreation season.

“These improvements reflect a long-term investment in the Middle Fork watershed and the public facilities that support recreation across the region,” said PCWA General Manager Andy Fecko. “Projects like this help PCWA reinvest in aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and continue our stewardship of the watershed and recreation system.”

The project reflects how PCWA reinvests Middle Fork Project hydropower revenues back into public recreation and watershed improvements and supports local economies through the use of regional contractors and partners.

The improvements are part of PCWA’s federal license requirements for the Middle Fork Project, which is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The license includes ongoing commitments related to recreation, environmental stewardship, and public access throughout the watershed.

“The Middle Fork Project was built with incredible foresight to provide water supply, clean hydropower, and recreation opportunities for the public,” said PCWA Board Director Josh Alpine, whose district includes the French Meadows area. “Places like French Meadows are part of what makes this region special. Families return here year after year to camp, fish, boat, and spend time together, and these improvements help preserve that experience for future generations.”

French Meadows Campground is the first in a series of planned recreation improvements across the French Meadows area over the next decade. Future projects include campground renovations, picnic area improvements, boat ramp extensions, expanded water supply infrastructure, and a future reservoir trail system.

Planned future improvements include:

• Lewis Campground (2030)
• McGuire Picnic Area Conversion (2030)
• North Shore Water Supply Improvements (2030)
• Ahart Campground (2032)
• Gates Group Campground (2032)
• Coyote Group Campground (2034)
• Poppy Campground and Trail (2034)
• Future French Meadows Reservoir Trail (2035)
• French Meadows Boat Ramp Extension
• McGuire Boat Ramp and Parking Area Improvements

“We are proud of our strong partnership with PCWA, which increases our ability to provide high-quality recreation opportunities and forest stewardship in this watershed,” said Tahoe National Forest American River District Ranger Michelle Barry. “The French Meadows Campground improvements are truly outstanding, and we are excited to welcome recreation users back to this special place.”

The campground officially reopened to the public, just ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer recreation season. For reservations and campground details, including status of potable water, visit Recreation.gov. To learn more about recreation opportunities in the Middle Fork American River watershed, visit MiddleForkFun.com or explore resources at www.pcwa.net/recreation.

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About PCWA
Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) is the primary water resource agency for Placer County, California, with a broad range of responsibilities including water resource planning and management, retail and wholesale supply of drinking water and irrigation water, and production of hydroelectric energy.

About U.S. Forest Service

The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

IID Honors Zanjeros, the Backbone of Imperial Valley’s Water Delivery System

Before the sun rises over the Imperial Valley, Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) team of zanjeros is already at work helping move the water that sustains one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions.

Our zanjeros help deliver Colorado River water through the District’s extensive canal and lateral system to farms, communities, businesses, and industries throughout the region. Their hard work supports agriculture, local jobs, food production, and customers who depend on reliable water service every day.

In recognition of their essential role, IID is observing Zanjero Appreciation Week from May 18-24, honoring zanjeros, water patrolmen, water dispatchers, water division coordinators, and Water Department employees for their collective 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year commitment to their reliable water delivery and customer service.

“Zanjeros are the backbone of IID’s water delivery system,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “They are out in the field every day, working directly with water users to help ensure that one of our region’s most important resources gets where it needs to go.”

Earlier this month, the IID Board of Directors adopted a resolution recognizing Zanjero Appreciation Week and honoring the employees who support reliable water delivery during peak flow season and throughout the year.

The word “zanjero” comes from the Spanish word meaning “ditch rider,” a title deeply rooted in the history of irrigation and water delivery. Today, zanjeros help monitor water flows, respond to customer requests, measure water deliveries, clear debris from canals, operate and adjust gates, and keep IID’s water conveyance system operating safely and efficiently.

Their work supports a system that spans more than 80 miles of main canals, 1,500 miles of laterals, and more than 5,500 delivery gates—all maintained and supported by IID’s team of 141 zanjeros working throughout the Imperial Valley.

Zanjeros also play an important role in supporting on-farm conservation efforts by making timely water adjustments and helping optimize IID’s water delivery system. Their dedication helps sustain the Imperial Valley’s agricultural economy while advancing IID’s commitment to responsible water management.

As IID recognizes Zanjero Appreciation Week, the District extends its sincere appreciation to all zanjeros and Water Department employees for their dedication, professionalism, and continued service to the Imperial Valley community.

DWR Boosts SWP Allocation Heading into Summer

SACRAMENTO – Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced an increase to the State Water Project (SWP) allocation for 2026. The allocation is now 45 percent of requested supplies, up from the previous allocation of 30 percent announced on January 29. The allocation establishes how much water the State plans to deliver to the 29 public water agencies served by the SWP, which provides water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.

In the spring, SWP allocations are based on current hydrological conditions, existing reservoir storage, and remaining snowpack. While California saw record heat in March and early snowmelt, consistent rainstorms in April provided critical runoff through the system that allowed DWR to capture more water and meet environmental regulations without using stored water. Currently, the SWP’s largest reservoir, Lake Oroville, is at 99 percent of capacity. Statewide, reservoirs are 117 percent of average for this time of year.

The challenge remains that California’s snowpack, the state’s frozen reservoir, is essentially gone. As of today, the statewide snowpack is just 12 percent of average. The snowpack peaked in mid-February and has since melted off.

“California’s reservoirs are full, but most snowpack melted off weeks ago. We must use this stored water carefully because there’s no backfill until next season,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth.

The SWP utilized real-time operational flexibility to benefit water users and the environment despite the fact that so much of this year’s precipitation came as rain instead of snow. Water managers at Lake Oroville coordinated closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to capture as much water as possible while still providing flood protection to downstream communities. These flexible operations, coupled with the improved runoff in the system resulted in an additional 400,000 acre-feet of storage in Lake Oroville. This puts the SWP in a better position to provide water supply to contractors this year while maintaining robust carryover storage to meet water supply and environmental needs should next year be dry.

This season, the initial allocation was 10 percent on December 1, updated to 30 percent on January 29, and increased to 45 percent today.

May Revise of State Budget Boosts Funds for HRL Program

The ACWA-supported Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) Program would receive an additional $25 million in funding in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May Revise of the state budget, representing a win for an effort heavily supported by association members.

The additional, one-time General Fund monies will bolster efforts to deliver environmental flows, habitat restoration, science, and monitoring to support the requirements of the soon to be updated Bay‑Delta Water Quality Control Plan. ACWA is a long-standing supporter of the HRL Program as the best approach to protecting, restoring and enhancing the Bay-Delta watershed.

The State Water Resources Control Board is expected to adopt an updated Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan update by the end of 2026 with the HRL as a compliance pathway for participating water agencies.

The HRL Program is a science-based, collaborative framework to restoring river health, floodplains and natural landscapes, and continues to gain momentum as an important path forward for the Bay-Delta Plan update.

The May Revise is the second of two stages in the state budget process leading up to its final approval by the State Legislature by June 15.

For more information on the HRL program, visit acwa.com.

Vista Irrigation District Announces Student Contest Winners

VISTA — Vista Irrigation District awarded college scholarships to five high school seniors and selected three fourth-grade students from the local community as winners of two separate district sponsored contests.

A Scholarship in the amount of $3,000 was awarded to Rahel Chiwai from MissionCharbel Vista High School, Taylor Sheridan from Rancho Buena Vista High School received a $2,500 scholarship, and $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Stephanie Aguilar from Mission Vista High School, Kawai Chau from Rancho Buena Vista High School and Yahir Landeros of Vista High School as winners in the Vista Irrigation District 2026 scholarship contest.

Charbel Merhi, a fourth-grade student from St. Francis of Assisi School, received first place honors from the district for his entry in the 2026 Water Awareness Poster Contest; he received a $100 award. Riley Semer also from St. Francis of Assisi School and Zoey Watts of Empresa Elementary School received ($50) second place and ($25) third place awards, respectively, for their entries in the contest.

The purpose of the scholarship contest, which is open to high school seniors living within the district’s service area, is to increase the knowledge and awareness of water related issues affecting the district. Five high school seniors submitted applications this year.

The poster contest, which targets students in the fourth grade, is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools. This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.” The three winning posters were selected from 168 entries based upon their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design. All three winners’ artwork will appear in the 2027 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available, free of charge, at the district’s office in November 2026.

Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to roughly 135,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.

Army Corps Requesting Proposals

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in May published a notice requesting proposals regarding water resources studies, projects, and environmental infrastructure programs.

The deadline is Sept. 1 and interested agencies can use a PDF proposal form and email it to WRRDA7001Proposal@usace.army.mil. Additional details on how to submit proposals can also be found online.

Submitted proposals will be included in USACE’s 2027 Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development. The annual report will help guide congressional authorization for USACE initiatives in future Water Resource Development Acts, commonly known as WRDA.

ACWA member agencies collaborate closely with federal partners such as USACE on several types of water resource projects, including flood control, ecosystem restoration, navigation improvements, and water supply. While ACWA does not advocate for member-specific initiatives, the association does encourage interested members to engage.

Please contact ACWA Federal Relations Representative Caleb Raspler with any questions.

Yuba Water Agency Awards Initial Contract to Support Rebuild of Ruptured Penstock

MARYSVILLE – Yuba Water Agency has awarded a contract to GFT Inc. for engineering and design services related to the penstock that ruptured above New Colgate Powerhouse in February.

The penstock is the large pipe that moves water between New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir and New Colgate Powerhouse to generate hydropower.

An initial contract of nearly $2 million will cover a thorough condition assessment of the penstock, as well as an alternatives analysis. An estimated additional $6 million will cover detailed engineering design and support during future construction. Additional costs and a repair schedule will depend heavily on the results of the condition assessment and the forensics investigation, which is currently underway.

“While this contract does not cover the actual construction of the repaired penstock, it does position us to move quickly once we have the results from the forensic investigation,” said Bryan Perrin, Yuba Water’s project manager overseeing this work. “Our goal is to take what we learn from the investigation, develop engineering design plans and award a future construction contract to rebuild the penstock and get us back in business.”

Yuba Water continues to make progress on several other restoration efforts. Ongoing work includes investigating the cause of the rupture, rebuilding Lake Francis Road, stabilizing the hillside, removing debris and sediment near the powerhouse and much more.

Learn more at engage.yubawater.org.

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Desert Water Agency Launches New Website

• Improved accessibility features to better serve all users, including enhanced ADA compliance
• A mobile-friendly experience optimized for smartphones and tablets
• Streamlined navigation and improved organization of information
• A modern design aligned with DWA’s recent brand refresh launched in 2025
• Easier access to customer resources, conservation programs, news and agency updates