Sacramento Region Celebrates Signing of Water Forum 2050 Agreement

SACRAMENTO — Leaders from across the Sacramento region gathered May 11 at the Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts to celebrate the signing of the Water Forum 2050 Agreement, marking a major milestone in the region’s long-standing collaborative approach to water management.

The updated agreement builds on the original 2000 Water Forum Agreement and continues the region’s commitment to two coequal objectives: providing a reliable water supply for the region’s economy and communities while protecting the fishery, wildlife, recreational, and aesthetic values of the Lower American River.

Representatives from water suppliers, environmental organizations, business groups, and public agencies participated in the event, which featured keynote remarks from California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and recognition of the individuals who helped shape both the original agreement and the Water Forum 2050 process.

“Water Forum 2050 demonstrates what is possible when diverse interests stay at the table and work toward shared solutions,” said Water Forum Executive Director Ashlee Casey. “At a time when climate change is placing increasing pressure on California’s water systems and rivers, this agreement reflects a continued regional commitment to collaboration, adaptation, and stewardship of the Lower American River.”

The Water Forum process began in the 1990s in response to growing concerns about the health of the Lower American River, water supply reliability, and groundwater declines. Since the original agreement was signed in 2000, the region has invested in major water supply and habitat enhancement projects while avoiding the conflicts and litigation that often accompany water management issues in California.

The Water Forum 2050 Agreement updates and extends that collaborative framework in response to new challenges driven by climate change, including hotter temperatures, shrinking snowpack, more intense droughts and floods, and increasing pressure on river ecosystems.

“California faces growing water challenges driven by climate change, and the Sacramento region continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration and long-term planning with a multi-benefit approach,” Crowfoot said. “The Water Forum 2050 Agreement reflects the kind of regional leadership and partnership that will be essential to protecting water supplies, supporting healthy rivers, and preparing communities for the future.”

A key component of the updated agreement is the American River Climate Adaptation Program (ARCAP), a regional strategy intended to improve water management flexibility and protect cold water in the Lower American River during critically dry periods. ARCAP will strive to connect conservation, groundwater recharge, reservoir operations, and regional infrastructure projects into a coordinated system supporting both water supply reliability and environmental stewardship.

“The Water Forum has helped create a foundation of trust and transparency that allows this region to respond to challenges together,” Casey said. “Now the focus turns to implementation—continuing the work needed to strengthen water supply reliability, protect the Lower American River, and prepare the region for a changing climate.”

Perspectives from Water Forum Members

Kevin McCarty, Mayor, City of Sacramento
“Thirty years ago, this region chose collaboration over conflict and long-term planning over short-term thinking. The Water Forum 2050 Agreement carries that tradition forward, helping Sacramento prepare for more extreme conditions while continuing to support economic growth, reliable water supplies, and a healthy Lower American River.”

Rosario Rodriguez, Supervisor, Sacramento County
“Water is at the heart of what makes Sacramento County a great place to live, work, and raise a family — and that means protecting both the tap and the river. The Water Forum 2050 Agreement ensures we don’t have to choose between a reliable water supply and a healthy American River. After more than two decades of proving that balance is possible, we are proud to renew that commitment.”

Robert Heidt, President & CEO, Sacramento Metro Chamber
“As a proud member of the Water Forum Business Caucus, the Sacramento Metro Chamber recognizes the critical role long-term water reliability plays in the economic vitality and sustainability of the Capital Region. The Water Forum 2050 Agreement reflects years of thoughtful collaboration between business, environmental, civic, and public sector leaders to advance solutions that support both a healthy environment and a thriving regional economy. This agreement is an important step forward in ensuring our region is prepared for future growth, climate challenges, and the evolving needs of our communities.”

Ted Rauh, Water Committee Lead, Environmental Council of Sacramento
“The Lower American River is an ecological treasure that supports wildlife, recreation, and our region’s identity. The Water Forum 2050 Agreement, with the innovative ARCAP, provides the framework we need to protect this vital resource and provide for the region’s needed water supply as climate pressures grow.”

Gary Bardini, Director of Planning, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA)
“Water Forum 2050 shows what’s possible when public agencies collaborate with a broad range of partners to achieve common goals. This agreement strengthens the region’s ability to prepare for climate extremes—from floods to droughts—while safeguarding the health of the Lower American River.”

Mike Grinstead, Acting Chief of Water Supply, Sacramento County Water Agency
“Water Forum 2050 is critical for water supply reliability as we move into an uncertain future. It provides the long-range foundation that is needed to adapt to changing conditions and manage our surface and groundwater resources in a sustainable way.”

About the Water Forum

The Water Forum includes a diverse group of water providers, environmentalists, business groups, and local governments working to balance water supply needs with protection of the Lower American River. Learn more at waterforum.org.

Another Successful Farm Day Brings Water Education to Life for Local Students

EL DORADO HILLS – More than 900 third grade students from across El Dorado County explored the vital connection between water, agriculture, and their community at this year’s Farm Day. El Dorado Water Agency partnered with the El Dorado Irrigation District to teach students about how water travels from the Sierra Nevada mountains to sustain local agriculture, including the iconic Apple Hill region. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, students discovered how water moves through the watershed and plays a critical role in supporting farms, ecosystems, and everyday life.

One of the highlights of the day was an engaging, student-led “water mystery” set on a farm. Participants took on roles in an interactive story that encouraged problem-solving and curiosity, helping them better understand the journey of water and its importance to agricultural lands. The activity brought science and storytelling together in a way that made learning both memorable and fun.

“We look forward every year to creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for local students alongside our booth partner, El Dorado Irrigation District,” said Rebecca Guo, General Manager of the El Dorado Water Agency. “Farm Day is a unique opportunity to provide youth the chance to connect the dots between water, agriculture, and the well-being of our communities.”

In addition to learning about water systems, students were introduced to practical ways they can help conserve water in their daily lives, empowering the next generation to be thoughtful stewards of our natural resources. Organized by El Dorado County Ag in the Classroom, Farm Day continues to serve as a valuable educational experience, inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural systems that sustain the region.

About the El Dorado Water Agency

El Dorado Water Agency celebrates 67 years of countywide water resource planning and management, dedicated to ensuring that El Dorado County has adequate and affordable water to maintain economic prosperity, protect the environment, and support the rural-agriculture way of life for today and in the future.

Media Contact:

Lisa Yarbrough, lyarbrough@ka-pow.com, 415-533-8381

Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Plan Released

PAJARO RIVER WATERSHED — The Advisory Group for the Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Program is pleased to announce the publication of the Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Plan (PRWRP, a comprehensive, watershed-scale plan developed to strengthen resilience to climate change across the Pajaro River Watershed. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) selected the Pajaro River Watershed in 2024 as one of five watersheds to pilot the Watershed Resilience Program. Funding for the project has been provided in full or in part from the Budget Acts of 2022 and through an agreement with DWR. Developed over an 18-month collaborative process, the PRWRP brings together public agencies, Tribal representatives, agricultural leaders, environmental NGOs, community-based organizations, nonprofits, watershed residents, and regional partners to address interconnected climate challenges including flooding, drought, groundwater sustainability, habitat degradation, and water quality. The Plan identifies priority adaptation strategies and implementation actions to protect water resources, enhance ecosystem health, support community and Tribal priorities, and build long-term resilience across the watershed.

“The PRWRP reflects the shared commitment of watershed partners to work toward coordinated, multi-benefit solutions for climate resilience in the watershed,” said Brian Lockwood, General Manager of PV Water. “By aligning priorities and working together, we strengthen the region’s ability to acquire funding, implement projects , and deliver meaningful benefits to communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.”

The PRWRP establishes a framework for ongoing coordination through a Strategic Coordination Plan that encourages continued collaboration among partners. Advisory Group members and watershed organizations have expressed support for partnering in implementation by engaging in coordination sessions, collaborating on regional grant proposals, and advancing priority “Keystone Actions” along with multi-benefit projects identified in the Plan.

The PRWRP emphasizes watershed-scale solutions such as floodplain restoration, groundwater recharge, agricultural land stewardship, voluntary land repurposing, and nature-based and infrastructure solutions that can reduce climate risks while supporting water supply reliability, ecosystem health, and a thriving community. Advisory Group members recognize that successful implementation will require continued collaboration among agencies, Tribes, community organizations, growers, businesses, and regional partners. Through shared planning tools, coordinated funding strategies, and sustained engagement, the PRWRP provides a pathway for advancing climate resilience throughout the watershed. For more information about the Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Program, Plan, and upcoming implementation opportunities, please visit: https://www.pvwater.org/prwrp

ACWA Awards Scholarships to California College Students

SACRAMENTO – The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to three undergraduate college students pursuing degrees in water-related fields of study.

“ACWA and its partners are honored to invest in California’s future water leaders through these scholarship programs,” said Ernie Avila, ACWA President. “This year’s recipients demonstrate remarkable promise, and we’re excited to see the impact they will make in the years ahead.”

The students were recognized today during ACWA’s 2026 Spring Conference in Sacramento. The students and the 2026-’27 scholarship programs for which they were awarded are:

Clair A. Hill Scholarship ($5,000)

• Alice Taylor, a marine biology and biomolecular engineering student at University of California, Santa Cruz

Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach Scholarship ($5,000, sponsored by SCV Water)

• Victor Ilias Fraga, a plant science and agricultural business student at California State University, Fresno

Arthur L. Littleworth Best Best & Krieger Scholarship ($10,000 over four years, sponsored by BB&K)

• Catari Portillo, a business administration student at Merritt College, transferring to Howard University in Fall 2026

For more information about ACWA’s scholarships, please visit www.acwa.com/scholarships.

Federal Funding Advances Sacramento Regional Water Bank Toward Completion

SACRAMENTO — The Regional Water Authority (RWA) announced that it has secured $708,466 in federal funding through the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, advancing the Sacramento Regional Water Bank (Water Bank) toward full implementation.

RWA represents nearly two dozen water providers serving 2.2 million people in the Sacramento region. Administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, WIIN Act funding will support final planning and technical work needed to bring the Water Bank to operational readiness.

The Water Bank uses the region’s groundwater basin as a natural reservoir, storing water in wet periods for use during dry times. While local agencies have practiced conjunctive use—the coordinated management of surface water and groundwater—for decades, the Water Bank formalizes and expands these efforts using existing infrastructure. The aquifer can hold enough water to fill Folsom Reservoir twice.

In addition, groundwater banking supports flows in the Lower American River year-round and reduces reliance on the river during dry years—leaving more water for fish and habitat.

“This funding puts Water Bank planning within reach of the finish line,” said Jim Peifer. “Local agencies have shown that groundwater banking improves reliability and supports the Lower American River. Now, the region is scaling that success into a fully functioning system.”

WIIN Act funding will help complete key components of the Water Bank’s foundation, including:

• Piloting the bank’s Water Accounting System, a framework for accurately and transparently tracking water movement into and out of the Water Bank
• Developing monitoring plans and evaluating how groundwater use may affect nearby river flows
• Environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act

These efforts are expected to conclude in 2027 with the environmental review complete and the Water Bank ready for full operation.

“The Sacramento region has spent years building the tools and partnerships needed for groundwater banking,” said RWA Manager of Strategic Affairs Trevor Joseph, who manages the Water Bank program. “This funding builds on that foundation—refining how water is tracked and managed as the Water Bank moves toward full operation.”

Since the 1990s, local providers have stored nearly 900,000 acre-feet of water underground, stabilizing groundwater levels and increasing flows in the Lower American River. In 2024 alone, more than 35,000 acre-feet—about 11.5 billion gallons—was stored, enough to supply more than 100,000 households for a year. Over time, water banking has contributed more than 310,000 acre-feet to the Lower American River and more than 370,000 acre-feet to the American and Sacramento rivers combined.

Learn more at SacWaterBank.com.

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a joint powers authority representing nearly two dozen water providers serving 2.2 million people in the greater Sacramento region. Formed in 2001, its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources. Learn more at rwah2o.org.

ACWA Honors Helix Water District for Innovative Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

SACRAMENTO – The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented the prestigious Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence to Helix Water District for their innovative Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Project.

Helix Water District built California’s first large-scale public agency charging facility at its operations center in El Cajon to meet regulatory mandates, enhance emergency response and promote regional collaboration. The project includes 87 high-capacity chargers designed for current fleet needs and future expansion, while serving neighboring agencies through shared access.

“Helix Water District’s charging infrastructure reflects what’s possible when agencies plan ahead and work together, delivering practical infrastructure that strengthens operations, improves resilience and benefits the broader region,” said ACWA President Ernie Avila.

ACWA’s Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence is an annual award program that recognizes outstanding achievements by public water agencies. The winning agency has the honor of helping select a deserving student for a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Jacobs in the name of Clair A. Hill, founder of Jacobs.

The award was presented during ACWA’s 2026 Spring Conference in Sacramento where over 1,400 water industry professionals in California gathered for programs and panel discussions on a variety of key water issues.

The other finalists for this year’s award were:

• Crescenta Valley Water District for its Stormwater Capture and Groundwater Recharge Project
• Eastern Municipal Water District for its Perris North Groundwater Program
• Georgetown Divide Public Utility District for its Wildfire Resilience and Fuel Reduction Project

For more information about ACWA’s awards programs, please visit www.acwa.com/awards.

ACWA Presents Leadership Award to Brian Poulsen

SACRAMENTO – The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented its

2026 Excellence in Water Leadership Award to Brian Poulsen, General Counsel for El Dorado Irrigation District, for his commitment in advancing California water policy.

Poulsen has played a key role in negotiations for the Sacramento Water Forum 2050 Agreement, an extension of the landmark 2000 agreement that brought together water users, environmental organizations and business interests to promote sustainable water management and environmental stewardship in the Lower American River region.

“Brian has earned deep respect across California’s water community for his steady leadership and commitment to collaboration,” said ACWA President Ernie Avila. “His work on the Sacramento Water Forum 2050 Agreement reflects not only his expertise in water law, but his ability to bring diverse interests together to achieve thoughtful, lasting solutions.”

The Excellence in Water Leadership Award, Building a World of Difference^®, recognizes individuals who have made a remarkable and visible contribution to California water. The award, sponsored by Black & Veatch Corporation, was presented during ACWA’s 2026 Spring Conference in Sacramento where over 1,400 water industry professionals in California are attending programs and panel discussions on a variety of key water issues.

For more information about ACWA’s awards programs, please visit www.acwa.com/awards.

ACWA Names Nemeth as Executive Director

SACRAMENTO — California Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth has been selected to lead the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) as its next executive director, President Ernie Avila announced today.

Her selection follows a nationwide recruitment process and overwhelming support of the association’s Board of Directors. Effective Sept. 1, Nemeth will oversee staff of the nation’s largest statewide coalition of public water agencies. Based in Sacramento, ACWA represents approximately 470 members responsible for 90 percent of the water delivered to cities, farms and businesses across California.

Nemeth will lead a staff of more than 40, including a Washington D.C.-based office, supporting state and federal advocacy, educational outreach and events. ACWA’s membership includes urban, rural and agricultural water suppliers of all sizes throughout California. She will lead ACWA as its first female executive director in the association’s 116-year history.

“Karla Nemeth brings deep expertise and a proven track record navigating California’s most complex water challenges,” said ACWA President Ernie Avila. “Her leadership will strengthen ACWA’s role as a leading voice and advocate for water agencies across the state.”

Nemeth has served as Department of Water Resources (DWR) director since her appointment by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 and was reappointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom the following year. DWR manages and protects California’s water resources and supports the reliability of the state’s electrical grid.

During her tenure, Nemeth led DWR’s efforts to adapt to more extreme weather driven by climate change, including investments in atmospheric and runoff forecasting, and aging and green infrastructure; better management of groundwater supplies; and programs to strengthen local water resilience.

In 2024, Newsom tasked her with implementation of key water projects to achieve his “Water Supply Strategy – Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future,” including modernizing California’s water conveyance infrastructure, executing agreements in support of the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, and stabilizing Colorado River supplies.

Increased Water Storage Positions Banning for Faster Fire Response

BEAUMONT – A new one-million-gallon reservoir built by Banning Heights Mutual Water Company (BHMWC) with gap funding assistance from the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) is expanding drinking water capacity and strengthening wildfire readiness in the hills above Banning. The new reservoir supports SGPWA’s Heli-Hydrant network, providing critical refill access for firefighting helicopters during emergencies.

“This project shows what is possible when agencies come together with a shared purpose,” said SGPWA Board President Robert Ybarra. “We have strengthened our water system and made it easier for first responders to do their jobs safely and effectively. This is about protecting lives and supporting our community.”

The new reservoir serves 552 residents across 170 connections. BHMWC secured a $3.756 million Department of Water Resources grant through SGPWA and the California Rural Water Association’s Small Systems Water Assistance Program to complete the project, with construction beginning in late 2025.

The new reservoir will complement SGPWA’s Heli-Hydrant network, expanding critical aerial firefighting capacity in the area. A planned Banning Heights site will be the seventh and northernmost in the system. The site is funded in partnership with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Located on the BHMWC property, it will serve the City of Banning, Banning Heights, Banning Canyon, and the Morongo area. The site was strategically selected based on lessons from the 2020 Apple Fire, which burned more than 33,000 acres nearby and forced widespread evacuations.

Wildfire risk in the region continues to intensify. Fires not only threaten homes but also increase the risk of severe runoff and water quality impacts. Expanding water storage and enabling rapid helicopter refill ensure firefighters have immediate access to water when conditions escalate.

SGPWA’s gap funding made the timely construction of this project possible. As a short-term bridge loan, gap funding covers upfront costs while agencies await grant reimbursement, preventing delays to critical projects. This support helped BHMWC deliver infrastructure that improves reliability and regional preparedness.

“Completing this reservoir reflects the kind of long-term planning our community depends on,” said BHMWC Board President Steve Romberg. “We are proud to partner with SGPWA to strengthen water reliability across the region. Our customers count on us to deliver safe, dependable service, and projects like this help make sure we are ready when it matters most.”

The project will be recognized at a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June 11, 2026. To learn more, visit sgpwa.com.

IID Completes Phase 1 of Mulberry Inline Reservoir Project

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has completed Phase 1 of its Mulberry Inline Reservoir Project, an operational improvement designed to increase efficiency in the District’s water delivery system, advancing ongoing conservation efforts.

Located in the Mulberry Lateral near the intersection of Rutherford and Hastain roads near Brawley, the project is part of IID’s System Conservation Program and represents the first in a series of planned inline reservoirs across the District’s water system.

“This project is about working smarter with the water we already have,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “By improving how we manage and deliver water, we are supporting our agricultural community while continuing to meet our conservation commitments.”

In simple terms, the inline reservoir works like a “parking lot” for water, giving IID operators, known as zanjeros, the ability to temporarily hold returned water and time its delivery more precisely. Water stored in the reservoir can be delivered later the same day or the following day, reducing the need to move excess water through the canal system and risk operational discharge downstream.

The Phase 1 project included widening and concrete lining the first quarter-mile section of the Mulberry Lateral. It has a storage capacity of approximately 4 acre-feet and is expected to conserve more than 1,120 acre-feet of water each year.

The project also gives growers more flexibility at their delivery gate. Farmers can close their gates earlier once on-farm irrigation needs are met, knowing that unused water can be captured, stored, and delivered downstream when needed.

Without this operational reservoir, excess water at the end of the lateral would be discharged into drains when there was no immediate on-farm use. The inline reservoir helps reduce that loss by capturing and reusing water, improving overall system performance.
Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to begin in December 2026 and will include widening and lining the remaining quarter-section of the Mulberry Canal and installing two automated check gates.

IID’s Water Engineering team designed the project in-house. The construction work was carried out by District crews.

This project reflects IID’s continued investment in modernizing its water delivery system, ensuring every acre-foot of water is managed as efficiently as possible to support agriculture, conservation, and the long-term sustainability of the Imperial Valley.