Member Survey Results Show ACWA Fulfilling Mission

ACWA’s most recent member engagement survey confirmed that your association is on the right track. 

Completed late last year, the survey let us know that legislative advocacy and networking opportunities continue to be popular reasons for your membership. The results also showed that you are broadly satisfied with ACWA’s statewide policy advocacy and would like more updates on our federal advocacy. It reassures me that our members see their membership overall as providing good value; however, I also interpret the survey feedback as an unmistakable call to action.

One message came through clearly: elevating water infrastructure funding among policymakers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. remains an urgent priority. This need drives the agenda at nearly every ACWA member agency. Whether it’s a 100-year-old wooden flume in the Sierra Nevada or a 70-year-old water main beneath a city street, critical infrastructure across our state must be replaced and modernized. Each project represents one of many infrastructure needs competing for limited state and federal resources. 

Strengthening ACWA’s advocacy is essential to ensuring water remains a top priority for policymakers. Your feedback was clear that you wanted to see ACWA be more proactive. In response to that, we launched the Vision for Our Water Future initiative. Through this effort, ACWA is bringing together staff, member agencies and key partners to elevate water as a top statewide priority during the gubernatorial campaign and help shape the agenda of the next administration. The initiative will culminate in a concise policy framework outlining the strategic priorities and actions to support a secure, reliable and resilient water future for California. You can learn more about the initiative on Page 1.

Through the survey results, members also expressed high satisfaction with ACWA’s communications, toolkits and events. Members value the many ways we stay connected — through conferences, region meetings, policy committees and direct engagement. In a state as large and diverse as California, those connections do not happen automatically. They require intention and commitment. With your feedback, we’ve developed ways to enhance and elevate the communications pipeline that runs through our region and committee structure, which in turn will allow for increased member engagement and input into policy development.

One survey result that really stands out and sets an extraordinarily high bar is the 97% satisfaction rate with ACWA staff. Thank you for the level of confidence you have in us.  It reflects a team of professionals who are knowledgeable, responsive and deeply committed to serving our members every day. I could not be prouder of the professionals who represent this world-class organization.

Overall, the survey tells a powerful story: strong satisfaction, clear priorities and a mandate to lead boldly. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. We will continue listening, engaging and advancing an agenda that reflects the needs of water agencies across California. This latest survey collected the highest response rate yet, and I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who participated, which included members from all 10 ACWA regions. You can see a snapshot of a few survey results on the opposite page.

Thank you for your trust and partnership. The work ahead is significant, and we are ready for it.

SoCal Water Leaders Announce Landmark Regional Water Partnership

The San Diego County Water Authority and Western Municipal Water District today announced a historic long-term regional water supply agreement that strengthens water reliability and creates a paradigm shift in how water providers share resources across the region to benefit millions of customers.

Together, the agencies serve communities representing more than 4 million Southern California residents across Riverside and San Diego counties. 

“This agreement is a win for San Diego ratepayers, a win for Western, and a win for Southern California,” said Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano. “It allows us to maximize the value of the investments San Diego County residents made over decades, strengthen water reliability, and do so in a way that is mindful of affordability and public responsibility. It is exactly the kind of innovative, collaborative approach this moment demands.”

Under the agreement, Western Water will receive a minimum of 10,000 acre-feet of water annually over the next 21 years, enough to supply approximately 30,000 Southern California households each year and strengthen long-term water reliability for the communities it serves. Western Water is also pre-purchasing approximately 30,000 acre-feet of water for future delivery, a nearly $40 million investment that provides added flexibility during drought.

The partnership will generate approximately $13.5 million annually in revenue for the San Diego County Water Authority, with the agreement expected to deliver roughly $100 million over the first five years after accounting for the upfront payments. Those revenues help offset the cost of long-term water supply investments while making efficient use of existing regional water supplies.

The Water Authority’s current draft Urban Water Management Plan confirms that the agency’s diversified portfolio of water supplies, combined with a sustained commitment to water-use efficiency, will meet the region’s water needs through 2050, even during multiple dry years. That means the Water Authority can continue providing reliable water for San Diego County while making the most of long‑term investments through agreements like the one with Western Water.

Revenues generated through those agreements help reduce wholesale water rate pressures for San Diego County customers.

“The county’s ratepayers continue to benefit from investments in water conservation that give us flexibility to balance water affordability and reliability,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “This agreement would not have been possible without the incredible team at Western Water that shares our commitment to visionary leadership and collaboration in developing a new way to think about water resources.”

For Western Water, the partnership strengthens long-term water supply planning by securing access to highly reliable supplies at one of the most cost-effective opportunities available today.

Western Water serves nearly one million residents across southwest Riverside County, one of California’s fastest-growing regions, where planning ahead for dependable water supplies is essential for community stability and economic growth. By securing access to these supplies, Western Water strengthens drought protection and long-term supply planning without the cost, risk, or timelines associated with developing major new water supply projects.

“Partnerships like this show what is possible when water agencies work together,” said Laura Roughton, president of Western Water’s Board of Directors. “By sharing secured resources, we can strengthen water reliability for our communities while freeing up supplies that are needed elsewhere across the region. It’s a win for our customers, a win for San Diego, and a win for Southern California’s water system.”

Western Water and the Water Authority worked collaboratively to develop the agreement, reflecting a shared commitment to the health and resilience of Southern California’s water system for generations.

“With California’s water landscape shifting due to climate variability, economic and population growth, now is the time to pursue innovative partnerships that strengthen long-term water planning and affordability,” said Craig Miller, general manager of Western Water. “We appreciate the leadership and professionalism of the San Diego County Water Authority in helping make this partnership possible.”

The agreement builds on a series of innovative efforts by the Water Authority to make the most of its long-term water supply investments. Earlier this year, the Water Authority’s Board approved an agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to explore a pilot program that could allow desalinated seawater to be exchanged with Colorado River Basin states – another step aimed at strengthening water security across the Southwest while modernizing how regional water resources are managed.

Water purchased by Western Water will be delivered through existing connections within the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional pipeline system, meaning no new infrastructure is required. Because the water moves through existing facilities, transfers can be carried out efficiently without building new pipelines or treatment plants.

“Southern California is an economic engine for the nation, and its future depends on a secure and sustainable water supply,” said Metropolitan Board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. “This agreement was made possible by a legal settlement forged last year between Metropolitan and the Water Authority. That settlement gave birth to a new business model allowing the movement of water between our 26 member agencies. The water that is part of this agreement didn’t just fall from the sky. It was conserved by businesses and residents for the benefit of greater Southern California. Together, we are ensuring our region continues to thrive for generations to come and providing a model that can solve other water challenges in the Southwest.”

IEUA Staff Earn Multiple Honors at CWEA SARBS Awards Banquet

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) was recognized with multiple awards by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) during its Annual Awards Banquet held on Saturday, March 14. The Agency received Gold and Silver honors across multiple categories recognizing excellence in laboratory science, engineering, operations, and community engagement initiatives that help protect and preserve public health and the environment.

“The SARBS Awards recognize the professionals responsible for safeguarding public health through water and wastewater management,” stated IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “These honors reflect the incredible dedication and expertise of IEUA staff who operate laboratories and treatment facilities, meet rigorous regulatory standards, and continue raising the bar for water stewardship in our region.”

CWEA is committed to empowering, educating, and connecting water professionals dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. SARBS, a local section of CWEA, provides opportunities for wastewater professionals to collaborate and advance industry knowledge through meetings, trainings, and professional development.

During the Awards Banquet, SARBS recognized IEUA with the following honors:

Laboratory Person of the Year – Gold Award was presented to Acting Laboratory Supervisor Twan Nguyen, recognizing excellence in laboratory operations and contributions to advancing water quality monitoring and analysis.

Student and Young Professionals Award – Gold Award was presented to Laboratory Assistant Jack Ben Clark, recognizing emerging professionals who demonstrate leadership and commitment to the water and wastewater industry.

Dr. Jenkins Research Achievement Award – Gold Award was presented to IEUA’s Water Quality Laboratory for the 1,2,3-TCP investigation, recognizing applied research that advances wastewater treatment science and improves treatment processes and plant performance.

Engineering Achievement Award – Gold Award was presented for the Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 1 Headworks Project, recognizing engineering excellence in the design and implementation of infrastructure that strengthens wastewater operations.

Collection System Person of the Year – Silver Award was presented to Collection System Operator II Paul Perez, recognizing outstanding performance in wastewater collection system operations, reliability, and leadership.

Operator of the Year – Silver Award was presented to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator V Oscar Martin. The award recognizes an operator who demonstrates exceptional skill, dedication, and leadership in wastewater treatment plant operations.

Community Engagement and Outreach Project of the Year (Large) – Silver Award was presented for IEUA’s staff- developed Wastewater Treatment Plant Model, an educational tool designed to help community members understand how wastewater treatment protects public health and the environment.

Additionally, Golden Manhole recipients, Acting Director of Finance and former Manager of Facilities & Water System Programs Lucia Diaz and Collection System Supervisor Edward Makowski, were recognized.

As section-level honorees, all Gold award nominations will advance to the statewide competition through CWEA where winners will be announced at the CWEA Annual Conference in April.

“We greatly appreciate the educational opportunities and continued collaboration provided by CWEA and our local chapter, SARBS,” continued Elie. “I would also like to thank our staff for their dedication to operating safely, efficiently, and innovatively in all that we do.”

Congresswoman Julia Brownley Presents Check to Calleguas for Pump Station Project

On Friday, March 13, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-26) presented a check for $1.029 million to the Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas) Board of Directors at a presentation attended by elected officials, community leaders and project supporters at beautiful Lake Bard at the Calleguas headquarters in Thousand Oaks.

In 2024, Congresswoman Brownley included the Lake Bard Pump Station project as one of her 15 Community Project Funding requests. Through two years of federal funding uncertainty and delays, she continued to champion the project’s importance. The funding was ultimately secured with the passage of H.R. 6938, providing vital support for the project.

“Through strong partnerships between federal, state, and local leaders, these infrastructure investments make substantial strides protecting our regional water supply. By upgrading critical infrastructure and supporting forward-looking local solutions, we are helping communities in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley grow stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient,” said Congresswoman Brownley.

The Lake Bard Pump Station will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the District’s existing emergency water supply. The project will increase available emergency drinking water supplies by nearly 30 percent, strengthening regional resilience and improving emergency preparedness.

Calleguas Municipal Water District Board of Directors President Raul Avila remarked, “On behalf of the Calleguas Board, I want to extend our appreciation to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her persistent and successful advocacy for the Lake Bard Pump Station project. The $1,092,000 allocation not only puts us solidly on the path to construction of this project, which is critical for dependable backup water supply, but also helps alleviate the financial burden on our ratepayers for reliable and resilient water infrastructure. Congresswoman Brownley’s partnership truly makes a difference for the long-term water security of our region and the 650,000 Ventura County residents that Calleguas serves.”

To learn more about Calleguas, visit Calleguas.com.

SMWD Earns Statewide MISAC Excellence in IT Practices Award

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) has received an Excellence in Information Technology Practices Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC)—a statewide recognition of strong governance and day-to-day IT operations in local government.

While “information technology” may sound behind-the-scenes, it plays a direct role in how SMWD serves customers every day. The technology SMWD uses helps protect critical infrastructure, supports efficient operations, and strengthens the District’s ability to respond by delivering high-quality drinking water, wastewater, and recycled water services.

What the award recognizes
MISAC’s Excellence in IT Practices Award recognizes agencies whose IT governance and operational practices meet or exceed local government standards. The evaluation examines IT practices across multiple subject areas, including planning, budgeting, operations, cybersecurity, and disaster preparedness and recovery.

More than a single project, this recognition reflects how an organization plans, protects, maintains, and improves the technology that supports essential public services.

Why it matters to customers
For customers, reliable water and wastewater service depends on a vast system of infrastructure—and the technology that supports it. IT helps SMWD monitor and manage systems, protect digital tools against evolving threats, and keep key services running during disruptions.

Strong IT practices also support practical improvements that customers can feel:

• Faster response and service continuity when issues arise
• Better protection of systems that support operations and customer services
• Smarter planning and coordination for upgrades and improvements over time

A recognition of strong operations
According to Dustin Navarro, SMWD’s IT Manager:

“The recognition affirms the strength of SMWD’s IT program and day-to-day operations, highlighting our resilient technology practices that help protect critical infrastructure and support reliable customer service across MISAC’s evaluation areas.”

This distinction matters because it highlights consistent performance—how the IT team supports the District every day, across many systems and responsibilities, rather than one isolated initiative.

Culture of Continuous Improvement
Technology changes fast—so maintaining high standards requires an approach that’s steady, agile, and always evolving. Navarro describes SMWD’s mindset as continuous improvement:

“We focus on getting better every day. Because technology and the business processes it supports are constantly changing, we stay agile so we can meet the District’s needs and adopt improvements quickly.”

That continuous-improvement approach aligns with what MISAC is designed to promote: agencies learning from peers, strengthening practices, and using technology strategically to enhance public service.

What it takes to earn recognition like this
MISAC’s award process is intentionally rigorous. Agencies provide detailed documentation and responses that reflect how they run technology services—often including strategic planning, operational standards, security, training, and continuity planning.

For SMWD, those practices translate into stronger support for the systems that keep essential services running day in and day out.

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

Nature-Like Fishway Project in Lower Yuba River Awarded to Teichert Construction

Continued progress following penstock incident

Moulton Niguel Launches AI for Water Management Workforce Training Program

The conference room fell silent when Brian S. Probolsky appeared on screen. Not Probolsky himself, seated in the front row, but an animated version of the Moulton Niguel Water District Board President, his digital likeness addressing the audience in support of the AI for Water Management program’s first cohort.

“If I could figure this out in a few hours,” the AI-generated Probolsky said, “so can you.”

The room erupted in laughter. The point had landed. Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant abstraction reserved for Silicon Valley engineers. It is accessible and ready to be deployed by the same professionals who manage Southern California’s water pipes and treatment plants.

The January 2026 launch marked the debut of the nation’s first AI workforce training program designed specifically for water utility professionals. The course was developed through a collaboration among the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County, the University of California Irvine Division of Continuing Education, Moulton Niguel Water District, and the California Data Collaborative. Funding came from a California Jobs First grant administered by the Orange County Business Council.

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

The urgency behind the program extends beyond technological curiosity. California’s water sector faces a demographic cliff. Experienced operators are retiring. Younger workers are entering a field reshaped by climate volatility.

AI offers tools that can help, including predictive maintenance, advanced data analysis, and improved customer communication. But those tools deliver results only when the people managing water systems know how to use them.

Moulton Niguel Board President Brian S. Probolsky has been a leading advocate for workforce readiness, providing sustained guidance on the initiative and emphasizing the importance of preparing public-sector professionals to responsibly apply emerging technologies.

“By investing in education and upskilling, we’re modernizing not just our workforce, but the water industry as a whole,” Probolsky said. “This is a historic moment for our industry, and we’re proud it’s happening right here in Orange County.”

Practical Applications for Daily Operations

The course focuses on practical, real-world applications: using AI to optimize treatment processes, anticipate infrastructure needs, and enhance customer service operations. The emphasis is on tools that practitioners can deploy immediately, not theoretical frameworks.

For Moulton Niguel, the program reflects a broader commitment to ensuring innovation delivers tangible results for customers, employees, and the communities the district serves. The district, which provides water, wastewater, and recycled water service to more than 170,000 customers across South Orange County, has built its operational model around reinvesting in both infrastructure and human capital.

The Future of Water Management

Water utilities cannot wait for perfect conditions to adopt new tools. Climate challenges, infrastructure demands, and workforce transitions are already here.

The success of this program will not be measured in test scores, but in safer operations, more resilient systems, and a workforce equipped to meet the future of water management with confidence.

Interior Announces $540 Million Investment in California Water

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior today announced $889 million in investments for critical water infrastructure projects across the West, with $540 million going to California projects.

The investment will support improvements to major water conveyance systems and storage projects that serve farms, communities and businesses throughout the Central Valley.

• The largest allocation, $235 million, will fund improvements to the Delta-Mendota Canal, operated and maintained by the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. The funding will support rehabilitation of the upper canal, including raising canal embankments, repairing check structures and advancing potential construction of a new concrete-lined canal segment.
• The Friant Water Authority will receive $200 million for subsidence correction efforts along the Friant-Kern Canal.
• The Interior Department will invest $50 million to address subsidence issues on the San Luis Canal affecting water delivery reliability. The canal is jointly operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Water Resources.
• The Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority will receive $15 million to increase flow rates and improve system performance at its pumping plant.
• An additional $40 million will support planning and preconstruction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam, operated by the Bureau, which will increase water storage capacity by approximately 634,000 acre-feet. That volume of water is enough to supply about 2.5 million people for a year.

“The Friant-Kern Canal is a lifeline for farms, communities, and groundwater recharge efforts throughout the San Joaquin Valley,” stated Johnny Amaral, Chief Executive Officer of Friant Water Authority (FWA), in a news release. “It cannot be overstated how important and lasting this funding will be for FWA and the communities we serve.”

Westlands Water District also issued a news release expressing appreciation for the funding.

“This critical funding will help put shovels in the ground and position California to better capture and store water during wet years for use during inevitable dry years,” stated General Manager Allison Febbo, in a news release. “This year’s mix of wet days followed by an unusual March heatwave only demonstrates how critical expanding storage capacity is in the state. It is a practical, forward-looking, and essential strategy that protects necessary water supplies that sustain productive farmland and ensures that our family farmers can continue growing the food that feeds America.”

Made possible by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the funding will support U.S. Bureau of Reclamation projects in California, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming that improve water conveyance, expand storage and modernize infrastructure that supports American communities and agriculture.

$200 Million Federal Investment Advances Friant-Kern Canal Restoration

LINDSAY — The Friant Water Authority today welcomed and applauded federal action by the Trump Administration supporting critical water infrastructure investments, including funding to advance capacity correction efforts along the Friant-Kern Canal (FKC), a vital water delivery system serving farms and communities throughout California’s eastern San Joaquin Valley.

The announcement that $200 million has been allocated for FKC Capacity Correction efforts is a major boost for FWA and the districts, farms, and communities that rely on the canal for irrigation and drinking water. This investment comes at a critical time and will support several projects that are “shovel ready.” FWA will move quickly through the public solicitation process to begin advancing these projects.

Restoring the FKC capacity has long been a top priority for the communities, farms, and water users who depend on this vital piece of infrastructure. This major investment would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment shown by the Trump Administration, including President Trump himself, Secretary Burgum and his dedicated team at the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation, as well as Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Vince Fong, who have been steadfast advocates for water infrastructure and storage projects across California and the Central Valley, including the Friant Division’s most critical delivery system, the FKC. Their collective efforts will help strengthen water reliability across California and the Central Valley.

“The Friant-Kern Canal is a lifeline for farms, communities, and groundwater recharge efforts throughout the San Joaquin Valley,” said Johnny Amaral, Chief Executive Officer of Friant Water Authority. “We appreciate the leadership shown by the Trump Administration, Secretary Burgum, Congressman Valadao, Congressman Fong, as well as the unified support of the California delegation. It cannot be overstated how important and lasting this funding will be for FWA and the communities we serve.”

Years of land subsidence have significantly reduced the ability to convey water to farms and communities throughout the eastern San Joaquin Valley. Investments made possible through the Budget Reconciliation Bill (OBBB) will help restore critical capacity along the FKC and strengthen the long-term reliability of water deliveries to one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation.

FWA’s continued partnership with the Administration, and the entire congressional delegation, will remain key to ensuring that projects like the Friant-Kern Canal Capacity Correction Project—and other important water storage projects—receive the support they need to provide lasting benefits for the region’s communities and agricultural economy.

About Friant Water Authority 

Friant Water Authority represents more than 30 irrigation districts and water users that receive water from the Friant Division of the Central Valley Project, delivering water to farms and communities throughout California’s eastern San Joaquin Valley. 

SMWD’s Nicole Stanfield, Honored for Leadership That Builds Trust

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) proudly celebrates Nicole Stanfield, who leads the Public Affairs team. Nicole was recognized among 25 leaders at the 5th Annual Women Making a Difference Awards, hosted by Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, on March 14 in Irvine.

Held in honor of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, the event highlighted more than 150 women across Orange County who are advancing sustainability through leadership, innovation, and community impact.

Nicole was recognized for her values-driven leadership and commitment to building trust through accountability, transparency, and meaningful public engagement. In her role at SMWD, she leads efforts to connect the community with critical information on water quality, reliability, and long-term infrastructure investments that support water resilience.

Through her work, Nicole helps foster strong relationships between the District and the communities it serves—an essential component of advancing sustainable water management and maintaining public confidence in local government.

“Nicole leads with a strong commitment to trust, accountability, and transparency while helping keep the community informed about critical issues,” shared event organizers during the ceremony. “Her leadership ensures residents stay informed, engaged, and supported.”

SMWD congratulates Nicole and all the 2026 nominees and award recipients for their leadership and contributions to a more sustainable future. The District also extends its appreciation to Supervisor Foley for hosting the event that recognizes exemplary women leaders across the community.

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