Western Water’s General Manager Appointed to SB 72 Implementation Advisory Committee
RIVERSIDE COUNTY — The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has appointed Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) General Manager Craig Miller to serve on the Senate Bill (SB) 72 Implementation Advisory Committee, a statewide body responsible for helping shape how California delivers on its first-ever long-term water supply target.
The appointment positions Western Water — and the rapidly growing Inland Southern California region — at the forefront of statewide water supply planning as California works to secure reliable water supplies for future generations.
As Governor Gavin Newsom stated in announcing the California Water Plan update, “We will capture, store, and conserve more water to build a more resilient future for California.”
The SB 72 Implementation Advisory Committee plays a critical role in turning that vision into measurable, regionally informed action.
“Our customers depend on us to plan ahead and advocate for solutions that protect their water reliability,” said Laura Roughton, President of Western Water’s Board of Directors. “Craig’s appointment reflects the value of regional leadership and partnerships in shaping a statewide water supply strategy that works for all Californians, especially communities like ours that are experiencing rapid growth.”
SB 72 establishes a long-term, statewide goal to ensure California has sufficient water supplies to meet the needs of communities, agriculture, the economy, and the environment. The Advisory Committee will help guide how the state turns that policy into actionable, regionally informed solutions.
“The California Water Plan provides a critical framework for aligning statewide goals with regional realities,” said Joel Metzger, Deputy Director at DWR. “The strength of SB 72 implementation will depend on meaningful engagement from all members of the Advisory Committee. Their diverse perspectives and regional expertise are essential to developing durable, actionable solutions that support reliable water supplies for all Californians.”
Western Water has played a leadership role in advancing SB 72, working in partnership with water agencies, local governments, business leaders, environmental interests, and statewide associations to elevate water supply reliability as a shared California priority.
For Western Water customers and the southwest Riverside region, this appointment means their water provider has a direct seat at the table as California determines how to secure reliable water supplies for the future, helping ensure investments, policies, and timelines reflect real-world regional conditions and customer needs.
“I’m honored to serve on the SB 72 Implementation Advisory Committee and to work alongside DWR and partners from across the state,” said Craig Miller, General Manager of Western Water. “Under DWR’s leadership, California is moving beyond siloed planning toward a more coordinated approach that aligns people, priorities, and process. That spirit of partnership is essential to delivering reliable water supplies for communities throughout California.”
The SB 72 Implementation Advisory Committee will work closely with DWR, planning caucuses, and stakeholders across the state to support data-driven planning, coordinated investment, and long-term water supply resilience.
To learn more about DWR’s water supply planning efforts and read Governor Newsom’s announcement, visit CaliforniaWaterPlan.com.
For more information about Western Water, visit WesternWaterCA.gov.
YLWD Secures $1.105 Million in Federal Funding for New Groundwater Well Project
The Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD/District) has been awarded $1.105 million in federal funding to advance the design of Well 23, a critical groundwater infrastructure project that will strengthen local water reliability and reduce dependence on imported water supplies.
The funding was approved through the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on January 23. The allocation was secured with the support of Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) as part of Community Project Funding, also known as Congressionally Directed Spending. The funding will be administered through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under “Yorba Linda, Section 219, CA.”
Earlier this year, Rep. Kim voted to advance a three-bill Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations minibus package focused on public safety, water reliability, and critical community investments across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Funding for Well 23 reflects her ongoing efforts to deliver meaningful infrastructure improvements for California’s 40th District.
“Reliable, locally sourced water is foundational to affordability and public safety in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Well 23 is a strategic investment that will increase local groundwater production, reduce reliance on imported water from the Colorado River and State Water Project, and strengthen Southern California’s resilience to drought conditions. By investing in local solutions like Well 23, we are protecting ratepayers, supporting economic growth, and ensuring our communities have the stable water supply they need for generations to come.”
The $1.105 million federal allocation, combined with YLWD’s required 25 percent local cost share, will fund the design phase of Well 23 and formally initiate the “new start” of the federally-funded, cost-shared project. Construction funding will be sought through future federal appropriations.
Once completed, Well 23 will become the 11th groundwater well owned and operated by YLWD, further strengthening the District’s water supply portfolio. YLWD has made significant long-term investments in its water system and manages more than 56,000 individual assets valued at approximately $1.34 billion, ensuring reliable service for the community.
YLWD General Manager was notified directly by Rep. Kim of the federal funding award, marking a major milestone after more than two years of coordination and advocacy.
“As a Veteran, this significant federal funding in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is especially meaningful to me given my 35 year career with the Corps prior to joining YLWD,” said Mark Toy, YLWD General Manager. “This first increment of money initiates the critical ‘new start’ of this federally-funded, cost-shared project and paves the way for a long-term association with USACE for the design and construction of the groundwater well. Moreover, the YLWD Board of Directors is positioned for greater financial flexibility for future Capital Improvement Program decisions. Most importantly, our customers are the ones who will benefit as we continue to stay true to YLWD’s mission.”
YLWD credits the success of this effort to the collaborative work of its Engineering and Public Affairs teams, as well as Townsend Public Affairs, with special recognition to Ben Goldeen for his dedication and support throughout the federal funding process.
At its core, the Well 23 project reinforces YLWD’s commitment to responsibly managing water resources, investing in essential and critical infrastructure, and delivering lasting value to the community. To learn more about Yorba Linda Water District, upcoming projects, and events, visit www.ylwd.com or follow the District on social media.
Statewide Snowpack Remains Below Average
SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the third snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 28 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 11 inches, which is 47 percent of average for this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack is 66 percent of average for this date.
Today’s snow survey results show an increase from last month’s measurements following a series of cold, major snow-producing storms that ended a five-week dry period. Unfortunately, the recent storms were not enough to get the state back to average conditions for this time of year. Warmer storms early this week also caused snowmelt at lower elevations.
“Although the storms we saw in mid-February were some of the coldest and best snow-producing storms we have seen since 2023, they were not enough to get us back to average conditions,” said Andy Reising, Manager of DWR’s Snow Survey’s and Water Supply Forecasting Unit. “The snowpack is in better shape than it was one month ago, but we only have a month left of our snow-accumulation season and time is rapidly running out to catch up. Statewide, we are only about 57 percent of where we hope to be by April 1.”
Storms this season have also been unevenly distributed across the Sierra Nevada. While the Southern Sierra Nevada is 90 percent average for today’s date, the Northern Sierra Nevada, where several of the largest major water supply reservoirs are located, is only 46 percent normal for this date.
“Water supply in California increasingly depends on a small number of big storms,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “We face higher drought risk when they don’t arrive and greater urgency to modernize infrastructure to capture water when they do. The dramatic wet-dry swings this winter remind us again that ever-warmer average temperatures have reshaped the California water cycle. We must adapt.”
On average, the largest snow-producing months in the Sierra Nevada are December, January, February, and March. Historically, the snowpack peaks on or near April 1, after which the snowpack transitions to generating run-off into California’s rivers and reservoirs.
While the snowpack remains below average, major reservoirs statewide are currently 122 percent of average. State water managers, including the State Water Project, continue to focus on efforts to capture and store as much water as possible.
The next survey is tentatively scheduled for April 1.
SMWD Awarded $1.7M in Federal Grants to Strengthen Local Water Reliability
Santa Margarita Water District has secured $1.7 million in federal grant funding, thanks to the continued leadership and support of Congressman Mike Levin and Congresswoman Young Kim. This critical funding will advance key infrastructure projects that enhance water reliability, improve water quality, and protect the environment.
Each dollar we secure in grants helps lower the costs that affect customer water rates. These rates pay for operating and maintaining SMWD’s $3 billion infrastructure and delivering high-quality, reliable drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services to more than 200,000 people in south Orange County.
Congressman Mike Levin secured $959,752 to support the construction of a PFAS treatment facility in San Juan Capistrano. This funding supports SMWD’s efforts to address emerging contaminants, safeguard public health, and continue delivering high-quality drinking water that meets evolving regulatory standards. He has a strong track record of delivering federal resources for SMWD projects that protect public health and strengthen regional water resilience. Congressman Levin’s continued advocacy at the federal level reflects his commitment to modernizing water infrastructure and advancing long-term water reliability solutions throughout the region.
Congresswoman Young Kim secured $750,000 in federal funding to support SMWD’s innovative Oso Barrier Water Treatment Plant project — a forward-thinking initiative designed to capture, treat, and reuse urban runoff as a local drinking water supply. By transforming stormwater into a sustainable resource, the Oso Barrier project will help reduce reliance on imported water supplies. “The Santa Margarita Water District is grateful to Representative Kim for her continued leadership and support of the District as we enhance water reliability for our community,” said Board President Laura Freese.
“This new funding assistance will allow the District to capture urban water runoff and use it as a source of local drinking water, offsetting future imported water needs. Her commitment to innovative and resilient water projects, like the Oso Barrier Water Treatment Plant Project, enhances our quality of life and helps sustain the economic viability of our region.”
Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.
Bureau Announces Initial 2026 Allocations for CVP
SACRAMENTO – The Bureau of Reclamation on Feb. 27 announced initial 2026 water supply allocations for Central Valley Project water users. A news release details allocations for six contractor groups as well as wildlife refuges.
While early-season storms brought some precipitation to the Sierra, a dry and warm January significantly reduced snow accumulation. Recent measurements show statewide snowpack at roughly 59% of the historical average with key high-elevation basins below median snow-water equivalent for this time of year.
Reservoir storage, however, remains stronger than average due to recent wet years and active water management efforts, providing a buffer as hydrologic conditions continue to evolve ahead of the critical spring runoff season, according to the Bureau’s news release.
“While current snowpack conditions remain below average, we are encouraged by the recent storm activity and the additional precipitation it has brought to the state,” stated Acting Regional Director for the Bureau Adam Nickels in the news release. “As we receive and analyze updated data from these storms, particularly snowpack and runoff forecasts, we are hopeful conditions may improve. We will continue to closely monitor hydrologic developments and update allocations accordingly to reflect the most accurate and up-to-date information available.”
ACWA member agencies Westlands Water District and Friant Water Authority issued statements on the Bureau’s setting of an initial allocation.
“We appreciate the Trump administration’s leadership on strengthening water reliability for the San Joaquin Valley and its recognition of the severity of the state’s water challenges. However, given recent storms that have lifted California out of drought, improved snowpack, and increased reservoir storage, a 15% water supply allocation does not reflect current hydrologic conditions and falls well short of what is needed to sustain the District’s nearly 700 family-owned farms that feed the world and support communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley,” stated Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo in a news release.
“Friant Water Authority deeply appreciates the Bureau of Reclamation’s announcement of a 100% Class 1 water supply allocation for the Friant Division of the Central Valley Project,” stated the authority in its news release. “This allocation provides important certainty for our member districts, growers, and the communities they serve across the east side of the San Joaquin Valley. We are grateful to Reclamation staff and the Administration for their timely, nimble, and data-driven approach, and for maintaining close coordination with water users throughout the winter as conditions develop.”
ACWA Members Take California Water Priorities to Washington
WASHINGTON D.C. – Nearly 140 ACWA members gathered in the nation’s capital this week for the annual ACWA D.C. Conference, meeting with federal representatives and hearing directly from members of Congress and administration officials.
On Tuesday, attendees visited Capitol Hill to connect with their representatives. The afternoon Congressional Speakers Program gave members the opportunity to continue to engage directly with lawmakers. The group heard from U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-02), Ken Calvert (R-41) and Jim Costa (D-21).
Keynote speakers who kicked off today’s programming included: Dustin Sherer, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the U.S. Department of the Interior; Tom Schultz, Chief of the United States Forest Service; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA); and Brian Nesvick, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Topics included infrastructure funding, project streamlining and collaboration to address endangered and invasive species.
At lunch, ACWA presented United Conservation District with the Most Effective Agency on a Federal Issue Award for its 2025 outreach efforts, which elevated science-based water policy to the national stage. The district’s work included congressional testimony, direct collaboration on the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 and the FISH Act, and coalition-building that strengthened federal reform efforts.
The conference concludes tomorrow with an advocacy debrief and strategic discussion on next steps.
WVWD Secures over $1M to Strengthen Water Security
RIALTO – The West Valley Water District (WVWD) has secured over $1 million in community project funding through Congressman Pete Aguilar to strengthen critical water infrastructure and support key resiliency initiatives. This investment will modernize the District’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, enhancing real-time monitoring, emergency response capabilities, and overall reliability for the more than 100,000 customers WVWD serves.
WVWD’s SCADA system is the technological backbone of its water operations, monitoring and controlling wells, pumps, pipelines, reservoirs, and treatment facilities in real time. Over time, the system has become outdated, more difficult to maintain, and increasingly vulnerable to evolving cyber threats. With cybersecurity risks rising nationwide, investing in secure, modern water technology is critical to operational reliability.
“Upgrading our SCADA system protects our water supply from cyber threats and strengthens overall system reliability,” said West Valley Water District Board President Kelvin Moore. “Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Aguilar and our Board, we’re modernizing critical infrastructure responsibly and efficiently. These improvements will increase operational efficiency, reduce service disruptions, and ensure a dependable water system that serves our community well into the future.”
The SCADA upgrade will include new hardware and software, enhanced communications infrastructure, and strengthened cybersecurity protections. Once complete, operators will be able to detect issues earlier, respond to emergencies faster, prevent service interruptions, and reduce costly downtime. These upgrades are expected to lower long-term repair expenses, minimize service disruptions, and help stabilize customer rates over time.
“As our region grows, it’s essential that our water infrastructure can keep up with people’s needs,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I’m excited to announce that I secured more than $1 million in funding to help upgrade West Valley Water District’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. This project will modernize the system to prepare it for 21st-century challenges, including addressing cyber vulnerabilities and guarding against potential attacks. By proactively upgrading our water infrastructure, we can ensure that people in the Inland Empire will have reliable access to clean and safe water for years to come. I will keep working in Congress to deliver investments in our community that help make the Inland Empire the best place to call home.”
This federal investment marks a significant step forward in ensuring long-term water reliability, operational resilience, and infrastructure security for the West Valley Water District and the communities it serves.
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Since 1952, West Valley Water District has been dedicated to serving the Southern California communities of Bloomington, Colton, Fontana, Rialto, Jurupa Valley and Unincorporated San Bernardino County. Providing water to over 100,000 customers, West Valley is committed to delivering a cost-effective, high-quality water supply. Governed by a five-member, publicly elected board of directors, our mission encompasses strategic water resource planning, effective management, and the development of regional partnerships to ensure sustainable water solutions.
Governor Launches California Water Plan 2028
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom today launched California Water Plan 2028, which sets the first water supply target in state history — 9 million acre-feet by 2040 — through a blueprint designed to close water gaps driven by extreme swings between drought and floods widening every year.
The California Water Plan fulfills goals set by ACWA-supported SB 72, authored by Senator Anna Caballero and signed into law by Newsom last year. A 35-member advisory committee convened by the Department of Water Resources will shape a workplan for both the 2028 and 2033 Water Plan updates. ACWA Interim Executive Director Marwan Khalifa and leadership from a dozen ACWA member agencies serve on the committee.
The committee reflects the diversity of California’s water system, including representation from urban and agricultural water suppliers, tribal, labor, environmental justice and environmental interests, local government, business and other interested parties, according to a news release from the Newsom Administration.
The launch initiates the first phase of work under SB 72, which mandates modernization of the California Water Plan by improving data and setting measurable water supply targets. It also creates a more coordinated, transparent planning framework that aligns state, regional, and local actions, which includes close collaboration with the California Water Commission.
At the center of SB 72 is an interim statewide planning target of 9 million acre-feet by 2040, which is the amount of water supply California could lose as climate change reduces snowpack and intensifies drought. Roughly equal to two Shasta Reservoirs, or enough for 18 million homes, the target is a shared benchmark that includes supply, conservation, recharge, and storage strategies to close projected water supply gaps and strengthen long-term water reliability.
More information is available at californiawaterplan.com.
Hometown Finance Leader Steps into Regional Water Role
BEAUMONT – San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) welcomes Jennifer Ustation as Chief Financial Officer. A respected local finance leader, Ustation joins SGPWA from the City of Beaumont, where she served as Finance Director and built a career rooted in service to the Pass area community.
“Jennifer understands this region because it is her home,” said SGPWA Board President Robert Ybarra. “She has built her career serving the Pass area with integrity and care, and bringing that experience to SGPWA is meaningful for the people we serve. We are confident in her leadership and grateful to welcome someone who is deeply invested in the future of this region.”
Ustation brings more than a decade of municipal finance experience, with expertise spanning budgeting, audits, compliance, capital planning, accounting, and investment management. Known for her thoughtful and results-driven approach, she has helped ensure sound financial practices while supporting responsible infrastructure investment. She is actively engaged with the Government Finance Officers Association and holds the Certified Public Finance Officer designation.
At SGPWA, the Chief Financial Officer plays a vital role in supporting long-range planning, financial stewardship, and transparency. As a fiscally responsible agency, SGPWA leads with integrity and accountability to ensure reliable water service today and for generations to come. Ustation’s appointment reflects the Agency’s ongoing commitment to caring for the public resources entrusted to it.
During her tenure with the City of Beaumont, Ustation led citywide financial operations and played a key role in strengthening the city’s fiscal health. In this next chapter of her public service career, she will bring that same steady leadership and practical experience to SGPWA, supporting its work to deliver sustainable water resources that enhance the quality of life across the region.
“Serving the Pass area has been the heart of my career, and stepping into this role with SGPWA is both an honor and an exciting opportunity,” said Ustation. “Water is foundational to our quality of life and economic vitality, and I am proud to support an organization that approaches this responsibility with care, transparency, and long-term vision. I look forward to working with the team to serve our communities and help ensure a strong future for the region.”
For more information about SGPWA’s leadership and mission, visit sgpwa.com.
State Water Contractors Release Annual Science Report
SACRAMENTO — The State Water Contractors (SWC) on Feb. 19 released its annual Science Report for the 2024-’25 fiscal year. The report provides updates on six studies, initially funded by more than $4 million from SWC’s Science Program in 2023, designed to generate actionable science that supports fish and habitat protection while maintaining a sustainable water supply.
“The past year brought us insights from new studies that provide California’s resource managers with a greater understanding of how and when targeted adjustments can be made to mitigate impacts on fragile ecosystems,” stated Darcy Austin, Science Manager for the State Water Contractors, in a SWC news release. “SWC is committed to putting science first, and our approach is to fund research on the basis of reducing the scientific uncertainties that would assist managers in making decisions.”
The studies focus on four water management priorities: compliance, habitat and ecology, non-operational stressor reduction and outflow.
Topics include:
- Examining how environmental and hydrodynamic factors, like flow, turbidity, temperature and percentage of source water, influence salmonoid behavior and distribution near State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) export pumps.
- Analyzing the impact of pesticides on juvenile Chinook salmon in the Delta, the results of which will help determine thresholds necessary to preserve the existing salmon population.
- Assessing current gaps in water accounting and reporting, and recommending innovative solutions to address current water management challenges.
“SWC is committed to sustainably providing the water resources needed to drive our state’s economy,” stated Jennifer Pierre, General Manager for the State Water Contractors, in the news release. “That is why our Science Program is so important. We’re funding and sharing studies that ensure water management decision-making in California has access to the most up-to-date research. Every day, our members protect important ecosystems and deliver essential water to Californians and the scientific research we fund supports their ability to accomplish both without compromise.”
The report also highlights the efforts taken by SWC to expand the impact of the research.
To learn more about the SWC’s Science Program and read this year’s annual Science Report, visit www.swc.org.