Water Agencies Elevate Leadership Across SoCal

The Elevate Leadership Program concluded this week with its final session and graduation, celebrating the inaugural class of emerging leaders from nine Southern California water agencies. The program was created through the shared vision of several water districts and municipal General Managers who recognized the importance of developing the next generation of water industry leaders.

Beyond building leadership skills, the program emphasized the value of relationships across agencies. Collaboration, resource-sharing, and open communication among districts play a critical role in delivering reliable, high-quality drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services to the communities they serve.

Over a six-month period, participants from nine water agencies came together for six sessions focused on key leadership topics, including personalities, coaching and mentoring, emotional intelligence, delegation, prioritization, having difficult conversations, and effective communication. Each session was hosted by a different partner agency, reinforcing the program’s regional nature.

The first graduating class completed its final session and received certificates of completion on January 13, 2026, at Santa Margarita Water District headquarters in Rancho Santa Margarita. The graduation marked an important milestone for both participants and the agencies that supported the program.

General Managers expressed pride in their team members for completing the program. Santa Margarita Water District General Manager Robert Grantham encourages graduates to continue building relationships with one another and to reach out as challenges and opportunities arise throughout their careers.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the program’s impact on both leadership development and regional collaboration. The success of the inaugural Elevate Leadership Program sets a strong foundation for future classes and continued partnership across the water industry.

The participating agencies include Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, El Toro Water District, Fallbrook Utility District, Jurupa Community Services District, Valley Center Municipal Water District, Rainbow Water District, Rancho California Water District, Santa Margarita Water District, and Yuima Municipal Water District.

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

EBMUD Board Elects Luz Gómez as President and Valerie D. Lewis as Vice President

OAKLAND – On January 13, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Board of Directors unanimously elected Luz Gómez President of the seven-member EBMUD Board of Directors. The Board also elected Valerie Lewis as Board Vice President with one abstention.

President Gómez resides in the City of San Ramon and represents EBMUD’s Ward 2, which includes Alamo, Lafayette, the Town of Danville, the communities of Blackhawk and Diablo, and portions of Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and San Ramon. She was appointed in April 2024 to replace former Director John A. Coleman after his resignation and was successfully elected in November 2024 to complete the term and will serve through December 2026.

Gómez is chair of the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission with more than 20 years of experience in public health, air quality, lead poisoning prevention and community engagement. Gómez has managed programs for Contra Costa Public Health and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and was Chief of Staff to Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia. Gómez co-founded the San Ramon Valley Climate Action Coalition and has been a member of the American Association of University Women San Ramon, San Ramon Library Advisory Committee, Dougherty Valley San Ramon Rotary Club, Lafayette Vision Zero Stakeholder Group, and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Cultural Responsiveness Committee.

“It is an honor to serve in this capacity, and I appreciate my fellow board members for placing their trust in my ability to lead this organization,” said President Gómez. “I look forward to an impactful year as we continue to serve our 1.4 million customers while maintaining our core values of stewardship, integrity, respect and teamwork.”

Vice President Lewis was elected to the Board of Directors in 2024, representing EBMUD’s Ward 6, which includes major portions of the City of Oakland (East Oakland and south of Park Boulevard/5th Avenue to the San Leandro city boundary.) Director Lewis is a practicing attorney and retired Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Legal, for Safeway Inc/The Albertsons Companies. Director Lewis is a former trustee of the Alameda Health System and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, International Women’s Forum, Oakland branch of the NAACP, Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, Oakland-Bay Area Chapter of the Links, Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their confidence and support,” said Vice President Lewis. “It is an honor to work with such a group of knowledgeable, dedicated and committed people. It continues to be my highest honor to represent Ward 6, as well as the regional ratepayer interests, and to work with the finest workforce anywhere. I look forward each day to another opportunity to serve this unique District and the people of the East Bay.”

GDPUD and PCWA Win Regional Water Management Awards

GEORGETOWN – The Georgetown Divide Public Utility District (GDPUD) and Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) have won Regional Water Management Awards from the Sacramento Regional Water Authority (RWA) for the work completed in the projects “Fire Safe on the Divide” and the French Meadows Forest Restoration Project.

RWA is a joint powers authority that represents twenty-four water providers in the greater Sacramento Region. Their mission is to serve, represent, and align the interests of water providers to improve water supply affordability, availability, reliability, and quality.

The award is given to organizations that implement water projects or programs addressing water management needs in the area. The award is given to exceptionally special projects.

GDPUD’s “Fire Safe on the Divide” was a collaborative project with the Georgetown Divide Fire Safe Council to reduce wildfire risk and protect critical water infrastructure in the American River Watershed. Using grant funding from Cal Fire and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the project focuses on hardening water infrastructure, constructing fire-resilient storage tanks, reducing hazardous fuels around water facilities and evacuation routes, and improving long-term system resilience following catastrophic events such as the Mosquito Fire. These efforts protect the District’s water supply, Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, while reducing risks to downstream water quality and regional supplies.

GDPUD Board of Directors, Michael Saunders, accepted the Award on behalf of GDPUD at the RWA Annual Holiday Event held on December 11, 2025. “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the District and the work our staff does to keep our community fire safe,” said GDPUD Director Michael Saunders.

“We are grateful for the award and acknowledgement of our District’s hard work on this project,” said GDPUD General Manager Schneider. “These types of projects will strengthen our region’s water reliability during fire season, ensuring a sustainable and secure supply for generations to come.”

PCWA’s General Manager, Andy Fecko, also received this award for the French Meadows Forest Restoration Project.

The French Meadows Forest Restoration Project is a large-scale, collaborative effort to improve forest and watershed resilience in the upper American River watershed. The project was launched in response to the 2014 King Fire, which highlighted the need for proactive forest management to protect water supplies, hydropower facilities, habitat, and downstream communities. On-the-ground implementation began several years later and is now in its seventh season.

Spanning approximately 28,000 acres of Tahoe National Forest lands and adjacent private property near French Meadows Reservoir, the project brings together Placer County Water Agency, Tahoe National Forest, Placer County, and partners including The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, American River Conservancy, and UC Merced’s Sierra Nevada Research Institute. At the start of this year’s season, approximately 8,700 acres have been treated using ecological forestry practices such as strategic thinning and prescribed fire, with mechanical thinning about 85% complete toward the planned treatment area. Prescribed fire, meadow restoration, and long-term scientific monitoring continue to support sustainable forest and watershed resilience.

“We’re honored by this recognition,” said PCWA General Manager Andy Fecko. “In the headwaters, every acre we restore strengthens the watershed that so many communities depend on, and the French Meadows project is demonstrating a model of restoration that others can build on to protect forests and water supplies across the Sierra.”

For more information, visit gd-pud.org or call 530-333-4356.

Meet SMWD’s New Deputy GM: Jorianne Jernberg

Santa Margarita Water District is pleased to welcome Jorianne Jernberg as our new Deputy General Manager, who will join the executive team, along with General Manager Robert Grantham and Assistant General Manager Kristine Day, in supporting the teams that deliver SMWD’s essential services every day. Jorianne has recently been focused on legislative and public affairs, where she is helping advance proposed legislation to help SMWD operate more efficiently.

Jorianne brings more than a decade of leadership in water and infrastructure finance, most recently from Washington, D.C., where she helped build the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WIFIA Program from the ground up. Under her leadership, WIFIA grew into a nationally recognized government bank that delivered more than $22 billion in loans supporting nearly $50 billion in critical water infrastructure projects—including many right here in California.

Jorianne’s work spans water reuse, desalination, stormwater, and wastewater improvements. Her experience will help guide SMWD’s future investments.

Prior to her role with the EPA, Jorianne spent a decade in the transportation sector, focusing on infrastructure finance. She also worked in local government for a County Commissioner in her home state of Ohio.

What excites Jorianne most about joining SMWD? Helping the organization (SMWD) get results. She’s energized by collaborating with talented people and doing meaningful work—and she’s here to support the organization, strengthen partnerships, and help ensure SMWD continues delivering reliable, high-quality service to our 220,000 customers.

Outside the office, you might find her walking her dog along the beach, cooking with her husband, attending the orchestra, or learning to sail.

With her blend of water industry expertise, focus on collaboration, and approachable leadership style, Jorianne is a strong addition to the SMWD team—and another reason customers can feel confident that the industry’s best professionals are working on their behalf.

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

Western Water Board of Directors Confirms Officers to Continue Leadership

Western Municipal Water District’s (Western Water) Board of Directors has confirmed the continuation of its current officers with Director Laura Roughton serving as Board President, Director Fauzia Rizvi as Board Vice President, and Director Brenda Dennstedt as Secretary/Treasurer.

The Board elected to maintain its current leadership, noting that the two-year officer term has proven effective in maintaining institutional knowledge and advancing key initiatives. Continued leadership supports decision-making during a time of ongoing water supply, infrastructure, and regulatory challenges.

Board leadership

As Board President, Director Roughton presides over board meetings, helps guide board priorities, and represents Western Water in regional partnerships and community engagement efforts.

“Continuity on the board allows us to stay focused on long-term planning and make informed decisions that support reliable and affordable water service,” said Director Roughton. “It allows us to build on what’s working and better serve our communities.”

Serving as Board Vice President, Director Rizvi supports the President, steps into leadership roles as needed, and contributes to board discussions, committees, and policy development.

As Secretary/Treasurer, Director Dennstedt supports effective governance and financial oversight, helping ensure accurate records, transparent decision-making, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

The role of Western Water’s Board of Directors

Western Water is governed by a publicly elected Board of Directors that provides local accountability, transparency, and community representation in decisions affecting water and wastewater services. Each board member is elected from one of Western Water’s five divisions and represents the interests of their local communities.

The Board of Directors sets policy, approves budgets and rates, oversees major infrastructure investments, and helps guide the agency’s long-term direction. Board Members work closely with staff to ensure water and wastewater services remain safe, reliable, and cost-effective, while preparing for future challenges such as drought, aging infrastructure, and climate impacts.

Board Members also serve on committees and participate in regional water agencies, representing Western Water at the local, regional, and state levels.

Public participation encouraged

Western Water’s Board of Directors meets at 9:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public and can be accessed via livestream. Agendas are posted in advance, and recordings are available after each meeting.

To view agendas, watch meetings, or learn more about Western Water’s Board of Directors, visit WesternWaterCA.gov/BoardMeeting and WesternWaterCA.gov/BoardofDirectors.

January 2026 Priority Issues Update Now Available

The January 2026 Priority Issues Update is now available online to members.

The update is a summary of the latest developments on issues of interest to ACWA members. This issue contains information on the Governor’s proposed budget, AB 35, the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, PFAS and more.

The new and previous Priority Issues Updates can be found here.

Moulton Niguel Water District Appoints Brian Parker to Board of Directors

The Moulton Niguel Water District Board of Directors has appointed longtime Laguna Niguel resident and Moulton Niguel ratepayer Brian Parker to serve on its Board of Directors.

The board selected Parker in a unanimous vote during a special meeting on Dec. 17 after interviewing 16 applicants for the position.

“Moulton Niguel Water District sets the standard for excellence in water and wastewater service,” Parker said upon taking the oath of office. “It is a tremendous honor to serve the communities of Moulton Niguel and its ratepayers. I look forward to bringing my private sector management experience to deliver exceptional service to our customers.”

A retired executive in the global petrochemical industry, Mr. Parker brings an extensive record of public service and business experience, including more than 30 years of experience serving on corporate, public, and charitable boards.

“Brian Parker has a proven record of community involvement and brings more than three decades of private sector experience reviewing contracts and financial statements,” said Moulton Niguel Board Vice-President Brian S. Probolsky. “We are excited for Brian to join our team and appreciate his ongoing commitment to serving South Orange County.”

Parker’s recent public service is directly relevant to the district’s operations. As a member of the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury, he co-authored a comprehensive report on improving the operational effectiveness of water and wastewater services in South Orange County.

The report, “Emerging Opportunities in South County Water/Wastewater Systems,” served as a catalyst for a landmark realignment of wastewater agencies in 2024, which included Moulton Niguel reacquiring the Joint Regional Treatment Plant in Laguna Niguel.

Moulton Niguel Water District delivers high-quality drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services to customers in Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano. A leader in water conservation and environmental protection, Moulton Niguel maintains the lowest average water bill in South Orange County.

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MCWD Announces New Board Officers for 2026

Marina Coast Water District is proud to announce our newly elected Board President and Vice-President for 2026. As highly experienced officers, President Gail Morton and Vice-President Jan Shriner will continue working with their fellow Board members to deliver safe and environmentally sustainable water, recycled water, and wastewater services that meet community needs.

President Morton was appointed to the Board in Feb 2021 and elected to a 4-year term in Nov 2022. She was elected as Board President for 2024, 2025, and 2026. Gail is a family law attorney and served on Marina City Council for eight years prior to coming to our Board.

Vice President Shriner was elected to the Board in Nov 2010 and was VP in 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Jan was also Board President in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Jan is a trained biologist and enjoyed a lengthy career in outdoor education.

Welcome back Jan and Gail. We appreciate the expertise you bring!

Meet our full board at https://www.mcwd.org/governance_board.php

Orange County Agencies Launch First AI Course for Water Professionals

The California Data Collaborative (CaDC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and network of water professionals collaborating to support the planning and analysis needed to ensure a reliable and resilient water supply in California. We’re building a community that creates open-source software, data, standards, and applied research to empower local water suppliers on the ground and put their data to use for planning and policy.

CLAOC is a coalition of over 60 CEOs working together to solve the county’s most urgent problems and build a thriving Orange County for all. To fuel OC economic growth, close gaps, and secure future prosperity for all its residents, they are developing an innovative ecosystem – through a focus on talent and capital. Their collective work aims to make it more desirable for talent to stay, connect more OC residents to higher-paying jobs, and strengthen new and established local companies.

Moulton Niguel Water District provides high-quality drinking water, recycled water and wastewater treatment services to customers in Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. A leader in environmental protection, Moulton Niguel maintains the lowest average bill in South Orange County.

For 30 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) has been representing and promoting the region’s business community together with government and academia to enhance Orange County’s economic development. The Council’s core initiatives include developing pro-business solutions that lead to economic growth, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing, and advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure for the nation’s sixth most populous county.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.

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Foothill MWD Announces the Retirement of Board Member Richard Atwater

The Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD or the District) announces the retirement of Richard Atwater from its Board of Directors, effective February 1, 2026. Mr. Atwater was appointed Director in 2006 and served as Foothill’s representative to Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s (Metropolitan) Board from 2014 to 2023. Director Atwater has been an invaluable member of the District and the broader water industry for over four decades. Director Atwater’s career has been marked by significant contributions and commitment to government, water resource and environmental management in resolving complex water problems throughout the western United States.

“I have enjoyed my time working in the water industry and developing new ways of solving the water supply challenges that southern California has,” said Director Atwater. “Conservation, recycling, stormwater capture and groundwater recharge are the best ways we can be self-sustaining especially considering the uncertainties we are facing due to climate change.”

“Director Atwater’s depth of knowledge regarding the Colorado River, California’s State Water Project and local water resources is unrivalled. He has led the water industry in innovative water resource development throughout his career increasing supply reliability to southern California. He will be sorely missed,” said Foothill General Manager Nina Jazmadarian.

Director Atwater started his career at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. As the Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Director Atwater directly managed Colorado River issues. Key accomplishments were the passage of 14 water bills in Congress during 1984 and 1985, the Hoover Power Act reauthorization (1984), the Central Valley Project–State Water Project coordinated operations agreement, and serving as lead federal negotiator for the Central Arizona Project $1.1 billion cost-sharing agreement with the State of Arizona through direct negotiations with Governor Bruce Babbitt.

Director Atwater then became manager of the Resources Division at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Accomplishments at Metropolitan included the All American Canal lining legislation, negotiating the State Water Project (SWP) East Branch Enlargement Contract, the development of water transfers and local resource projects (water recycling and groundwater banking), extensive water and power contract responsibilities, including both Hoover and Parker-Davis federal contracts, Department of Water Resources SWP power contracts, and Metropolitan small hydro contracts and Bureau of Reclamation and Western Area Power Administration contract issues affecting Metropolitan’s transmission lines.

Director Atwater later served as General Manager of West Basin and Central Basin Municipal Water Districts, separate entities, which at the time were managed jointly. In this role, he implemented complex agreements with the City of Los Angeles, LA County Sanitation Districts, more than 20 cities, and major private corporations (e.g., Chevron, Arco, Mobil, Dream Works, Hughes) to develop the largest water recycling project built in California during the 1990s.

Director Atwater subsequently became Senior Vice-President and then President of Bookman Edmonston Engineering, Inc. During that time, he was a consultant to Metropolitan on the following issues: regional drought planning, groundwater storage and conjunctive use negotiations in Southern California and Kern County, water rates, CALFED, Integrated Water Resources Planning , and member agency relations. Mr. Atwater also prepared the Poseidon Resources feasibility plan for their Southern California seawater desalination projects and the Cadiz feasibility report for their groundwater project near the Metropolitan Colorado River Aqueduct.

At Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), an entity that provides wholesale water and wastewater utility services, Director Atwater became Chief Executive Officer/General Manager. In cooperation with the Chino Basin Watermaster, he implemented the award winning “Optimum Basin Management Program” which included a $50 million recharge master plan, a $270 million Chino Basin groundwater desalination project, a recycled water program ($210 million) and a 100,000 AF conjunctive use storage program with Metropolitan ($28.5 million). He also developed and implemented award winning water recycling, conservation, renewable energy and biosolids composting programs. In cooperation with the Milk Producers Council, he developed and implemented innovative dairy manure management strategies (e.g., anaerobic digestion, composting, and the sewering of dairy wash water) with the California Energy Commission and USDA grants. Under his tenure, the new IEUA administrative building won the prestigious Governor’s Environmental and Economic Achievement Award for the first LEED “Platinum” public building in California.

Director Atwater served as part-time Executive Director for the Southern California Water Committee (2010-2016), leading policy outreach and advocacy on such regional water supply issues including stormwater capture, water recycling, water quality and water use efficiency, and statewide efforts including the Bay Delta Conservation Program and State Water Project.

Director Atwater’s legacy of water management and policy innovation will continue to resonate with the water industry for many years to come. Foothill Municipal Water District is a wholesale water provider that delivers imported water to retail agencies serving Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and La Crescenta. Its member agencies include Crescenta Valley Water District, Kinneloa Irrigation District, La Cañada Irrigation District, Las Flores Water Company, Liberty Utilities, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association, and Valley Water Company.