Yuba Water Awards $1.9 Million in Grants, Names New Board Leadership

During its first meeting of the new year, the Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors selected new leadership and approved more than $1.9 million in grants to support continued work on the Marysville Ring Levee and several water supply reliability projects throughout Yuba County. 

The board named Wayne Bishop as chair and Renick House as vice-chairman for the 2026 calendar year. This is Bishop’s first year as chair; he previously served as vice chair in 2025 and has represented South Yuba County on the board since 2022.

“It’s an honor to serve as chairman of this board, especially during such an exciting time for the water agency and our county,” Bishop said. “The last few years have involved a ton of planning and design for big projects – and this year, we’re really transitioning to building. What a great time to lead a great agency.”

House has served on the board since 2025 through his role as a Yuba County supervisor representing District 2, which includes the City of Marysville, part of West Linda and the unincorporated part of the county known as District 10.

Yuba Water’s board includes all five members of Yuba County’s Board of Supervisors and two elected officials representing North and South Yuba County. The board works with the agency’s general manager to set policy and make decisions that support Yuba Water’s core missions.

Flood risk reduction grants

Also at today’s meeting, Yuba Water approved a nearly $924,000 grant to the City of Marysville to fund a comprehensive engineering analysis and documentation needed for state and federal accreditation of the 7.5-mile Marysville Ring Levee, which surrounds the city and reduces the risk of flooding from the Yuba and Feather rivers. Accreditation is necessary to ensure that property owners, renters and businesses in Marysville can continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

“Most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage,” said Yuba Water Flood Risk Manager Sami Nall. “Major improvements to our levee system in recent years have significantly reduced flood risk in our area, but anytime you live near a river or below a dam, there will always be some risk. That’s why it’s important that we ensure residents continue to have access to flood insurance.”

Once complete, the Marysville Ring Levee is designed to provide at least a 200-year level of flood protection. That means there is a 1-in-200 chance in any given year that a flood could exceed the system’s capacity. The levee reduces flood risk for more than 12,000 people, the region’s largest and only level 3 trauma services hospital, as well as Highways 70 and 20 and two major Union Pacific Railroad lines.

Water supply grants

Yuba Water approved five grants to support water supply projects across the county:

North Yuba Water District: A $355,782 grant will fund upgrades to the 22-mile Dobbins Oregon House Canal in the upper Yuba County foothills. The work includes lining more than 4,500 feet of canal to improve water conveyance, reduce water loss and provide long-term resilience. Yuba Water will cover 50 percent of the project cost, with North Yuba Water covering the remaining half.

Hallwood Irrigation Company: Yuba Water approved two amendments to previously awarded grants for the Hallwood Irrigation Company:

• A grant for approximately $244,000 will cover additional costs for a ditch lining project along Highway 20, which will reduce excessive seepage and water loss and improve water conveyance. In 2023, Yuba Water approved a grant worth $613,700 for the project.
• A $188,290 grant will help upgrade the hydraulic gates that regulate the flow of water at five locations in Hallwood’s water delivery system, enabling remote operation for better management and efficiency. Yuba Water previously approved a $442,300 grant for this in 2024.

Linda County Water District: Approximately $166,000 granted to Linda County Water District will help relocate several fire hydrants, water mains and other critical water and sewage infrastructure, to coincide with Yuba County’s North Beale Road Complete Streets Safety Project, which includes road and drainage improvements along North Beale Road in Linda. Yuba Water previously approved a $372,672 grant for this work. Linda County Water is matching both of Yuba Water’s contributions to complete the work.

Learn more about how Yuba Water’s investments are powering a brighter future for Yuba County at yubawater.org.

DWA Board Elects 2026 Officers

ACWA Resources Help Members with Legislative Outreach, Public Education

The California Legislature re-convened Jan. 5 for the second year of the 2025-’26 legislative session and ACWA distributed a toolkit to encourage and support member agencies’ legislative outreach.

Just as ACWA’s State Relations Department continued to meet with legislators during the winter recess to advance the association’s goals, ACWA encourages member agencies to make similar contact.

ACWA’s “Outreach Handbook” provides a summary of the state and federal legislative processes, ACWA’s policy process, an explanation on how to read bills from both bodies, and outreach tips — ranging from how to write letters to legislators and comment letters to regulators to infographics that visually break down complex legislative and regulatory processes. The resource also includes dozens of links that connect readers to ACWA toolkits and state and federal agencies.

A new handout, “Educating the Public about Legislative Issues” provides tips for educating the public about legislative issues and includes an overview of legal guidelines between education and advocacy. These resources are available online. Member login is required.

ACWA Statement on the Passing of Congressman LaMalfa

SACRAMENTO — The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today issued a statement from Interim Executive Director Marwan Khalifa in response to the passing of California Rep. Doug LaMalfa.

“Congressman LaMalfa was a champion for California water, agriculture and forest health issues. As a fourth-generation rice farmer, he used his personal expertise and dedication to become a leading proponent of these critical issues and elevate them on the national level.

“ACWA worked with Congressman LaMalfa and his staff on numerous policy matters, including his support for water infrastructure funding, increased storage and reduced wildfire risk, such as the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, of which he was one of the lead sponsors.

“California’s water community will miss the congressman’s leadership. ACWA sends its heartfelt condolences to the congressman’s family, loved ones and staff.”

CENTRAL COAST WATER AUTHORITY APPOINTS PETER THOMPSON NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BUELLTON – The Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Peter Thompson has been appointed as the new executive director, effective May 15, 2026. Before serving as executive director, Thompson will serve as the associate director from Feb. 9, 2026, to May 14, 2026.

Ray Stokes, CCWA’s current executive director, will retire in 2026 after nearly 30 years with CCWA and 13 years as its executive director. “As I conclude my career at the Central Coast Water Authority, I’m excited for what lies ahead for the Authority,” said Stokes. “The selection of Peter Thompson as the next executive director is an excellent choice, and I’m certain that with Peter’s extensive background and knowledge of the State Water Project, CCWA will build on the foundations established over the past 35 years to ensure the Authority is able to continue to deliver high-quality supplemental water to the entities it serves in Santa Barbara County.”

Thompson brings 25 years of leadership experience in California’s water sector, with a proven track record in advancing regional and state-level water initiatives. Serving as assistant general manager of the Antelope Valley–East Kern Water Agency (AVEK), general manager of the Antelope Valley State Water Contractors Association (AVSWCA), and administrator of the Antelope Valley Watermaster, Thompson has deep expertise in State Water Project governance, interagency collaboration and complex water resource strategy. In these roles, Thompson worked closely with California Department of Water Resources leadership, legislators, boards and regulatory agencies to ensure reliable water supplies for communities. Dedicated to finding common ground at the intersection of water supply operations, multiagency governance and state-level policy, Thompson champions cooperative solutions for California’s water future.

“As the State Water Project enters a new era of policy changes, financial challenges and capital investment, it is critical that CCWA maintain its statewide leadership. Peter’s experience and unique understanding of the complex State Water Project will ensure that CCWA continues to be a strong voice in these critical decisions,” said CCWA Board Chair Eric Friedman. “In addition, Peter has an extensive background in water storage and diversification that will benefit the Central Coast as we work to enhance local water security for the residents served by CCWA. On behalf of the CCWA Board of Directors, I am excited to have Peter join CCWA and look forward to working with him to ensure safe, reliable and affordable water for the residents we serve.”

Thompson added, “I am deeply honored to step into this role and serve the Central Coast communities. CCWA’s leadership, staff and board have built a strong foundation of success in overcoming the complexities of water management in our state, and I am committed to continuing that legacy. While we face significant hurdles ahead, including subsidence along the State Water Project and increasingly variable hydrology, I am confident in our ability to navigate them together. Through strategic projects, clear advocacy and inter-agency collaboration, we will ensure a resilient future for our region.”

Thompson received a B.S. in business administration–management from Western Governors University, holds a certificate in special district governance from the California Special Districts Association Leadership Academy, as well as Water Treatment Operator V and Water Distribution Operator V certifications from the California State Water Resources Control Board.

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The Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA), formed in August 1991, is charged with operating the local treatment and conveyance facilities associated with the State Water Project and contracts with the State of California’s Department of Water Resources to deliver State water to San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The facilities consist of the Polonio Pass Water Treatment Plant in San Luis Obispo County and a pipeline from the treatment plant to Lake Cachuma in Santa Barbara County.

Gary Arant Retires After Decades of Service to Valley Center Municipal Water District

VALLEY CENTER — After more than 52 years in the water and wastewater industry, Valley Center Municipal Water District’s long-serving General Manager, Gary Arant, is retiring. Arant led the District as General Manager for nearly 37 years. Since March 1989, he guided the District through countless challenges, including multi-year droughts, wildfires, freezes, state-mandated water cutbacks, economic recessions, countywide blackouts, and notably, an emergency in-house repair of a 42-inch transmission main. This exemplary record reflects a leader who consistently faced complex challenges head-on. A tireless and vocal advocate for effective and prudent local government and regional, state, and federal water policy, Arant has left an indelible mark on the District and the broader water community.

After graduating from California State University, Fullerton in 1972 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Arant began a long, dedicated career in the water industry. In 1973, he joined the Walnut Valley Water District in Los Angeles County as an Administrative Assistant and steadily advanced while continuing his education, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton in 1978. Arant was ultimately promoted to Assistant General Manager, overseeing Walnut Valley’s Diamond Bar operations until 1980, when he relocated with his family to San Diego County.

Arant next served as General Manager for the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District in Escondido, located in northern San Diego County from 1980 to 1989. While at Rincon, he developed and financed a Capital Improvement Project program, adding significantly to Rincon’s water storage, supply and transmission capacity. Arant also oversaw the expansion of Rincon’s Fire Department to add a second station, provide paramedic service and assisted in the negotiation of the eventual fire merger with the City of Escondido.

In addition to over four decades of day-to-day water agency management, Arant actively engaged in local and state associations, boards and committees always with the goal of ensuring water agencies had a seat at the table where the decisions that affect our communities are made.

Arant was a member of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, from 1983 until 1997, appointed by Governor Deukmejian and reappointed by Governor Wilson, serving in the positions Member, Vice Chair and Chair. Arant also previously served on the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission, Special District’s Advisory Committee from 1981 to 2020.

Arant has been the District’s appointed representative to the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) Board of Directors since 2006. He is currently Vice Chair of the Water Authority’s Administrative and Finance Committee and serves on the Engineering and Operations Committee. As former Chair of the Administrative and Finance Committee, Arant guided the Water Authority through multiple challenging budget and rate cycles and served as a strong and effective voice for the priorities of local member agencies.

As the Valley Center community has historically been rooted in agriculture, the District has long been an active member of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. Throughout the years Arant has led numerous regional efforts to promote water rate stability for local farmers.  In 2019, in response to the one-two punch of rapidly increasing wholesale water costs and state-mandated water cutbacks facing local farmers, Arant joined the Farm Bureau’s Water Committee to lend his expertise in navigating local water policy. Arant’s efforts helped secure water rate relief for local farmers through the Water Authority’s Permanent Special Agriculture Water Rate program. For his continued efforts supporting San Diego County agriculture, the Farm Bureau awarded Arant the Friend of Agriculture Award in 2017 and the Outstanding Service Award in 2025.

Active in the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) since 1973, Arant has chaired ACWA’s Energy, Local Government and Communications committees and served multiple terms on ACWA’s Board of Directors over a span of more than 20 years. In 2000, Arant participated in the development of ACWA’s grassroots outreach program and served as the first Co-Chair of the Outreach Task Force. ACWA’s outreach program has been instrumental in advocating for common sense legislation and regulations impacting water agencies. In 2007, due to his commitment to advance and advocate for effective California water policy, Arant received the ACWA Emissary Award. Under Arant’s direction, the District received the ACWA Region 10’s Outstanding Outreach Participation Award in 2011 and 2015 and Top Outreach Agency in 2017 and 2021. In December 2024, Arant received ACWA recognition in appreciation for his notable and invaluable contributions to ACWA’s Board of Directors, regions and committees.

Arant’s other notable achievements working with ACWA include assisting in the production of PBS’ “California’s Water” television series and serving on the “No Time to Waste – A Blueprint for California Water” workgroup. Arant also participated in various workgroups producing guidelines for transparent and prudent local government, including “Guidelines for Conduct – a Primer for Public Water Agency Officials,” “Open and Accessible: A Public Guide to Communication and Transparency” and “ACWA Policy Principles and Guidelines to Protect Property Tax and Reserves Funds”

Arant has worked diligently throughout his career to advance regional, state and federal water policy and mentor the next generation of water leaders. One would be hard pressed to find a Southern California water manager that has not worked alongside Arant on the tough issues facing water agencies. From advancing regional infrastructure projects benefitting not just Valley Center, but the whole of San Diego County, to supporting statewide efforts to secure reliable water supplies, we have all benefitted from Arant’s vast water expertise and knowledge. A true public servant, Arant has shown how dedication and passion can have a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

In retirement, Arant will remain engaged in the water community and continue to serve as the District’s representative on the San Diego County Water Authority Board. As an avid guitar player and active member of his church, Arant looks forward to playing in the church band and spending more time with his three sons and grandchildren. And what he most looks forward to is a restful night’s sleep knowing the agency and community to which he dedicated nearly four decades are in good hands under the leadership of the District’s new General Manager, Lindsay Leahy.

Valley Center Municipal Water District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to more than 30,000 people in Valley Center, and portions of Escondido and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego. For more information about the Valley Center Municipal Water District, visit www.vcmwd.org.

ACWA Selects Firm for Executive Director Recruitment

The ACWA Board of Directors has selected Bob Murray & Associates to lead the new recruitment process for hiring the association’s next Executive Director. The firm is expected to open the position to candidates by the end of January. 

In the meantime, Marwan Khalifa continues to serve as Interim Executive Director. Khalifa previously worked as Chief Financial Officer and District Treasurer for Mesa Water District, also serving on the ACWA Board, Executive Committee and as Chair of ACWA’s Finance Committee. 

Earlier this year, the Board conducted a nationwide search to identify potential candidates for the role. Following a thorough and thoughtful review, the Board determined that additional time would best serve the association’s long-term interests. 

“The ACWA Board of Directors is eager to identify an Executive Director who can help lead the association into its next chapter,” incoming ACWA President Ernie Avila said. “This is a pivotal decision, and we want to be deliberate in selecting the right individual—someone whose experience, leadership, and vision best serve our member agencies.” 

Late December Storms Deliver Much-Needed Snowpack and Water Supply

SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the first snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 24 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 5 inches, which is 50 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 71 percent of average for this date.

Today’s results are welcome news for water managers who rely on the statewide snow surveys to make water supply decisions for the year ahead. California’s statewide snowpack had been lacking in early December with above-average temperatures and very little storm activity. Recent storms have turned that around and provided a significant boost to the snowpack and the state’s water supply.

“The dry conditions and warmer temperatures in early December delayed our snow-building season, but the return of storm activity, especially in the last week, helped to build a solid base for this year’s snowpack,” said Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, State Hydrometerologist for DWR. “Thankfully, the recent storms that reached the state were cold enough to provide necessary benefits for the snowpack and our water supply. While California is in a better position now, it is still early in the season and our state’s water supply for this year will ultimately depend on a continued cadence of storms throughout winter and early spring.”

DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the Sierra Nevada indicate that the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 6.5 inches, or 71 percent of average for this date, compared to 115 percent on this date last year.

On average, the largest snow-producing months in the Sierra Nevada are January, February, and March. Drought and flood always marked the California climate, but extreme whiplash between wet and dry is becoming more pronounced, not just year to year but often within the same season or month.

“It’s great to see so much fresh snow in the Sierra following a relatively dry December,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “More than any other factor, the rain and snow that falls in these critical winter months dictates how much water can be delivered to Californians and farmland statewide. We make the most of what Mother Nature delivers with advance planning that enables Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations and groundwater recharge.”

Major reservoirs statewide are currently 123 percent of average thanks to recent precipitation on top of three consecutive years of above-average snowpack conditions.

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.” Data from these snow surveys and forecasts produced by DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit are key factors in determining how DWR manages the state’s water resources.

DWR conducts four media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for February 3.

For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov.

Promote ACWA’s Scholarship Opportunities Now

• Arthur L. Littleworth Best Best & Krieger Scholarship, one $10,000 award sponsored by BBK that will be distributed evenly over four years ($2,500 per year)
• Clair A. Hill Scholarship, one $5,000 award sponsored by Jacobs
• Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach Scholarship, one $5,000 award sponsored by SCV Water
• ACWA Water Law and Policy Scholarship, one $5,000 award
• Stephen K. Hall Water Law and Policy Scholarship, one $10,000 award

BCVWD Continues Commitment to Water Reliability with 2026 Imported Water Order

BEAUMONT — The Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) Board of Directors has approved the District’s 2026 imported water order from the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA), reinforcing BCVWD’s ongoing commitment to long-term water reliability and responsible resource management for the communities it serves. The District’s 2026 order includes 11,200 acre-feet of water for replenishment of the Beaumont Basin and an additional 2,800 acre-feet for banking and drought-proofing, for a total conditional order of 14,000 acre-feet. This action will help restore and maintain local groundwater reserves, ensuring a stable water supply during future dry periods.

“By proactively purchasing and recharging imported water, we’re continuing to strengthen our region’s drought resilience,” said Dan Jaggers, General Manager of BCVWD. “This year’s order will help us not only meet current replenishment needs but also rebuild the Beaumont Basin storage account to protect against future water supply challenges.”

The District’s Beaumont Basin storage account currently holds approximately 38,000 acre-feet, a significant recovery from its low point in 2022 following several dry years. BCVWD aims to increase the account to at least 40,000 acre-feet by the end of 2025, bringing it back above the District’s previous peak storage level from 2020.

“Maintaining a healthy groundwater basin is essential for both our community and our local economy,” said Board Vice President Lona Williams. “This decision reflects the Board’s long-standing commitment to planning ahead and investing in water reliability for the future.”

The imported water will be delivered through the State Water Project, conveyed by SGPWA, and recharged locally at BCVWD’s Noble Creek Recharge Facility and the SGPWA Brookside Recharge Facility. This water will supplement the Beaumont Basin, an adjudicated groundwater source that supplies much of the region’s drinking water. Board member John Covington added, “This type of collaboration among regional water agencies is key to ensuring our residents continue to have access to safe, reliable water supplies for generations to come.”

The 2026 order also positions BCVWD to take advantage of potential additional supplies, should statewide water conditions and capacity within the State Water Project allow. The total estimated cost for the approved water order is $4.47 million, based on the current imported water rate of $399 per acre-foot.

For more information on BCVWD, visit https://bcvwd.gov