TUD Earns Dual Honors from Special District Leadership Foundation
SONORA — Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is proud to announce it has been recognized by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) with two of the highest honors available to California special districts: the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence and the District of Distinction accreditation.
“These awards are a testament to TUD’s commitment to open government, sound fiscal management, and best practices in public service,” said Don Perkins, General Manager. “Our staff and board have worked diligently to ensure our operations are transparent, responsible, and responsive to our community’s needs.”
Board President Ron W. Ringen added “Receiving both the Transparency Certificate and District of Distinction designation reflects our dedication to earning the trust of the community we serve. These recognitions affirm that TUD operates as a team with integrity, accountability, and a focus on long-term sustainability.”
To earn the Transparency Certificate of Excellence, TUD demonstrated completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including: • Conducted ethics training for all board members • Properly held open and public meetings • Filed financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner • Maintained a website with posted election procedures, Board meeting schedules and agenda, current budget, recent financial audit, compensation information for board members and staff
The District of Distinction accreditation further recognizes TUD for its sound fiscal management policies and practices. SDLF’s independent audit review of the last three years of district operations confirmed prudent fiscal practices. The district’s board and executive staff also completed educational training in public governance, ethics, and harassment prevention. Receiving the District of Distinction award is a prestigious honor held by only 2% of special districts in the state.
“SDLF provides an independent audit review of the last three years of the district’s operations to ensure prudent fiscal practices”, said Neil McCormick, Chief Executive Officer of SDLF.
SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs.
Watercraft Screenings at New Bullards Bar Reservoir Continue Through 2026
MARYSVILLE – Yuba Water Agency will continue screening all motorized watercraft at New Bullards Bar Reservoir through 2026 in an effort to prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels to the Yuba River watershed. The decision follows successful implementation of the agency’s 2025 pilot screening program.
Since the program launched August 18, Yuba Water has screened nearly 2,300 vessels for visible signs of mussels, aquatic vegetation, mud and standing water, and talked with hundreds of boaters about their recent activity and clean, drain and dry practices. Although 19 vessels visited Bullards Bar from confirmed mussel-positive waters, screeners have not found any evidence of golden mussels in their screenings so far. Other reservoirs in our region, however, have intercepted boats that could have transported mussels, if not for screening efforts.
“These screenings have provided valuable data on where boats are coming from, how well visitors are following clean, drain, dry practices and helped us assess potential risks to our reservoir,” said Senior Environmental Specialist Jessica Nichols. “It’s been a really effective way to engage with boaters and people have been overwhelmingly supportive of our efforts. Boaters really seem to understand the risk and want to do their part to protect our waterways.”
The screenings, which take an average of about five minutes each, also provided secondary benefits, including local seasonal jobs, enhanced security at Bullards Bar and more opportunities to educate boaters about clean, drain and dry practices and the importance of securing and/or covering tow chains to reduce wildfire risk.
Yuba Water does not plan to implement a vessel tagging or banding program in 2026 due to the anticipated resources and staffing that it would require. Screenings remain free for all boaters.
First detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in fall 2024, golden mussels have spread throughout California waterways and pose a serious ecological and economic threat, including to the Yuba River watershed.
“Our most recent surveys and ongoing monitoring show Bullards Bar remains mussel-free, and we’re working hard to keep it that way,” Nichols said. “But we still need everyone to be vigilant to help prevent the spread of golden mussels and remember to clean, drain and dry boats, kayaks, fishing gear…anything that comes into contact with the water…every time.”
More information on Yuba Water’s Invasive Mussel Prevention Program, including a new video encouraging all boaters to properly clean, drain and dry their vessels, is available at yubawater.org/invasives.
Board approves City of Marysville Sponsorships
Yuba Water’s board today also approved three sponsorships totaling $7,500, for major events put on by the City of Marysville – the annual Christmas Parade ($1,500), 4th of July Fireworks ($1,000) and Marysville Peach Festival ($5,000).
Application Window Now Open for Colorado River Water Leaders Program
The application window is now open for the Water Education Foundation’s 2026 Colorado River Water Leaders program, which will run from March through September next year.
The biennial program is patterned after the foundation’s highly successful California Water Leaders program and selects rising stars from the seven states that rely on the river – California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico. Tribal nations and Mexico also take part in the cohort.
During the seven-month program designed for working professionals, cohort members explore issues surrounding the iconic Southwest river, deepen their water knowledge and build leadership skills.
Acceptance to the program is highly competitive. Get a program overview and tips on applying by attending the virtual Q&A session on Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m. (Mountain Time) / 11:30 a.m. (Pacific Time).
Applications are due by Jan. 26, 2026, no later than 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Visit the application page to find out how to apply and get more details, including tuition for the program.
Russian River Inflatable Dam to be Lowered Ahead of Increased River Flows
SANTA ROSA – In anticipation of increased river flows, the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) began lowering its rubber dam on the Russian River near Forestville on Nov. 13. Sonoma Water routinely lowers the inflatable dam when flow forecasts indicate the river will exceed 1,600 cubic feet per second to protect the structure from potential damage.
The rubber dam is located just downstream of the Wohler Bridge and is typically raised in the spring or early summer when regional water demands increase. When inflated, the dam creates a pool that supports Sonoma Water’s production wells in the area. A permanent fish ladder provides passage for migrating salmon and steelhead when the dam is raised and allows Sonoma Water to monitor fish migration using an underwater video system. When fully lowered, the dam rests flat on the riverbed.
Sonoma Water encourages residents to continue using water efficiently, even during wet weather. Now is the time to adjust or turn off irrigation systems and repair indoor leaks. More water-saving tips are available at the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership website, www.SavingWaterPartnership.org.
Sonoma Water provides water supply, flood protection and sanitation services for portions of Sonoma and Marin counties. Visit www.SonomaWater.org for more information.
Local Teachers Receive Funding for Hands-On Water Education Projects
Rowland Water District (RWD) has awarded over $18,000 in classroom grants through its annual Splash Cash program, supporting a new round of teacher-led projects that connect students to the science, sustainability, and everyday importance of water. This year’s grants will fund projects across five local schools with activities ranging from outdoor science camps and sustainable gardens to watershed studies and mobile aquarium programs. Each project helps students see how water influences the environment, their community, and their own daily lives. “Teachers are the best innovators finding new ways to make water education meaningful,” said Brittnie Gildea, Rowland Water District Marketing and Social Media Coordinator. “Their creativity gives students a stronger sense of connection to the world around them and builds lasting awareness about the role water plays in the vitality of our region.” 2025-26 Splash Cash recipients include: Rowland Elementary School- Amanda Garrett, RowEL 6th Grade — $1,800
- Veronica Armas, 6th Grade Splash Cash Proposal — $1,740
- Ana Ruiz Dinkins, Water, Animals and Me: From Learners to… — $2,000
- Suzanne Wong, Water Conservation (Science Camp) — $1,500
- Gilbert Navarro, Aquarium on Wheels: The Aquarium of the Pacific — $1,500
- Missy Velasco, Growing Together: An Inclusive & Sustainable Garden — $2,000
- Nancy Buck, Jellick Jaguar Sixth Graders in the Forest — $3,000 (Group Award)
- April Minette-Galindo, Water Wonders at Outdoor Science Camp — $1,500
- Candace Leuthold, Growing More with Less: Comparing Hydroponic Systems — $1,500
- Candace Leuthold, Where Water Goes: Watershed Flow, Trash Impact — $1,500
WVWD Proudly Recognizes Local Students as 2025 Poster Contest Winners
RIALTO — The West Valley Water District (WVWD) proudly celebrated the winners of its 2025 Annual Poster Contest during the November 6 Board of Directors meeting. This year’s contest theme “Being in My Water Saving Era Means…” encouraged students to showcase how they could individually take responsibility for water saving in their lives.
Student artists from local elementary schools were recognized for their creative artwork and artistic storytelling. The winning posters will be featured in the upcoming 2026 WVWD annual calendar.
“Each year, I am inspired by the creativity and passion of the students who participate in this contest,” said WVWD Board President Kelvin Moore. “Their art reminds us that we are all called to be good stewards of our environment and precious resources.”
This year, WVWD received nearly 250 vibrant entries from students across its service area. District staff judged the posters based on creativity, theme expression, and artistic effort.
2025 Poster Contest Winners:
Jalyssa V., Paakuma’ K-8; Rihanna E., Crestmore; Arianna J., Sycamore Hills; Adeline G., Sycamore Hills; Alizay F., Kordyak; Kayle A., Sycamore Hills; Charlotte M., Paakuma’ K-8; Annabelie L., Sycamore Hills; Haylee G., Sycamore Hills; Melanie M., Simpson; Noemi V., Trapp; Adele L., Sycamore Hills; Khadijah S., Sycamore Hills
“I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations to all of our student winners from all of us here at West Valley Water District,” said WVWD Vice President Angela Garcia. “I also want to take time to commend the teachers, administrators and parents who encourage their students to not only take part in the contest but teach them how to embrace their water-savings era.”
Winning students also received special Certificates of Recognition from local elected officials, including Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, Assemblymember Robert Garcia, and San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr.
For more information about WVWD and its commitment to education and water conservation, please visit www.wvwd.org/publicaffairs.
Calleguas Municipal Water District Remembers Former Board Member Steve Blois
Current and former board members and staff of Calleguas Municipal Water District are saddened to learn of the passing of former Board President Steve Blois on October 26, 2025, due to complications from mesothelioma.
Prior to joining the Calleguas Board, Steve earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo and had a noteworthy career in construction, leading Blois Construction, Inc., a heavy civil contractor in Southern California before retiring in 2003. While serving on the Calleguas Board from 2014 – 2022, he brought his love and knowledge of construction to the role. During his tenure, Calleguas completed numerous noteworthy critical infrastructure projects, including the 10 megawatt Wellfield Emergency Generators, Grandsen Pump Station Phase 2, an interconnection with Crestview Mutual Water Company, and numerous phases of the innovative Salinity Management pipeline.
“Director Blois was a true champion of the importance of infrastructure investment. He loved to go out in the field and see the projects that the Calleguas Board approved becoming reality” said Kristine McCaffrey, Calleguas General Manager and former Manager of Engineering. “He was very supportive of engineering staff and always willing to share expertise from his extensive experience as a contractor, as well as a good story.”
Steve served on the ACWA Region 8 Board 2016-17 as a Board member and was Chair of Region 8 from 2018-21. He was Calleguas’s representative to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Additionally, he served for many years on the Board of Directors for Crestview Mutual Water Company in Camarillo and was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008 to serve on the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board. Most recently, he was on the Board of Directors for the Nacimiento Regional Water Management Advisory Committee.
Current Calleguas Board President Raul Avila remembered, “Director Blois, was an exceptional member of our Board, he served as a great role model for us all. His extensive experience and positive attitude will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. He fostered a sense of camaraderie among us, making us feel like friends rather than merely fellow board members. The times I had the privilege of attending the ACWA conferences with him were truly special. It was as if he knew everyone at the conference. During lunch, he would usually look for a table where he didn’t know anyone and that’s the table he would choose. He would quickly make friends of those ACWA members.”
Steve is survived by his wife Brenda, his daughters Jessica Blois and Jaime Blois Lewis, his son-in-law Blake Lewis; his three grandchildren Claire, Owen, and Jacob Lewis; his brothers Doug Blois (Dian), Scott Blois, Jim Blois (Alice), and Mike Blois (Juli), and their families; his stepchildren Jeff Kennedy (Trudy) and Kristin Kiefer (Scott) and their families; and numerous extended family and friends.
Christiana Daisy Appointed Interim General Manager for IEUA
INLAND EMPIRE – At the Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s (IEUA/Agency) Board Workshop on Wednesday, November 5, the Board of Directors unanimously appointed Christiana Daisy as its Interim General Manager for a period of up to 24 weeks. During this time, the Agency will be conducting a recruitment for a permanent General Manager. Ms. Daisy has over three decades of experience in leadership, engineering, water resources management, construction, and operations and maintenance. Most recently, Ms. Daisy served as IEUA’s Deputy General Manager, retiring in 2024 after over five years of leadership. Prior to IEUA, Ms. Daisy had extensive experience working for West Basin Municipal Water District and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, serving in various engineering roles. “Christiana brings a wealth of experience and deep knowledge of our Agency’s operations. Her leadership and expertise on the Agency will be invaluable to ensuring continuity and stability throughout the recruitment period,” stated IEUA Board President Marco Tule. “We are grateful for her leadership during this transition and confident in her ability to guide us forward.”###
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) is an innovative, forward-thinking Agency serving over 950,000 residents across 242-square miles in western San Bernardino County. The Agency is committed to supporting the needs of its service area and safeguarding public health through its significant investments in developing a diversified water supply portfolio, developing reliable municipal/industrial wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner. IEUA’s mission ensures long-term success for the region and its customer agencies which include Chino, Chino Hills, Cucamonga Valley Water District, Fontana, Fontana Water Company, Montclair, Monte Vista Water District, Ontario, San Antonio Water Company, Upland, and West Valley Water District.Village of Heritage Recycled Water Project Expands Regional Water Reliability
FONTANA — The Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD), the City of Fontana, and the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) joined together to celebrate the completion of the Village of Heritage Recycled Water Project, marking a major step forward in local water reliability and regional sustainability. The project expands recycled water service throughout the Heritage community, providing a sustainable source for irrigating greenbelts, parkways, and open spaces. This investment will conserve approximately 89 acre-feet of potable water each year, about 80,000 gallons of drinking water saved daily, while supporting a greener, more resilient community. CVWD Board President Randall Reed highlighted the significance of regional collaboration and long-term planning, stating that “the Village of Heritage Project reflects what can be achieved when agencies work together toward a shared goal. By expanding the use of recycled water, we’re improving local water reliability, strengthening our sustainability, and investing in the future of our community.” Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren shared her excitement about the project’s positive impact on the community, stating, “This project is a game-changer for Fontana — it’s about being smart with our resources, protecting our future, and keeping our neighborhoods thriving. I’m especially excited to see this project come to life. Thanks to the partnership of the Cucamonga Valley Water District, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and our residents, we’re building a more sustainable, resilient Fontana — one that will stay green and strong for generations to come.” From a regional perspective, IEUA Board Member Michael Camacho underscored the project’s significance in strengthening local water reliability. He explained, “The Village of Heritage project is an important piece in our regional water reliability puzzle. Every gallon of recycled water used for landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, or cooling systems is a gallon of imported water that remains available for drinking. In a region facing ongoing drought conditions and increasing uncertainty around imported water supplies, diversification is our strongest strategy. Recycled water is drought-proof, locally controlled, and sustainable. This project demonstrates our commitment to turning every drop into a resource, building the kind of redundancy and flexibility our region needs to thrive regardless of drought conditions.” During the ceremony, State Water Resources Control Board Member Nichole Morgan commended the agencies’ efforts and highlighted the project’s role in advancing statewide water resilience. She stated, “We are here today to celebrate 14,000 Village of Heritage residents joining the many others across the state who enjoy the increased water security made possible by recycling projects. Our work at the State Board is to improve California’s water security. To this end and to keep financing costs low and water recycling projects affordable, we have partnered with water agencies, towns, and cities across the state and distributed $1.4 billion in loans and grants over the past three years. The Village of Heritage project alone will offset approximately 89-acre feet per year of imported water, and all the projects combined will secure nearly 250,000-acre feet of additional water per year, enough to sustain 750,000 households. This represents a broad and meaningful step toward California’s more secure and vibrant economy and ecology.” The Village of Heritage Recycled Water Project was made possible through collaboration between CVWD, the City of Fontana, and IEUA, with funding provided by the Inland Empire Utilities Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board’s Water Recycling Funding Program. The project demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainability, partnership, and long-term water reliability.###
The Cucamonga Valley Water District provides high quality, reliable water and wastewater service to 200,000 customers within the City of Rancho Cucamonga, portions of Fontana, Ontario, and Upland, and some unincorporated San Bernardino County.Applications Now Open for PWD’s 2026 Rate Assistance Program
PALMDALE – Palmdale Water District (PWD) is accepting applications for its 2026 Rate Assistance Program (RAP), which will provide up to 700 eligible customers with a $25 discount off their monthly service fee. RAP is open to eligible senior citizens ages 62 and older, veterans of any age, and low-income families who need assistance with their water bills. Customers must provide proof of income and be enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program with Southern California Edison or Southern California Gas Co. It is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Program participants must reapply annually. “We are happy to announce that we are able to continue helping some of our customers with their water bills,” said PWD Customer Care Supervisor Tara Rosati. “I do encourage those who are eligible to apply early because the spots will fill up quickly. Some years, the program fills up in one month.” Earlier this year, the Board of Directors increased the budget for RAP from $170,000 to $210,000, bringing the open spots from 565 to 700. The Board also increased the fee waiver from $20 to $25 to offer greater assistance to individuals. RAP is funded by non-operating revenues, such as proceeds from leasing PWD properties, including mobile phone companies for cell towers. Applications for RAP can be completed on PWD’s website in English at https://bit.ly/PWDRAP26 and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/SpanRAP2026. For more information or assistance, please call the Customer Care Department at 661-947-4111. Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org.###