OCWD Receives Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies Sustainability Award
FOUNTAIN VALLEY – The Orange County Water District (OCWD) received the prestigious Sustainable Water Utility Management Award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) for leadership in financial planning and responsible resource management. “We’re honored that AMWA recognized OCWD’s work to safeguard and increase Orange County’s water supply,” said OCWD President Denis Bilodeau. “Through long-term planning, sound investments in water infrastructure and treatment and continuous operational improvement, the District continues to strengthen water reliability for the 2.5 million people we serve.” OCWD recharges the Orange County Groundwater Basin; expands local water supplies through the Groundwater Replenishment System, the world’s largest advanced water recycling and potable reuse facility; utilizes Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations to maximize Santa Ana River stormwater capture behind Prado Dam; operates seawater intrusion barriers; and manages a proactive response to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). By developing new groundwater basin recharge sources and maintaining a diverse water portfolio, OCWD increased the Basin Production Percentage to 85%, up from 77% in 2022. In fiscal year 2023–24, the District recharged more than 90 billion gallons, its highest annual total to date. OCWD has not purchased expensive imported water for three consecutive fiscal years, underscoring the reliability of local supplies. In addition to these achievements, OCWD’s sound fiscal policies have earned top-tier credit ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s, supporting continued investments while maintaining affordability for ratepayers. Since receiving AMWA’s Platinum Award in 2022, OCWD has earned 33 additional industry honors, demonstrating the District’s commitment to sustainable groundwater management amid current and future water supply challenges. Since 1933, OCWD has advanced groundwater management, tripling the basin’s sustainable yield. For more information about OCWD, please visit www.ocwd.com and follow @OCWaterDistrict on social media.###
State Water Board Sets Lower Notification & Response Levels for Some PFAS
SACRAMENTO — The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water (DDW) has announced lower Drinking Water Notification and Response Levels for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA).
Notification and response levels are nonregulatory, health-based advisory levels established for contaminants in drinking water for which maximum contaminant levels have not been set. When chemicals are found at concentrations greater than their notification levels, certain requirements and recommendations apply. Where detected levels of PFOA and PFOS exceed the response level, water systems shall either (1) take the sources out of service immediately; (2) utilize treatment or blending; or (3) provide public notification of the response level exceedance within 30 days.
The new notification and response levels for these four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are:
PFOA: notification level = 4.0 ng/l, response level = 10 ng/l
PFOS: notification level = 4.0 ng/l, response level = 40 ng/l
PFHxS: notification level = 3.0 ng/l, response level = 10 ng/l
PFHxA: notification level = 1.0 ng/l, response level = 10 ng/l
More information with a link to a toolkit is available in an ACWA Advisory distributed Oct. 31. Member login is required.
Members Urged to Sign Letter on Tuolumne River HRL
SACRAMENTO — ACWA is urging members to join an ACWA-led coalition by Nov. 6 that provides input to the State Water Resources Control Board regarding the draft Scientific Basis Report Supplement (draft SBR) for the Tuolumne River Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program (Tuolumne HRL).
The Tuolumne HRL is part of the broader HRL Program that has been included as a regulatory pathway in the Sacramento/Delta update to the Bay-Delta Plan.
The draft SBR presents the science analyzing the proposed provisions included in the Tuolumne HRL. The State Water Board has not yet decided whether to amend the Bay-Delta Plan to incorporate the Tuolumne HRL, which makes timely engagement by ACWA members essential.
More information and background are available in an ACWA Regulatory Alert distributed Oct. 30. Member login is required.
ACWA Member Engagement Survey Underway
ACWA recently launched a comprehensive survey of its members to collect valuable feedback on services and programs, as well as to prioritize key legislative and regulatory issues.
Independent research company, FM3, has been contacting members by email as part of the survey. When an email arrives from info@surveysinsight.com with a link to the survey, please note that it is not spam, and input provided is extremely valuable in helping shape the direction of the association.
The survey is not limited to one response per member agency, but each email will include a unique link that can be used only once.
ACWA surveys its membership every few years to collect feedback and gauge whether the association needs to adjust to provide the best possible value to its members. The most recent member survey was conducted in 2022.
For questions about the survey, please contact ACWA Member Services Manager Katie Dahl at (916) 669-2439.
Moulton Niguel Water District Honored for Regional Resiliency & Wildfire Mutual Aid
Moulton Niguel Water District is being honored for its leadership in regional resiliency and providing mutual aid during this summer’s Rancho Fire. Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi recently presented Moulton Niguel Water District President Duane D. Cave with a Certificate of Recognition honoring his leadership in building regional partnerships to strengthen Orange County’s wildfire preparedness. Moulton Niguel Water District provided critical support for Orange County Fire Authority’s response to the Rancho Fire, which threatened homes in Laguna Beach. “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the City of Laguna Beach,” said Board President Cave, who brings more than four decades of public utilities experience to his leadership role. “Every second counts during an emergency. Moulton Niguel’s outstanding team took actions to ensure water flows were available to Orange County firefighters when they needed it most.” Moulton Niguel partnered with the Orange County Fire Authority, and in collaboration with the County of Orange, City of Aliso Viejo, and Aliso Viejo Community Association, to install the Aliso Viejo Helicopter Hydrant. The critical pipeline and fire hydrants recently installed by Moulton Niguel provided firefighters with a rapid refueling system for aerial firefighting operations in the region. When the Rancho Fire threatened Laguna Beach homes in July 2025, the Aliso Viejo Helicopter Hydrant system became a lifeline for aerial firefighting operations. The specialized infrastructure enabled Orange County Fire Authority helicopters to:- Complete 34 rapid refills during firefighting operations
- Deliver 42,350 gallons of water to suppress the blaze
- Fill 7,500-gallon helicopter tanks in just 5 minutes
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SMWD’s Dr. Betty Olson Reappointed to Regional Water Quality Board
Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Board President Dr. Betty H. Olson was reappointed to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board and will serve as the Vice Chair. The Board is responsible for protecting the water quality relied upon by millions of Southern Californians.
“It is an honor to continue serving on the Regional Board,” said Dr. Olson. “Every decision we make impacts the health of our communities and environment.” Dr. Olson brings an extraordinary record of service in both academia and public water leadership. She was first appointed to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board in 2014. She recently retired as a full professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, where she taught for more than four decades and advanced research in environmental biotechnology impacting water quality, and sustainability. At UC Irvine, she served as the founding Director of the Urban Water Research Center. She has also been actively engaged in California water policy and legislation for more than two decades. She currently serves as President of the SMWD Board of Directors and as President of the Association of Clean Water Administrators‘ Water Quality Committee. “Betty’s reappointment reflects her lifelong commitment to providing clean, reliable water for Southern California,” said Robert Grantham, SMWD General Manager. “It also reaffirms our board’s dedication to active leadership within the regional water community and beyond.” The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board plays a vital role in safeguarding water quality across San Diego, southern Orange, and southwestern Riverside counties. Dr. Olson’s reappointment ensures that the region continues to benefit from her deep expertise and collaborative approach to water management.Kern County Water Agency Hires Eric Averett as New General Manager
BAKERSFIELD – At its meeting on October 23, 2025, the Board of Directors of Kern County Water Agency (Agency) approved a contract to hire former Agency director Eric Averett as the Agency’s new General Manager. Mr. Averett has a long history with the Agency having started in an entry level field staff position in 1991 and working up to several management positions during his initial tenure at the Agency, which lasted approximately 17 years. Mr. Averett then served as General Manager of Agency member unit Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District for roughly 13 years. He has worked in the private sector for the past four years and joined the Agency’s Board of Directors in 2022 before resigning in early October 2025.
“I am excited to undertake the challenge of this new position. There is much work to do in furthering the Agency’s goals in serving Kern County and the Agency’s member units and ensuring water resources in the county are effectively and efficiently managed. I look forward to enhancing the Agency’s position with all stakeholders, including state and federal agencies and representatives,” Averett stated.
“The Board of Directors is thrilled that Eric agreed to take on the General Manager position. His vast experience with the Agency, the member units, Kern County water and statewide water policy will be a tremendous benefit to the Agency as we proceed in meeting the challenges in continuing to bring water to our member units and their customers,” said Gene Lundquist, Director of the Agency Board.
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The Kern County Water Agency (Agency) was created in 1961 by a special act of the State Legislature and serves as the local contracting entity for the State Water Project. The Agency, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011, participates in a wide scope of management activities, including water quality, flood control and groundwater operations to preserve and enhance Kern County’s water supply—the main ingredient for the well-being of an economy.
State Water Board Sets Hearing on Bay-Delta Plan Update
SACRAMENTO — ACWA is encouraging member agencies to show their support for the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) Program at a State Water Resources Control Board public hearing on Nov. 5.
The State Water Board will be hearing both in person and virtual comments at the hearing. A Oct. 23 ACWA Regulatory Alert contains more information on the public hearing, recommended talking points and a one-page handout. Member login is required.
ACWA is a long-standing supporter of the HRL Program as the best approach to protecting, restoring and enhancing the Bay-Delta. Staff will continue their review of the revised draft updates and plans to provide oral and written comments to the State Water Board.
No Injuries, Lower Costs: Workplace Safety Brings Community Benefits
OXNARD — United Water Conservation District (UWCD) has been recognized by the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) for achieving zero workers’ compensation claims during the 2024–2025 program year. In recognition of this exemplary safety record, UWCD earned a credit incentive point and received a lower Experience Modification Factor (EMOD), a key metric used in determining workers’ compensation insurance premiums.
“This recognition is a testament to the culture of safety we’ve worked hard to build across our organization,” said UWCD General Manager Mauricio Guardado. “Maintaining a safe work environment protects our employees and ensures we are managing ratepayer dollars responsibly.”
The EMOD compares an organization’s claims history to the industry average. A lower EMOD reflects fewer claims and better overall safety performance, which translates directly into lower insurance premiums. The credit incentive point awarded by SDRMA also helps further reduce insurance-related costs.
This recognition means more of the UWCD’s budget can be directed toward much-needed capital projects and long-term resource planning, as reduced insurance premiums help lower overall operating costs. While these savings may not immediately affect water rates, they contribute to keeping costs stable and ensure that ratepayer dollars are spent as efficiently as possible.
The letter from SDRMA acknowledges the effort and dedication required to maintain such a strong safety record. It reflects the commitment shown by UWCD’s leadership and employees to maintain a secure and well-managed work environment.
“We’re proud of our staff for embracing safety as a focus for United Water,” added Guardado. “Their commitment means fewer injuries, better service continuity, and responsible use of public funds.”
UWCD remains committed to maintaining high standards in safety, operational excellence, and public service. This recognition from SDRMA affirms that commitment and reinforces UWCD’s role as a trusted steward of Ventura County’s water resources.
PCWA and Partners Co-Sponsor Legislative Forest-Health Tour
On Monday, Oct. 13, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Mountain Counties Water Resources Association (MCWRA) co-sponsored the Forests to Faucets Field Tour for state policymakers, staff, and government officials to experience the inextricable connection between forest health and the state’s water supply along the Middle Fork American River watershed in Placer County. The tour was co-hosted by assemblymembers Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) and Diane Papan (D-San Mateo). California’s forested watersheds deliver critical resources to the state, including clean drinking water, hydropower, recreation, and vital wildlife habitat. The American River system and three forks of the American River are key to keeping these resources flowing. The Forests to Faucets Field Tour highlighted how connected forest health and resilience is to our water supply, water quality, and energy, and focused on the critical need to complete community protection and forest-health treatments quicker and on a larger scale. “Healthy and resilient forests are critical to water quality and supply, and to keeping our communities safe from wildfires,” said Angela Avery, executive officer of the SNC. “There’s a critical need to advance landscape-scale restoration along with treatments near homes and infrastructure to ensure that our state remains livable and the resources we depend on are sustained.” Tour attendees included Senator Roger Niello of District 6. Assemblymembers Joe Patterson and Diane Papan were joined by fellow assemblymembers Juan Alanis of District 22 and Tom Lackey of District 34. Staff members from a variety of legislators representing districts across the state also attended, including from the offices of Senators McNerney, Niello, and Laird and Assemblymembers Connolly, Hadwick, Lackey, McNerney, Patterson, Papan, and Rivas. Forests to Faucets Field Tour stops included:- Oxbow Reservoir at Indian Bar, which is a part of PCWA’s multi-purpose Middle Fork Project – California’s eighth-largest public power project that provides clean energy and a reliable water supply to Placer County. This project includes five hydroelectric power plants, two reservoirs (French Meadows and Hell Hole) and 24 miles of tunnels. The Middle Fork American River is vital to ensuring year-round water reliability for municipal, industrial, and agricultural needs – along with the myriad of recreation opportunities. Tour participants heard first-hand the importance of protecting infrastructure, such as the Middle Fork Project, from not only damaging wildfire itself but the abundance of sediment that can flow into rivers and reservoirs from burned areas during subsequent rainstorms. Surrounded by Mosquito Fire burn scars, this point was especially poignant at Oxbow Reservoir.
- Sugar Pine Roadside Fuel Break Project, 26 miles of strategic fuel breaks along U.S. Forest Service roads between the community of Michigan Bluff and Sugar Pine Reservoir. A $3 million grant from the SNC to the National Forest Foundation (NFF) was originally designed to complete 1,266 acres of forest-health treatments near Michigan Bluff, but during project implementation, the Mosquito Fire broke out and impacted 90 percent of the project area. The NFF and SNC used the funds to treat the unburned portions of the original project and pivoted the remaining funds to create roadside fuel breaks that will enhance future community, water, and natural resource protection.
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