BCVWD Receives Statewide Excellence in Technology Award
BEAUMONT— The Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) has been honored with the 2025 Excellence in Technology Award by the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), recognizing the District’s leadership in innovation, cybersecurity, and community stewardship.
The award was presented during the CSDA Annual Conference in Monterey, where BCVWD Board Vice President Lona Williams accepted the recognition on behalf of the District. Williams described the experience as “both humbling and an honor,” adding, “With just under 50 employees, standing among hundreds of other agencies made me incredibly proud of our staff’s dedication.”
The CSDA award highlights BCVWD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its technology infrastructure and safeguard customer data. Vice President Williams emphasized the importance of those efforts to the community, “this award shows our community that every investment in technology is about stewardship. It protects customer information, safeguards our water supply, and reinforces that security and safety are priorities in every decision we make.”
Vice President Williams also reflected on the sense of connection she felt among fellow districts at the conference. “What struck me most was the warm support from so many other districts—water, fire, parks, and beyond. It reminded me that, despite our different challenges, we are united in our mission of serving our communities.”
For BCVWD, the award reflects more than just progress in IT, it represents growth across all departments. “Our staff is learning, improving, and taking pride in their work every day—and this award is proof of that commitment,” Williams said.
CSDA’s Excellence in Technology Award is given to only one special district each year, highlighting outstanding innovation in technology, improved efficiency, enhanced customer service, and strengthened cybersecurity practices. Learn more at CSDA.net.
For more information on Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, visit BCVWD.gov.
City of Oceanside Names Frederick Mayo as Water Utilities Director
The City of Oceanside has announced the selection of Frederick Mayo as the City’s new Water Utilities Director. Mayo takes over from Director Lindsay Leahy.
Mayo brings over 20 years of experience in managing medium to large municipal systems with a strong background in infrastructure development. Prior to joining the City, he served as the Director of Public Works for the City of Oroville and he has previously worked in northern California cities such as Vallejo and Sacramento. “We are excited to have Fred join the Oceanside team,” stated Assistant City Manager Michael Gossman. “His extensive experience and leadership will continue to strengthen our ability to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective water and wastewater utility services.”
For more information, visit New Water Utilities Director Announced | News List | Oceanside, CA
Local and State Partners Join TCPUD to Celebrate Grand Opening of Water Treatment Plant
TAHOE CITY — On Wednesday, September 10, more than 80 local and state agency partners and regional leaders gathered on the west shore of Lake Tahoe to celebrate the grand opening of Tahoe City Public Utility District’s new West Lake Tahoe Regional Water Treatment Plant.
The new facility marks a major step forward in delivering a safe, year-round, drought-resilient source of drinking water and improved fire suppression capacity for west shore communities.
The celebration included a look back at the years of planning and design, remarks from local and state leaders, guided tours, and a celebratory “first sip” of water from the new treatment plant. The tours provided an up-close look at the innovative infrastructure that can supply high-quality Tahoe tap water to west shore customers.
Guests had the opportunity to view the plant’s advanced membrane filtration and ultraviolet disinfection systems and learn how water travels from a lake intake pipe offshore through multiple layers of treatment before being delivered to customers.
“A project of this scale can only happen through strong partnerships, and TCPUD extends our deepest gratitude to the partners and funders who made this project possible,” said TCPUD Board President Judy Friedman. “This project represents our vision to invest in critical infrastructure to serve our customers and protect our region.”
The new treatment plant replaces a temporary, seasonal facility that was constructed in 2003 to meet the summer water needs of about 530 customers served by the McKinney/Quail water system. The project included construction of three submersible pumps and an intake pipeline in Lake Tahoe, a new pump station designed to move water and initiate treatment, and distribution lines to supply surface water to a state-of-the-art facility.
Currently, the treatment plant can deliver one million gallons of water per day to west shore customers. Designed for a regional water supply, the treatment plant may be expanded to meet the needs of up to 2,400 west shore customers from Tahoma to Timberland.
Funding for the approximately $30 million project was made possible through a $19.7 million loan from the CA State Water Resources Control Board and $6.3 million in grant funding, including $5 million from CA Department of Water Resources, $775,000 from Placer County Water Agency, and $500,000 from El Dorado Water Agency.
“Strengthening California’s water infrastructure is crucial to withstanding extreme weather and preserving our state’s economic progress,” said Nichole Morgan, member of the State Water Resources Control Board. “This project ensures reliable access to safe drinking water while improving efficient use and wildfire protection for the community.”
TCPUD extends its gratitude to the community, staff, project partners, and funding agencies who made this critical infrastructure a reality.
TCPUD will be offering public tours of the facility soon. Community members can sign up for tour notices at tcpud.org/WaterTreatmentPlant.
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The Tahoe City Public Utility District provides water, sewer, parks, and recreation services within its service area. The District’s boundaries lie within Placer and El Dorado Counties, extending from Emerald Bay to Dollar Hill and along the Truckee River to the Nevada County line. For additional information, call Aaron Hussmann at 530.580.6291 or email ahussmann@tcpud.org.
OCWD and Local Water Providers Secure Millions in PFAS Settlement
FOUNTAIN VALLEY – The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) and 14 local water providers will receive approximately $131 million over eight years from the first phase of its national class action settlements with 3M and DuPont. The settlements address claims that the manufacture and distribution of products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contributed to impacts on groundwater supplies.
The funds will help offset the cost of constructing and operating PFAS treatment systems across north and central Orange County. OCWD is committed to protecting public health while keeping water service reliable and affordable.
“These settlements are part of our broader effort to ensure the financial responsibility for PFAS cleanup rests with those who manufactured and profited from these compounds—not with the public,” said OCWD President Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E. “OCWD is fully committed to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to the communities we serve.”
The settlements, which received final approval from the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, are part of a national Multi-District Litigation. To date, OCWD and its participating agencies have received approximately $23 million, with additional settlement payments expected over eight years. The litigation involves additional PFAS manufacturers and distributors and remains ongoing, so additional settlements are anticipated.
OCWD did not produce or release PFAS into the environment but is leading the region’s response to their presence in groundwater. The District has implemented one of the most comprehensive PFAS mitigation programs in the nation, which includes the use of ion exchange treatment technology, detailed pilot testing, system design, construction, and long-term monitoring.
To manage projected PFAS treatment costs of $1.8 billion over 30 years, OCWD has secured more than $42 million in state and federal grants, a $94.4 million low-interest loan through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, and $78 million through the State Water Resources Control Board’s Emerging Contaminant Program.
“We thank Representatives Young Kim and Lou Correa for their efforts to maintain federal funding for PFAS mitigation in the House’s FY 2026 EPA budget,” added Bilodeau. “Their support ensures Orange County continues to benefit from the federal-state-local partnership needed to address this challenge.”
To date, OCWD has restored 49 groundwater wells with treatment systems in operation, and is actively planning, designing or constructing systems for 57 more. The District’s work has become a national model, with utilities from across the U.S. and abroad visiting Orange County to learn from its PFAS response.
OCWD and participating water provides are represented in the litigation by a consortium of attorneys, including Daniel Robinson of Robinson Calcagnie, Inc., Kenneth Sansone of SL Environmental, and Andrew Homer of Kelly Drye.
For more information, visit pfas.ocwd.com.
Debbie Dino Appointed by PWD Board to Fill Late Husband’s Seat
PALMDALE – Debbie Dino, an active community leader and strong supporter of Palmdale Water District (PWD), is the new Board Director for PWD’s Division 5. She was appointed with a 4-0 vote to the position formerly held by her late husband, Vincent Dino. This week, Director Debbie Dino took the oath of office administered by Antelope Valley Watermaster Chairperson Rob Parris then participated in her first Board meeting. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to carry on Vincent’s legacy,” Director Dino said. “It’s bittersweet to be sitting in the seat he once occupied, but I’m excited to join the Board and an organization that is doing important work for our community.” The Board agreed last month to accept applications to fill the vacant seat by appointment following the unexpected death of Vincent Dino on July 20. Director Dino, who was the only applicant, will serve the remainder of the vacated term. The seat will be up for election in November 2026. “My fellow Board members and I are excited to have Director Debbie Dino join us,” said Board President Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez. “She is very familiar with the District and our community. I know she will be an impactful member of our Board.” Before voting on the appointment, Board Director Cynthia Sanchez expressed her appreciation for Vincent and Debbie Dino’s passion for public service. “I want to acknowledge the dedication of service by Mr. Dino, whose commitment to this Board and our community was deeply valued,” Director Sanchez said. “I am grateful for your willingness to step forward and continue that legacy by serving Division 5. I look forward to working with you.” Division 5 is an area roughly north of Highway 138 (Palmdale Boulevard) from 30th Street East to 47th Street East, east of 47th Street East to 80th Street East, and south to Avenue S. Director Dino, a resident of Palmdale since 1994, serves as a director for the Antelope Valley Fair Board and for Kids Feeding Kids Through Agriculture. From 2016 to 2020, she was a Hearing Officer for the city of Palmdale. 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.###
Helix Water District Recognized for Local Government Transparency
Helix Water District has been honored with a Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF), recognizing the district’s strong commitment to open government, accountability and accessible public service. This award is California’s gold standard for local government transparency. To qualify, the district must go beyond state requirements and demonstrate compliance with strict standards in open governance, financial reporting, website accessibility and public engagement. To earn it, Helix Water District had to demonstrate rigorous transparency, including:- Providing ethics and harassment prevention training for all board members and staff.
- Hosting open and public board meetings in accordance with the law.
- Timely filing of financial and compensation reports with the State Controller.
- Maintaining ease and public access to key documents, including meeting agendas, minutes, budgets, and financial audits.
- Meeting 19 separate website requirements to ensure customers can quickly find information online.
Commitment to Transparency Earns Statewide Recognition
ROWLAND HEIGHTS – Rowland Water District has received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). The recognition highlights the District’s continued efforts to ensure open government, public accountability, and accessible communication with the communities it serves.
Valid for two years, the certificate follows a detailed review of governance practices, financial reporting, ethics training, and public outreach. It reflects RWD’s steady commitment to making information about its operations and decision-making clear and available to the public.
The award was formally presented on September 9 during RWD’s regular board meeting by Chris Palmer, Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator of the California Special Districts Association, on behalf of SDLF.
“Receiving this recognition is an honor, and belongs to our entire team,” said RWD General Manager Tom Coleman. “Transparency is one of the ways we care for our community, and we remain dedicated to earning the trust placed in us every day.”
The SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts. The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) provides advocacy, professional development, and resources to special districts across the state, supporting their mission to deliver essential services to local communities.
“Guided by the principle of Caring for Our Neighbors, this acknowledgement is a tribute to our continued work with humility, stewardship, and dedication to the community,” said RWD Board President John Bellah. “Our focus will always be on serving our customers with commitment and respect.” For more information about Rowland Water District, visit www.rwd.org.
About Rowland Water District
Rowland Water District was formed more than 70 years ago to provide water service to 200 ranchers and farmers in a rural, agricultural community. Over the years, the District has evolved to meet the changing needs of a dynamic and rapidly growing customer base. Rowland Water currently delivers 14 million gallons of safe drinking water to about 55,000 people every day. The District maintains 150 miles of potable water pipeline and 25 miles of recycled water pipeline to serve 13,800 customer connections across 17.2 square miles in southeast Los Angeles County, including portions of Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, and the cities of Industry and West Covina.
State Water Board to Hold Hearing on Bay-Delta Plan Update
ACWA is encouraging member agencies to show their support the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) Program at the State Water Resources Control Board’s public hearing on Sept. 24-25.
The State Water Board will be hearing both in person and virtual comments at the hearing. A speaker card must be submitted by Sept. 23. Written comments will also be accepted and are due Sept. 29.
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.
A Sept. 10 ACWA Regulatory Alert contains more information on the public hearing, recommended talking points and a one-page handout. Member login is required.
ACWA-Sponsored Bills Go to Governor’s Desk
SACRAMENTO — ACWA’s two co-sponsored bills have passed the Legislature and are now on the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
SB 394 (Allen), co-sponsored with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, would allow local water agencies to adopt an ordinance with enhanced penalties for water theft from a fire hydrant.
SB 454 (McNerney), co-sponsored with the League of California Cities, would create the PFAS Mitigation Fund to help water and wastewater agencies pay for the treatment of drinking water contaminated by PFAS, which are otherwise covered by local ratepayers on their water and wastewater bills.
ACWA and its member agencies’ strong advocacy and coalition building throughout the legislative session helped secure passage of the bills’ passage through both houses of the Legislature. They are among approximately 60 bills on which ACWA staff have advocated in support or opposition on behalf of its members, and that advocacy continues this week as the Legislature approaches the end of its 2025 session on Sept. 12.
The governor has until Oct. 12 to sign or veto bills.
Celebrate Water Professionals Appreciation Week Oct. 4-12
California’s Water Professionals Appreciation Week kicks off Oct. 4 and ACWA invites members to use an online toolkit to bring the celebration to their communities. The toolkit can be accessed online.
Water Professionals Appreciation Week runs Oct 4 – 12 this year and honors the vital role of water industry professionals and local public water agencies in ensuring safe and reliable water, wastewater and recycled water operations in communities across the state. The ACWA toolkit includes a sample blog post, a customizable video, a customizable bill insert, updated social media posts and more.
As part of the designated week, urban and agricultural water agencies are encouraged to plan now to utilize their communication channels to educate media, customers, local elected leaders and other key audiences on the essential role that water professionals play in providing safe and reliable water services.
Water Professionals Appreciation Week was established in 2017, following the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 80. The resolution, authored by Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), was sponsored by an ACWA-led coalition that included WateReuse California, California Municipal Utilities Association, California Association of Sanitation Agencies and California Water Association. The California Water Environment Association also was a partner in the effort.