August 22, 2025 ACWA News Available
Read the August 22 edition of ACWA News for informative articles about the association and water industry.
Articles include:
- ACWA Celebrates Membership Appreciation Month with Video, Photos, Leadership Letter and More
- ACWA Staff Brief Board on Advocacy, Member Engagement and Strategic Plan Progress
- State Water Board Schedules Next Public Hearing on Bay-Delta Plan Update
- Sept. 19 Deadline Set for Legislative Proposals from Members
Otay Water District’s Educational Program Promotes Water-Use Efficiency Through Art
Five student artists have been named the winners of the Otay Water District’s 2025 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for best illustrating the value of water. The annual contest invites K-12 grade students attending schools in the District’s service area to submit their artwork. “We are grateful for all who participate in our program and help share the many ways to use water wisely, whether at home or outdoors,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “We hope our young generation will continue to inspire others to join in the effort in protecting this vital resource.”
This year’s high school winner, Zhaoyu Zhai, captivated the judges with his drawing of an alien figure named Adrian taking a short shower, alongside the message “Short Showers Save Water.” Adrian is part of an ongoing character series that he has been developing over the past two years and has applied to other creative projects.
“As a parent, we’ve seen how passionate Zhaoyu is about these characters,” said Zhaoyu’s mother Huiyu Li. “His work includes both hand-drawn illustrations and digital pieces that combine drawing with animation and editing. His inspiration often comes from everyday life and his creative imagination.”
Although there were no middle school submissions, winners were selected in the kindergarten-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, and high school categories. The District recognized the winners at its Aug. 6 Board of Directors meeting with a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag. The winners include:
- Ethan Quintero-Ramos, Second Grade, Olympic View Elementary, First Place, K-Third Grade Category
- Jacob Irons, First Grade, Discovery Charter Elementary, Second Place, K-Third Grade Category
- Mila Vega, Fifth Grade, Valle Lindo Elementary, First Place, Fourth-Sixth Grade Category
- Sophie Coghill, Fifth Grade, Tiffany Elementary, Second Place, Fourth-Sixth Grade Category
- Zhaoyu Zhai, Ninth Grade, Otay Ranch High School, First Place, High School Category
Members Urged to Act Now on Proposed CEQA Exemption Bill
SACRAMENTO — ACWA is urging member agencies to sign a coalition letter by this Friday, Aug. 22, and contact their legislators to support Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed Water Quality Control Plans – CEQA Exemption trailer bill, with the inclusion of an amendment that adds a two-year sunset clause.
The Legislature has delayed introduction of this critical trailer bill. Gov. Newsom’s proposal is intended to help advance the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) Program as the new path forward for Bay-Delta water management, an approach strongly supported by ACWA.
Approval of the trailer bill with a two-year sunset would facilitate approval of the HRL Program and allow its implementation during this administration.
An Aug. 20 ACWA Legislative Alert contains more information and a link for agencies to add their logo to an ACWA letter, as well as contact information for state legislators. Member login is required.
TCPUD Celebrates Completion of West Lake Tahoe Water Treatment Plant
TAHOE CITY — The Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) is pleased to announce the completion and grand opening of the new West Lake Tahoe Regional Water Treatment Plant. This project represents a transformative investment in TCPUD’s water system to provide a permanent, drought-resilient source for drinking water and fire protection for the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.
The road to this milestone began almost two decades ago when TCPUD began searching for a permanent solution to a temporary water treatment plant used to meet peak summer water demand.
Located near Chambers Landing, just north of Tahoma, the new state-of-the-art facility replaces the temporary seasonal plant and will now provide a year-round water supply sourced directly from Lake Tahoe. The project strengthens the public water supply, enhances fire protection capabilities, and improves the resilience of TCPUD’s interconnected water infrastructure.
“This project transforms the way TCPUD delivers water to our customers on the West Shore,” said TCPUD Board President Judy Friedman. “By transitioning to drought-resilient surface water, we are ensuring safe, dependable drinking water year-round and significantly improving water availability for firefighting to help protect our community against wildfire.”
The project included construction of an underwater pump station and intake pipeline in Lake Tahoe to supply surface water to the treatment plant. The treatment plant uses advanced technology including membrane filtration and ultraviolet disinfection to ensure exceptional water quality.
Currently, the treatment plant can deliver almost one million gallons of water per day to West Shore customers. Designed for 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.
The new water treatment plant is one of the largest capital investments in TCPUD’s history. Funding for the approximately $30 million project was made possible through more than $5.5 million in grant funding from the California Department of Water Resources, the El Dorado Water Agency, and the Placer County Water Agency, and a $19.7 million loan from the California State Water Resources Control Board.
“The Department of Water Resources is proud to have supported the West Lake Tahoe Regional Water Treatment Plant,” said Ann Marie, Grant Manager with Department of Water Resources. “This project is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can build lasting resilience, protect public health, and deliver critical infrastructure to support a sustainably managed water supply.”
TCPUD Board of Directors and staff, along with project partners will gather on September 10th to mark the official grand opening with a celebratory “first sip” of water from the new treatment plant. Later this fall, TCPUD will host guided public tours of the water treatment plant, with details coming soon.
Learn more about the project at www.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.
EMWD Unveils “Landscapes for Business and Beyond” Website and Portal
PERRIS – Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) is excited to announce the launch of its new Landscapes for Business and Beyond website and application portal. This platform is designed to better serve commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) customers, including businesses, homeowners’ associations, and schools, by providing streamlined access to water-saving conservation programs, rebates and services, and other educational resources. As California continues to prioritize water efficiency and enforce conservation regulations, EMWD’s portal arrives at a critical time. The new site empowers organizations to take meaningful steps toward achieving sustainability, complying with state and local mandates, and reducing costs for improving landscape efficiency. Key Features of the New Platform Include:- Streamlined Application Process: The portal simplifies the process for applying to water-saving programs and services.
- Non-Functional Turf Information: As customers work towards compliance with non-functional turf bans, the site offers information and resources to help.
- Tailored Resources for Different Types of Users: Recognizing the unique needs of different customer groups, the platform offers specialized information for:
- Property Owners and Homeowners’ Associations
- Schools and Public Agencies
- Commercial Properties
- Real-Time Application Tracking: Applicants can now monitor the status of their conservation programs and rebate applications with real-time updates, reducing uncertainty and improving transparency throughout the process.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Fully optimized for smartphones and tablets, the site ensures that users can access resources, submit applications, and track progress from anywhere, at any time.
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Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to nearly one million people living and working within a 682-square mile service area in western Riverside County and northern San Diego County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency, and its mission is “To deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services.” More information can be found at www.emwd.org.Rancho Water Celebrates 60 Years with Splash Fest Community Event
TEMECULA – Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District) marked its 60th Anniversary on Saturday, August 16, with a lively and well-attended community celebration, Splash Fest, drawing hundreds of residents for a day of fun, learning, and appreciation. The family-friendly event at Rancho Water’s District office brought together customers, neighbors, and staff to honor six decades of service and partnership in the Temecula-Murrieta region.
Guests enjoyed hands-on activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, crafts, and live entertainment from local bands Ash Easton & The Proper and Cornelius Blue. Attendees toured the Rancho Water demonstration garden led by Riverside County Master Gardeners, who shared tips on transforming landscapes with water-efficient plants. Blue Watchdog Conservation’s irrigation specialist provided live demonstrations, showing visitors how to optimize their garden irrigation systems to save water while keeping landscapes healthy and beautiful.
“This event was about more than just celebrating 60 years, it was about thanking our customers for being our partners in sustainability,” said Jason Martin, Rancho Water General Manager. “We are proud to be members of such a strong community, and to be able to share practical tools, programs, and rebates that help everyone use water wisely for the future.”
Rancho Water’s Board President Brian Brady echoed that sentiment, adding, “For six decades, Rancho Water has been committed to providing reliable water service and innovative solutions. This event gave us a chance to not only celebrate our history and thank our customers but to look ahead to the next 60 years with the people we serve at the heart of it all.”
In addition to demonstrations and tours, attendees enjoyed walking along merchant’s row and grabbing a tasty treat at the food vendor tents, took home Rancho Water giveaways, and learned more about available incentives for water-efficient landscaping and smart irrigation upgrades.
The celebration underscored Rancho Water’s ongoing mission to deliver exceptional water and wastewater services, support regional sustainability, and strengthen its connection to the community.
For more information on Rancho Water, visit RanchoWater.com.
Tuolumne Utilities District Announces Completion of New Gibbs Tank
Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is proud to announce the successful completion of the new Gibbs Water Tank, marking a significant step forward in securing reliable, safe, and high-quality water service for our community. The Gibbs (126) Tank Replacement Project was initiated to address critical infrastructure needs, following the retirement of aging storage facilities and the growing demands of our service area. The new tank, constructed with advanced welded steel and reinforced with exterior roof rafters, has a capacity of 250,000 gallons of secure water storage, designed to support future growth and respond to evolving community needs, improve water quality and increase employee safety.
The completion of the Gibbs Tank underscores TUD’s dedication to proactive infrastructure investment and strengthens resilience against drought and other climate-related challenges.
San Juan Water District Appoints Adam Larsen as New General Manager
GRANITE BAY – The San Juan Water District Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Larsen as the District’s new general manager. Mr. Larsen was selected from a competitive pool of 15 highly qualified candidates.
Bringing over 22 years of experience in the water utility industry, Mr. Larsen has been a dedicated employee of San Juan since 2006. His previous roles within the District include distribution operator, distribution lead worker, and most recently, field services manager since 2020. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Foresthill Public Utility District. Mr. Larsen holds certifications as a Grade IV Distribution Operator and Grade II Treatment Operator.
Throughout his career, Mr. Larsen has demonstrated a deep commitment to customer service, operational excellence, and effective leadership. Most recently, he played a key role in expanding San Juan’s capital improvement program to address vital infrastructure upgrades.
“Adam brings a solid record of innovation and accomplishment to this new role,” said Board President Ted Costa. “We are confident that he will enhance San Juan’s excellent operations and customer service and continue the leadership that San Juan has provided on regional and statewide issues.”
Mr. Larsen succeeds Paul Helliker, who is retiring after a distinguished 43-year career in public service at the federal, state, and local levels. Since joining San Juan as general manager in 2017, Mr. Helliker has led the District through significant achievements, including financial stabilization, cost-efficiency improvements, initiatives to secure San Juan’s water supplies and expand groundwater banking and transfers, and other regional and statewide initiatives.
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San Juan Water District provides reliable, high-quality water service to approximately 265,000 retail and wholesale customers in eastern Sacramento and southern Placer counties. In addition to serving its own retail customers, San Juan delivers wholesale water supplies to Citrus Heights Water District, Fair Oaks Water District, Orange Vale Water Company, the City of Folsom (for customers north of the American River) and, periodically, to Sacramento Suburban Water District.
Contact Legislators to Approve Prop. 4 Spending Plan
SACRAMENTO — ACWA is urging member agencies to sign a coalition letter and contact their legislators in support of a spending plan for Proposition 4, the $10 billion climate resilience bond approved by voters last year.
The Legislature has delayed implementation of this critical funding despite shovel-ready projects waiting on funding to move forward. If a spending plan isn’t approved by Sept. 12, it will be delayed until the 2026 Legislative Session.
Proposition 4 includes $2.91 billion in funding for nine water-related categories. By law, the Legislature must approve a spending plan in order for state agencies to begin the grant solicitation process. Timely approval of a spending plan would recognize how this bond funding is a critical tool for public agencies to implement crucial projects in their communities. In some cases, delaying implementation of the funding could cause vital infrastructure projects to also be delayed.
An Aug. 14 ACWA Legislative Alert contains more information and a link for agencies to add their logo to an ACWA letter. Member login is required.
Hi-Desert Water District Breaks Ground on $103 Million Sewer Expansion Project
YUCCA VALLEY– Hi-Desert Water District proudly announces the official groundbreaking and start of construction on the long-anticipated $103 million expansion of the Yucca Valley sewer collection system, marking a significant investment in public health, environmental protection, and infrastructure modernization for the community. This would not be possible without a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board – Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
The expansion is part of Phase 2 of the District’s ongoing wastewater project, extending vital sewer service to several neighborhoods currently relying on septic systems. The first area to break ground is the Country Club neighborhood, where construction began this week and will continue through November 2025, concluding with final paving and restoration.
“This groundbreaking marks a major milestone in our commitment to build a modern, sustainable sewer system for Yucca Valley,” said General Manager Tony Culver, of Hi-Desert Water District. “By expanding our infrastructure now, we’re ensuring environmental compliance.”
Phased Construction Timeline
- Now – November 2025: Construction and paving in the Country Club neighborhood
- Early Fall 2025: Construction begins in the Storey Park neighborhood
- Winter 2025: Sewer construction begins in the Sky Harbor neighborhood
The project is being completed in phases to minimize community disruption while efficiently deploying construction crews and resources. During construction, traffic control measures will be in place, and detour signage will guide drivers safely around work areas. Residents in affected areas will be notified directly with doorhangers and project updates.
This effort builds upon the success of Phase 1, reinforcing Hi-Desert Water District’s mission to deliver safe, reliable, and environmentally sound water and wastewater services to the community.
Residents are encouraged to visit the Phase 2 project webpage at www.hdwd.com/phase2sewer for regular updates, maps, and construction alerts.
For questions or additional information, contact: Hi-Desert Water District Phone: (760) 365-8333 Email: info@hdwd.com