San Gorgonio Pass Cutting Ribbon on New Heli-Hydrant
CABAZON — Last summer, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) joined forces with local agencies to coordinate the critical Heli-Hydrant project. Thanks to the leadership of Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to install six Heli-Hydrant locations on both sides of Interstate 10.
The first of the series of Heli-Hydrants in the area is now complete. Firefighting helicopters can refill water from these strategically located water tanks to quickly control blazes. Originally developed by retired firefighter Mark Whaling, this life-saving investment protects our high fire-risk community.
A June 12 ceremony will celebrate the project’s partners, including Riverside County Fire, Cal Fire, Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District, City of Banning, High Valleys Water District, Banning Heights Mutual Water Company and Cabazon Water District. Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, SGPWA Board of Directors and staff, Cal Fire representatives, and other local leaders will address the community.
Toolkit Helps Educate About Cross-Connection Control
SACRAMENTO — ACWA has partnered with California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA) and other associations to distribute a new toolkit to help water agencies educate agency staff, customers, and the community about cross-connection control and backflow protection.
Developed by CUWA, the toolkit can help water agencies fulfill requirements under a December 2023 update to the Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Policy Handbook, which include submitting a CCC plan that must contain an education and outreach element.
CUWA is encouraging ACWA and other water associations to share its toolkit to help provide consistent messaging across the state. ACWA, California Water Association and the American Water Works Association’s California-Nevada Section partnered with CUWA to sponsor the Spanish translation of the materials, which include a bill insert and digital content.
The toolkit is available on ACWA’s website.
ACWA Urging Members to Support Preserving Federal Water Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. — ACWA is encouraging member agencies to contact their elected officials in the U.S. Congress and urge them to preserve funding for critical water infrastructure programs.
On May 30, the Trump Administration released details regarding its fiscal year 2026 budget. The proposal serves as a recommendation to the U.S. Congress for federal agency funding.
Proposed cuts target funding available to water agencies through the Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Reclamation. Federal investments are essential to strengthening public health, supporting economic growth, and ensuring that water remains accessible and affordable.
More information, a customizable template letter and links to contact California’s senators and congressional representatives is available in a Federal Alert, which was distributed June 5.
Lights, Camera, Splash! Mesa Water Names Winners of Student Video Contest
COSTA MESA — Mesa Water District (Mesa Water®) is proud to congratulate young filmmakers from Costa Mesa High School for their innovative and original videos promoting Mesa Water’s 100% local water supply and use of water, straight from the tap. Monetary prizes were awarded to the following winners:- 1st Place – $1,000 – India Howerton and Graydon Sage
- 2nd Place – $750 – Alejandro Sanchez
- 3rd Place – $500 – Logan Bell and Diego Perez
Helix Water District Recognized as a Certified Green Business
LA MESA – Leaders from Helix Water District, a public water utility serving 278,000 people in San Diego’s east county suburbs, received a Green Business certification from the California Green Business Network and the City of La Mesa. This certification recognizes the district’s ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible business practices.
To achieve certification, businesses and government entities must meet an extensive set of core and elective measures covering seven categories: energy, pollution prevention, solid waste, transportation, wastewater, water and community.
Helix has made significant investments in clean energy, securing a renewable energy supply through its power purchase agreement and further reducing its reliance on fossil fuels by installing solar panels at its Nat L. Eggert Operations Center. It has seen double-digit cost savings, as high as 18%, on electric commodity costs for the last several years and has secured the renewable energy supply it needs through 2030.
“Our district’s focus on sustainability also has financial benefits,” said Dan McMillan, Helix Water District board president. “We can make decisions that are good for the environment as well as the ratepayer’s wallet.”
The district currently fuels its fleet by 100% renewable diesel, which reduced the district’s carbon emissions by an estimated 500 metric tons per year. It is also developing state-of-the-art charging infrastructure at its operations center to support its transition to an electric fleet. This charging infrastructure is funded almost entirely through grants because of the district’s swift action to develop the project and secure funding.
Helix also underwent a lighting retrofit and installed energy-efficient window coverings at its facilities. It further installed lighting controls, has a programmable smart thermostat and ENERGY STAR appliances to reduce its electric usage. Through retrofits and energy efficient appliances and measures, the district has reduced its electric consumption by 15%.
Additionally, a key priority of the district is educating customers on the responsible use of water, promoting the adoption of high-efficiency appliances and irrigation, and encouraging the use of climate-appropriate landscaping. Helix models water efficiency at its facilities through its low-water use toilets, faucets, appliances and irrigation systems. These efficiencies allow the district to reduce its water consumption and long-term water costs.
In 2020, the district installed drip irrigation and a low-water use demonstration garden at its administration office to reduce its outdoor water use and provide a resource to the community. Visitors can see firsthand what plants thrive in the San Diego climate and what water-wise landscaping can look like.
“This certification proves that a government agency can prioritize sustainability while managing public funds responsibly,” said Helix Water District Board Director Mark Gracyk. “The district is proud to be an industry leader in sustainable and fiscally responsible business practices.”
Helix Water District is a local government agency responsible for tap water in San Diego’s East County suburbs. The district provides water treatment for a population of 500,000 and distributes water to 278,000 people in La Mesa, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and other unincorporated areas of the county.
June 2025 Priority Issues Update Now Available
The June 2025 Priority Issues Update is now available online to members.
The update is a summary of the latest developments on issues of interest to ACWA members. This issue contains information on PFAS, wastewater discharge and more.
The new and previous Priority Issues Updates can be found here.
ACWA Conference Recordings Available
SACRAMENTO — Video and audio recordings of keynotes and selected programs from the ACWA 2025 Spring Conference & Expo will be available at no cost to conference registrants through a link being emailed to them this week. The recordings are also available for purchase by contacting ACWA at events@acwa.com.
The conference attracted more than 1,500 attendees to Monterey May 13-15. Videos include the opening keynote address by National Water Supply Alliance President Katherine Zitsch and the closing keynote address by Family Farm Alliance Executive Director Dan Keppen, as well as the conference’s popular Water Talk speaker, humanitarian Justin Wren.
Audio recordings include a broad selection of informative programs, ranging from legal, finance and policy discussions to panels focused on communications, innovation and workforce development. A full list of recorded programs is online along with links to presentations.
Tribe, Water Districts Reach Water Rights Settlement
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and Desert Water Agency (DWA) have reached an agreement to settle two long-standing water rights lawsuits that enhances certainty and stability over the future of water management and increases supply reliability for Coachella Valley residents.
“The agreement affirms the Tribe’s right to manage, regulate, and govern the use of the Tribal Water Right in the Coachella Valley, and at the same time will provide a real benefit to the entire Coachella Valley,” says Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich. “We all rolled up our sleeves and worked together to come to an agreement that recognizes the Tribe’s water rights and sovereignty, considers the unique jurisdictional issues of our checkerboard reservation, and respects our traditional and cultural uses for our tribal community. It also ensures that Coachella Valley residents from now and into the distant future can be assured that the water management of this basin is done jointly with a continued focus on water sustainability and reliability for all. The Tribe appreciates and recognizes the long-standing relationship with, and continued support of, Riverside County’s Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, and looks forward to collaborating on the implementation of the water settlement.”
“Desert Water Agency customers can be certain this agreement will not affect our ability to provide safe and reliable water. They will continue to receive dedicated customer service and high-quality water. This settlement respects the Tribe’s sovereign rights to help manage and regulate water within a portion of our vast aquifer. Together, we will ensure the reliability and sustainability of our region’s water supply,” says Paul Ortega, Desert Water Agency Board President.
“The settlement with the Tribe will benefit the Coachella Valley for years to come as it brings essential collaboration on local water resources and recognizes Tribal Water Rights,” says John Powell Jr, Coachella Valley Water District Board President. “For over a century, CVWD has proudly served our community with vital water services, guided by responsible groundwater management and a diversified water portfolio that supports our local economy. We are committed to continuing to serve our customers and future generations, ensuring our region thrives for decades ahead.”
The Tribe and water districts will next jointly seek legislation from Congress to approve the settlement and authorize up to $500 million in federal funding for water projects that would improve the sustainability of the Indio Subbasin. The funds would support a range of efforts, including improving water infrastructure and supplies, supporting groundwater replenishment, and advancing water management within the Indio Subbasin and under the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation.
For more information: www.dwa.org/watersettlement
Western Water Earns Highest ‘AAA’ Bond Rating from S&P Global Ratings
RIVERSIDE — Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) has received the highest possible financial rating—‘AAA’—from S&P Global Ratings, one of the country’s top credit rating agencies. This follows Western Water’s previous recognition by Fitch Ratings with an AAA rating. This top-tier rating places Western Water among the most financially strong, resilient, and well-managed agencies, indicating very low financial risk. It allows Western Water to borrow at the lowest possible interest rates, saving money over time as it issues debt to build and replace infrastructure, continuing its excellent water and sewer service legacy. S&P’s report credited Western Water’s strong financial practices, thoughtful rate-setting, and long-term investments in local water supplies. Over the past 20 years, Western Water has reduced its reliance on imported water from 100% to nearly 50% through groundwater, recycled water, and regional partnerships. “This upgrade reflects the Board’s leadership and our team’s long-term commitment to smart planning, regional partnerships, and financial transparency,” said Craig Miller, General Manager. “Most importantly, it benefits our customers.” Western Water’s upgraded rating helps support:- Lower borrowing costs for future water and sewer projects, helping to manage long-term rate stability for customers.
- Stronger access to state and federal funding, including competitive grants for drought resilience, infrastructure, and conservation.
- A financially secure utility that can weather economic shifts, inflation, or regulatory changes while continuing to deliver service.
- Customer confidence in a well-managed, transparent agency focused on protecting public resources and keeping rates fair.
ACWA Co-Sponsored Bills Advance in State Legislature
SACRAMENTO — Mid-way through the Legislative year, two bills co-sponsored by ACWA that could benefit member agencies have passed the Senate and are now awaiting committee assignment in the Assembly. ACWA staff continue to advocate for these and other bills and are urging member agencies to join coalitions in support if they haven’t already.
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 a much-needed funding tool to help water and wastewater agencies pay for costs that would otherwise be covered by local ratepayers on their water and wastewater bills.
For more information on all of ACWA’s coalitions, visit ACWA’s website.