CVWD Assists Rubio Cañon Land and Water Association in Emergency Water Quality Sampling
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – On February 6, 2025, the Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD) assisted the Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association (RCLWA) with a critical task: collecting water quality samples to verify the safety of their water supply. RCLWA, a Mutual Water Company serving approximately 9,600 people in Altadena, California, has faced challenges following the Eaton Fire, which led to the issuance of a “Do Not Drink-Do Not Boil” order. To lift the order, RCLWA needed to re-pressurize its system and verify the water quality by collecting around 150 samples in one day, a task that required additional support. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, CVWD mobilized its resources, providing nine certified and experienced treatment operators. CVWD staff joined RCLWA and other responding agencies for a morning briefing, where tasks were assigned and teams of two went out to gather the samples. Thanks to the collective effort, all required samples were successfully collected. If the results are favorable, RCLWA anticipates being able to lift the “Do Not Drink” order by the end of the following week. “Cucamonga Valley Water District is proud to support the Altadena community by assisting the Rubio Cañon Land and Water Association as they reestablish this vital resource,” commented President Reed. CVWD is dedicated to being a reliable partner to neighboring agencies, particularly in times of crisis. With public health and safety as a top priority, CVWD is committed to providing service beyond expectation to meet the needs of our community.###
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.West Valley Water District Awarded $250,000 Cybersecurity Grant
RIALTO — West Valley Water District (WVWD) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $250,000 grant through the 2024 State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), which is administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. This funding will be used to develop a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Master Plan, aimed at modernizing the District’s infrastructure and enhancing its ability to provide high-quality, reliable water services. This initiative will enable the District to monitor and record water reservoir levels, automate the operation of pumping equipment (such as wells and booster pumps), and track various instruments across the distribution system. Real-time monitoring will also be a key focus of the plan, enabling the District to quickly detect and respond to potential incidents. “Our staff has worked hard to identify and obtain this critical funding, which will enable us to enhance the security, reliability, and efficiency of our water infrastructure,” said WVWD’s Board President, Gregory Young. ” The SCADA Master Plan is an essential step toward modernizing our operations, ensuring that we can meet the growing demands of our community while safeguarding against potential cyber threats and operational disruptions.” The purpose of the SLCGP is to assist state agencies and local entities in addressing cybersecurity risks, improving the security of critical infrastructure, and building resilience against evolving cyber threats. This initiative aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan and goals of enhancing operational efficiency through grant funding. “This funding is a testament to our team’s dedication and commitment to both modernizing our infrastructure and working to obtain grant funding. We are excited to move forward with the SCADA Master Plan to strengthen both our operations and cybersecurity efforts,” said WVWD’s Assistant General Manager, Linda Jadeski. WVWD is committed to investing in its infrastructure for its customers. For more information about the District and how we are preparing for the future, please visit www.wvwd.org/projects.# # #
The West Valley Water District has proudly served the Southern California communities of Bloomington, Colton, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Jurupa Valley since 1952. Through name changes and consolidation, the mission has always remained the same: to provide customers with safe, high quality, and reliable water service at a reasonable rate and in a sustainable manner. The District provides water for over 100,000 customers and is overseen by a five-member, publicly elected Board of Directors.ACWA Board Names Giammona Acting Executive Director
The ACWA Board of Directors has named long-time staff member Tiffany Giammona as Acting Executive Director, following the resignation of Dave Eggerton.
Giammona, the Senior Director of Operations and Member Engagement, has worked at ACWA since 2006. As Acting Executive Director, she will report to the Board and oversee day-to-day operations of the association and staff in Sacramento and Washington D.C. until an Interim Executive Director is announced in the coming weeks.
“Dave’s passion for ACWA’s mission, members and staff will be missed,” said ACWA President Cathy Green. “As we launch our search for a new Executive Director, I have full confidence in ACWA staff’s ability to continue serving our members through strong advocacy and leadership throughout the water industry.”
Eggerton was appointed Executive Director in 2018 and previously served as General Manager of the Calaveras County Water District. During his tenure he successfully led efforts to protect and strengthen the interests of ACWA members at the state and federal levels.
“I am so grateful for the support I have received throughout my two-decade career in water from so many exceptional public servants in our industry who similarly share an unwavering commitment to dedicating the entirety of their life’s work to helping others,” Eggerton stated. “It has been the honor of my life to have been entrusted by you with caring for the brilliant professionals on staff at ACWA whose talents and heart are second to none. Their historic accomplishments each of the last six years speak for themselves and will never be forgotten. As I depart for the next chapter of my career, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reaffirming my belief in the goodness of humanity and inspiration of service to others.”
The Board of Directors is moving forward with a nationwide recruitment and hopes to announce a new Executive Director later this year.
District Refinancing Saves Customers Over $2.3M
This week, Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) refinanced its 2015 Bond debt generating $2,372,421 savings for its customers. With a strong list of 13 competitive bidders, Hilltop Securities won the bid with an excellent True Interest Cost of 2.7% interest rate. District General Manager Remleh Scherzinger congratulated Mary Lagasca (Director of Administrative Services), and Reinel Lagman (Financial Analyst), and the entire District finance team for a “very successful foray into the market with a tremendous outcome. This refinancing will lower our annual debt service payments by $234,000 per year for the next 12 years, saving over $2.3 million in total. The savings will provide funds for water and wastewater services for customers that would otherwise have come from ratepayers,” said Mr. Scherzinger. Ms. Lagasca attributed the successful refinancing to the District’s strong operational and financial management. Standard & Poor’s recognized these strengths as key drivers in upgrading the District’s bond rating to AA-/Positive Outlook, one of the highest ratings attainable. Mr. Scherzinger also cited the competitive process by which the District sold the bonds, which resulted in 13 investment firms submitting bids to buy the refunding bonds. “As stewards of the public trust, we are committed to taking advantage of these types of opportunities whenever they arise,” said Mr. Scherzinger. MCWD has also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the past 16 years. We are proud to share about these savings and awards with our customers.El Toro Water District Appoints Wyatt McClean to the Board of Directors
The El Toro Water District (ETWD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Wyatt McClean to the Board of Directors. Director McClean fills a vacancy opened after the resignation of former Board of Directors member Fred Adjarian who moved out of the District’s service area.
A long-time Lake Forest resident and dedicated public servant, Director McClean brings over 35 years of public experience and a strong commitment to community engagement to the District.
Director McClean holds a Human Resources Management Certification from University of California Irvine and has been a certified mediator in the State of California for 18 years. His career includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements and fostering collaboration across the public and private sectors. He currently serves as a Commissioner of the Juvenile Justice Commission for the Orange County Superior Court and also volunteers as a mediator for the same court.
“Wyatt’s ability to foster collaboration and address complex issues make him an exceptional addition to our Board,” said President Mike Gaskins. “We look forward to his contributions to the District as we continue to supply safe and reliable water to our customers.”
Director McClean is excited to serve in this new role. “I am honored to serve on the Board and look forward to working with my fellow Directors and the ETWD staff to ensure exceptional service and sustainable water management for our customers,” said Director McClean.
Information about the Board of Directors and their biographies can be found on the District’s website, www.etwd.com/governance/board-of-directors/.
Utica Names Caroline Schirato as Board Chair, Sets Priorities for 2025
ANGELS CAMP — At its January Board meeting, the Utica Water and Power Authority (Utica) Board of Directors elected Caroline Schirato as Board Chair for 2025. The Board also appointed Director Ralph Chick as Vice Chair and Director Tom Quincy as Secretary.
Utica operates and maintains a 27-mile-long water supply system, providing the sole public water source for 10,000 residents in south-central Calaveras County and irrigation water for over 1,000 acres of agricultural land. To help offset the costs of maintaining this critical infrastructure, Utica operates two hydroelectric powerhouses under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licenses: P-2019 (Utica Project) and P-2699 (Angels Project).
In addition to her role on Utica’s Board, Ms. Schirato serves as Vice Mayor of Angels Camp. She brings more than two decades of experience in development, event planning, and nonprofit leadership, coupled with a strong commitment to public service. A longtime resident of Angels Camp, she holds a business degree from the University of Phoenix. Her professional background includes roles as Conference Director at Advanstar Communications, Development Director for the Sierra Waldorf School, and Executive Director of the Bear Valley Music Festival.
Currently, Ms. Schirato is the Director of Development and Events at InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), where she has served since June 2019. In this role, she focuses on expanding the organization’s outreach and impact within the nonprofit sector, leveraging her expertise in marketing, project management, and fundraising. She is also a proud veteran of the United States Navy, underscoring her longstanding dedication to public service.
As Chair of Utica’s Board, Ms. Schirato is committed to advancing the organization’s strategic priorities for 2025.
“We’re working to secure support for FERC exemptions from our state and federal partners as we finalize the necessary studies and complete our applications,” said Schirato. “We are making budget-conscious decisions on capital improvement projects and reserves that align with our strategic mission and plan. While the lack of precipitation so far this year is concerning, we are hopeful for a wet spring to help boost our hydropower revenues.”
Schirato added, “I’m looking forward to attending the annual ACWA conference in Washington, D.C., to advocate for our community and advance these critical initiatives.”
For more information about Utica, visit www.uticawater.com, email admin@uticawater.com, or call (209) 736-9419.
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Create Atmospheric River Forecasting Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) on Feb. 4 announced bipartisan legislation that aims to reduce flood risks and bolster emergency preparedness by improving atmospheric river forecasting. The bill, supported by ACWA, would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a forecast improvement program within the National Weather Service.
In addition to ACWA, the bill is endorsed by a number of member agencies, including Contra Costa Water District, Irvine Ranch Water District, Kings River Conservation District, Orange County Water District, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Solano County Water Agency, Sonoma Water, Valley Water and Yuba Water.
Atmospheric rivers — often described as “rivers in the sky” that are hundreds of miles wide and can carry water vapor equivalent to multiple Mississippi Rivers — cause more than 80% of flood damage across the West. Climate change will only make these storms increasingly catastrophic: by 2090, atmospheric rivers are expected to cost $2.3 to $3.2 billion in annual damages and increase in width by nearly 25%.
“For the past several years, California communities have witnessed firsthand the ongoing threat of destructive flooding caused by increasingly intense and frequent atmospheric river storms,” stated Senator Padilla in a news release. “California has led the way in improving our understanding of these storms, and this bipartisan bill will strengthen forecasts to reduce flood risks while bolstering our water supply and drought resilience.”
“With greater frequency, we are seeing that atmospheric rivers instill dangerous climate conditions that pose deadly threats to Alaska communities,” stated Senator Murkowski in the news release. “While there are numerous atmospheric river observatories in the Lower 48, none are in Alaska. This bill ensures that all states along the West coast, including Alaska, have at least one atmospheric river observatory. Along with improved modeling, data collection, and risk communication, this legislation will help protect our communities and ultimately save lives across Alaska.”
Specifically, the bill proposes to direct NOAA to establish a standalone atmospheric river forecast improvement program that would:
• Develop accurate, effective, and actionable storm forecasts and warnings in collaboration with public and private partners across the weather forecasting sectors;
• Evaluate innovative observation tools and emerging technologies to improve atmospheric river analysis, modeling, forecasts, and warnings;
• Authorize NOAA to procure equipment, aircraft, and personnel contracts to fully monitor atmospheric river events each winter; and
• Improve atmospheric river hazard communication.
The full text of the bill is available here.
Zone 7 Highlights Resilience and Innovation in FY 2023-2024 Annual Report
LIVERMORE – Zone 7 Water Agency (Zone 7) published its online Annual Report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, sharing an in-depth look at the organization’s operations in delivering safe, reliable water and flood protection services to 261,000 residents in the Tri-Valley. The interactive Annual Report features an accessible award-winning design for the community, showcasing videos, infographics and visuals that help illustrate the work of the agency in an accessible, interactive format. “This report reflects the importance of our work to ensure the safety, health, and resilience of the Tri-Valley community,” said Zone 7 Water Agency General Manager Valerie Pryor. “By delivering safe, clean drinking water, protecting against floods, and planning for climate challenges, we are building a sustainable future for generations to come. At the same time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency and fostering trust with the community we serve today.” Highlights of the 2024 Online Annual Report include:- Ensuring Water Quality by advancing PFAS Solutions: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing consumer goods, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams. These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Zone 7 achieved major milestones in addressing PFAS challenges to ensure families in the Tri-Valley have continued access to safe, clean drinking water:
- The Stoneridge Well PFAS Treatment Facility, the first of its kind in Northern California and fully funded by a Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management grant, began producing treated water in September 2023.
- Construction of the Chain of Lakes PFAS Treatment Facility is on track to be operational in February 2025.
- In 2025, design for the Mocho Wellfield PFAS Treatment Facility will commence.
- Securing our community’s long-term Water Reliability: Zone 7 delivered over 35,000 acre-feet of potable water and replenished 9,600 acre-feet in the local groundwater basin. These efforts ensure uninterrupted water supply for residents and businesses. In addition, Zone 7 remains a partner in supporting long-term water reliability projects like the Sites Reservoir and Delta Conveyance.
- Enhancing Flood Protection: Maintenance and engineering staff collaborated to conduct the annual flood system condition assessment. Minor maintenance issues were proactively addressed, while larger repair needs, many resulting from the 2023 storms were analyzed and scheduled strategically by priority. A key project in 2025 will be the Alamo Creek Bank Stabilization Pilot Project, supported by $4.6 million in grant funding. The Agency also implemented a new Storm Alert Level system to keep residents informed during severe weather events. These efforts safeguard homes, schools, and businesses from severe flooding while ensuring the safety and resilience of the Tri-Valley community.
- Award-Winning Financial Planning: The agency secured $30 million in bond proceeds to fund critical capital improvements and achieved a ‘AAA’ bond rating. This strong financial standing allows Zone 7 to invest in vital infrastructure without placing additional burden on ratepayers. The agency also earned multiple awards for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting.
- Engaging and Educating the Community: Through the reimagined Water Academy, Zone 7 reached over 12,000 students with hands-on lessons, inspiring the next generation of water champions. The agency strengthened transparency and community engagement with public tours of its water treatment plant, a flood preparedness open house, engaging educational videos, and 33 special events.
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About Zone 7 Water Agency Zone 7 Water Agency is one of the 10 active zones of the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The District was established by the State Legislature in October 1949 to solve problems of flooding, drainage, channel erosion and water supply and conservation in Alameda County. In 1957, by popular vote, Zone 7 became a special district governed by a seven-member board of directors. Along with flood protection, Zone 7 supplies water to all of eastern Alameda County and a population of over a quarter million residents. Treated water is sold wholesale to local retailers, including the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton, the Dublin San Ramon Services District, and the California Water Service Company. Zone 7 also distributes untreated water to local agriculture operations and golf courses. Images Courtesy Zone 7 Water Agency: Image 1: Annual Report MockupFebruary 2025 Priority Issues Update Now Available
The February 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 the Southern California fires, Bay-Delta Plan, clean fleets and more.
The new and previous Priority Issues Updates can be found here.
ACWD to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Increase in Water Related Rates
The Alameda County Water District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 13 at 6 p.m., and consider a proposed two-year water rate increase of 4% to the bimonthly service and commodity charges and updates to drought surcharges and private fire service rates. The new rates would take effect March 1, 2025, and again on March 1, 2026.
Water rates cover the cost of providing a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water to Fremont, Newark and Union City. These costs are increasing, and water rate changes are needed due to stricter water quality and environmental regulations, and higher construction and maintenance costs for critical infrastructure, water supply initiatives, and ACWD’s workforce. Rate adjustments also ensure the District has adequate debt coverage, a fiscally responsible practice that helps maintain a strong credit rating which lowers borrowing costs.
As a public agency, ACWD makes no profit and cannot take in funds beyond the cost of providing service.
The average residential customer currently uses about 16 units of water, or about 200 gallons per day, in an every-other-month billing cycle. The proposal would increase their bimonthly bill by $5.75, or $2.88 per month, beginning March 1, 2025. The rate would rise by $6.01, or by $3.01 per month on March 1, 2026.
Customers’ bills include a fixed service charge based on the size of each meter at their property and a consumption charge based on the amount of water used during a billing cycle. For residential customers – who typically have a 5/8 or 3/4-inch meter – the service charge is proposed to increase by $2.55 per bimonthly bill, beginning March 1, 2025, and by $2.65 per bimonthly bill, beginning March 1, 2026. The consumption rate would increase by 20 and 21 cents, for each unit of water. One unit is 748 gallons.
Drought surcharges, which are not currently in effect, would only be implemented if water supplies are insufficient to meet customer water demands due to an emergency, such as a drought. A surcharge was last billed in 2023 when necessary to stabilize revenue during the historic drought and was rescinded when water supplies rebounded, and the Board declared the emergency over.
The District strives for operational efficiencies and processes that reduce upward rate pressure. Securing grants, maximizing the use of lowest cost water, increasing energy efficiencies, and reducing long-term costs by installing improved infrastructure, transitioning vehicle fleet to a leasing program, and partnering with other agencies to execute joint projects, reduce overall operational costs. Cost controls have helped keep the District’s water rates consistently in the lower third of 30 Bay Area water agencies.
ACWD periodically conducts an in-depth analysis to ensure water rates accurately reflect the cost of water service. The District also uses outside expert consultants to ensure that its rates are properly determined.
The proposed increases follow five open-to-the-public workshops during 2024 and two community meetings in January in advance of the upcoming public hearing.
Residents can attend the February 13 hearing in person or via webinar on Zoom. In addition, the Board will take public comments during the meeting.
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Meeting Location: ACWD Headquarters
43885 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont
Webinar on Zoom
Link available at acwd.org/rates
For more information, or to submit a protest, visit acwd.org/rates.