YLWD Secures New Authority of $6.5 Million for Water Infrastructure Projects

The Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD/District) is pleased to announce that it has received a significant boost for its water infrastructure initiatives with the authorization of $6.5 million through the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. This critical bill, S.4367, also known as the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 was officially signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 4, 2025.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is a comprehensive water infrastructure bill designed to authorize studies and projects that invest in ports, harbors and inland waterways, to enhance communities’ resilience to flooding and climate change, and to restore the natural environment, that are carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).  These projects originate at the local level and go through a rigorous vetting process before they may be authorized for funding through WRDA. Notably, YLWD is the only water district in Orange County to receive such funding authorization.

The $6.5 million WRDA authorization supports the construction of crucial water and water supply infrastructure and enables the District to advance important projects, ensuring reliable water service for customers both now and in the future.

The successful authorization was championed by Representative Young Kim, who sponsored the WRDA authorization. The Water Resources Development Act received strong bipartisan support from the YLWD congressional delegation, with support from Representative Young Kim, Senator Alex Padilla, and Senator Adam Schiff.

“This funding represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high-quality, reliable water services to our community,” stated YLWD Board President, Thomas Lindsey. YLWD General Manager, Mark Toy added, “We are grateful for the support of our elected officials and look forward to utilizing these resources to enhance our water infrastructure.”

For more information about the Yorba Linda Water District and our proactive efforts in enhancing our water infrastructure, please visit our website at www.ylwd.com or call 714-701-3000.

SWP Increases Allocation Forecast

SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) on Jan. 28 announced an update to the State Water Project (SWP) allocation forecast for 2025. The allocation has increased to 20 percent of requested supplies, up from 15 percent in December. The SWP provides water to 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million Californians.

While January has been incredibly dry across California, storm runoff into the state’s reservoirs came in higher than forecasted at the end of December allowing for a modest allocation increase. Storms in late November and early December had a positive impact by saturating the ground, allowing for storms through December to more efficiently runoff into reservoirs. More storms are needed, and the long-range forecast does hint at a return to wet conditions in early February that could bring much-needed rain and snow.

“We are in the middle of our biggest months for precipitation for California, and unfortunately January has been very dry, putting a significant dent in our season,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “A return to wet weather is critical for our season’s success and it will take many more storms to make up the deficit and further boost water supply deliveries.”

Despite the dry conditions, California has effectively managed its reservoirs to keep storage above average for this time of year. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, is currently at 127 percent of average for this time of year. San Luis Reservoir, which is jointly operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, is at 102 percent of average for this time of year. Reservoirs in Southern California are also near or above their historical averages.

PWD Increases 2025 Rate Assistance Program Budget, Opening 135 More Spots

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Board Rotation Ensures Ongoing Innovation and Commitment to Customers

BEAUMONT – The Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) Board of Directors is proud to announce its renewed dedication to providing exceptional water service to the communities of Beaumont and Cherry Valley. As of January 1, 2025, the Board continues to focus on responsible water resource management, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for the region.

The five-member Board plays a pivotal role in the District’s success, overseeing the implementation of policies and guiding critical projects such as infrastructure upgrades, long-term planning, and water conservation programs. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the Board remains focused on enhancing system resilience and meeting the needs of a growing population.

“Our mission is to deliver high-quality, dependable water services while preparing for the future,” said Daniel Slawson, President of the BCVWD Board of Directors. “In 2025, we look forward to advancing key initiatives that benefit our customers and support the long-term health of our water system.”

Board members are elected by the community and serve four-year terms, providing governance and oversight to ensure the District continues to operate efficiently and transparently.

The Board, which rotates member positions annually, approved the following reorganization for calendar year 2025 at its December 11, 2024, meeting:

President Daniel Slawson, Division 3
President Slawson, Vice President of Land Surveying at Winchester Associates, brings decades of expertise in infrastructure planning, boundary surveying, and local agency standards. As a committed community leader, he actively contributes to the San Gorgonio Pass Regional Water Alliance, the Association of California Water Agencies, and the California Special Districts Association. Since joining the BCVWD Board in 2012, President Slawson has been an advocate for conservation, fiscal sustainability, and regional collaboration.

Vice President Lona Williams, Division 2

Director Williams, a U.S. Army Veteran, has extensive experience in administrative support, budget management, and public service, including roles at Banning High School and the City of Banning. With a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Redlands, she brings a keen focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency. Director Williams, who joined the BCVWD Board in 2018, has played a key role in securing grants and overseeing critical water conservation projects.

Secretary Andy Ramirez, Division 1
Director Ramirez, Public Works and Community Services Director for a local municipality, leverages more than a decade of government experience, enhances operational efficiencies, and fostering collaboration. His water industry journey began in the late 1990s with pipeline installations, and he now excels in directing large and complex projects to success. Serving on the BCVWD Board since 2016, Director Ramirez has been instrumental in securing significant grants, advancing technology, increasing community engagement, and promoting water conservation initiatives.

Treasurer David Hoffman, Division 5

Director Hoffman, a local business owner since 1982, emphasizes fiscal accountability and sustainability as a BCVWD Board member. His leadership has helped secure vital grants and implement successful conservation projects. Director Hoffman has served on the Board since 2014, including terms as Treasurer and 2023 Board President, and continues to champion community-focused water management.

Director John Covington, Division 4
Director Covington, with over 37 years of water industry experience, manages the Morongo Band of Mission Indians’ Water and Wastewater Departments and serves as Tribal Government Administrator. A seasoned advocate for Tribal and state water rights, Director Covington has contributed to legislative reforms and regional water management. Since joining the BCVWD Board in 2014, he has provided strategic leadership and a wealth of technical expertise.

Unless otherwise noted, BCVWD Board meetings take place on the second Wednesday and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the BCVWD main office, located at 560 Magnolia Avenue in Beaumont. The meetings are open to the public and the community is encouraged to attend. Virtual participation is also available to the public.

For more information, visit bcvwd.gov.

Apply Now for ACWA’s 2025 Spring Awards

• The Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence: This award recognizes exemplary programs developed by ACWA member agencies in water resources management and sponsored by Jacobs, the award recognizes projects and programs in a variety of areas, including capital improvements, water quality, watershed or ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, and more. Apply using ACWA’s easy-to-use online award system by Monday, March 3 at 5 p.m. Members must register online to apply. This account is separate from your ACWA website login.
• Excellence in Water Leadership Award: Sponsored by Black & Veatch, this award recognizes individuals or groups who have made remarkable and visible contributions to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California. The award recipient has the honor of bestowing a $5,000 charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization that works toward the enhancement and/or protection of California’s water resources. The Excellence in Water Leadership Award nomination form is available on the ACWA website. Nominations must be sent via email and must be received by Monday, March 3 at 5 p.m.

ACWA Voices Support for HRL Program Before State Water Board

SACRAMENTO —  ACWA staff and more than a dozen member agency representatives and organizations spoke in support of including the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) Program in the Bay-Delta Plan Update during a Jan. 23 State Water Resources Control Board workshop.

Their public comments were the latest in ACWA’s years-long effort through public testimony, comment letters and coalition building to support the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, formerly known as Voluntary Agreements.

The State Water Board is currently considering potential updates to the Sacramento River watershed, Delta eastside tributaries, and Delta portions of the Bay-Delta Plan. ACWA supports the HRL Program as the preferred pathway for updating the Bay-Delta Plan as opposed to an approach based solely on a percentage of flows.

“We all want the same thing. We all want thriving habitat and thriving native species, we all want vibrant communities. We’re all trying to balance this system with competing requirements, while trying to maximize the limited resources that we have. ACWA strongly believes that the HRL Program is the best pathway to do that,” ACWA State Relations Advocate Stephen Pang stated as part of his testimony before the State Water Board.

The State Water Board is expected to consider approval of the draft final Sacramento/Delta updates as early as spring 2025. Additional information and background is available online.

EBMUD Welcomes New Board Members

OAKLAND – The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Board of Directors welcomed its newest members – Directors Joey D. Smith, Jim Oddie and Valerie Lewis, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

In 2024, the Board bid farewell to three retiring directors: Lesa R. McIntosh, Doug A. Linney, and William B. Patterson. Together, they served a cumulative 79 years on the utility’s board.

EBMUD, which serves over 1.4 million water and 740,000 wastewater customers, is governed by a seven-member, publicly elected board of directors who serve four-year terms. The Board governs long-range strategy and priorities, including infrastructure investment, financial stewardship, environmental protection, workforce development and more.

Representing Ward 1, which includes Hercules, Rodeo, San Pablo and a portion of Richmond, as well as the communities of Crockett, North Richmond and Selby, is Joey D. Smith, who recently retired from EBMUD after more than 30 years of service. Smith started her career in the water industry in August 1992 and retired as a water conservation technician.

Referring to the transition from an active EBMUD employee to a retiree and newly elected board member, Smith said: “After 32 years of sitting on that side, this is definitely a change. I’m really looking forward to working with this Board. There will be some challenges, but it is going to be awesome.”

Representing Ward 5, which includes Alameda and San Lorenzo, West Oakland, the Oakland Airport and a portion of San Leandro, is Jim Oddie, who served as a member of the Alameda City Council from 2014 through 2020 and is currently a vice president and general counsel of a technology company in Lafayette.

“Poet W.H. Auden said, ‘Thousands have lived without love, not one without water,’ and that underscores how important this role is,” Oddie said. “Our job really is to make sure that water is available when you turn on the faucet, it’s high quality when it comes out, and it’s affordable. I’m honored to fill this role, and I hope I live up to the expectation.”

Representing Ward 6, which includes East Oakland and Park Blvd/5^th Avenue south to San Leandro, is Valerie D. Lewis, who is an attorney and former assistant vice president and assistant legal secretary for Safeway Inc./Albertsons Companies.

“My friends will tell you if you don’t want an honest answer, don’t ask me,” Lewis said. “I ran for this seat to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change and its impact on our water supply, and the delivery of clean, affordable water. I will give you my best, I will be there, and you can count on that.”

Director Luz Gómez was appointed in April 2024 to fill the term of resigned board member John A. Coleman through November. She was successfully elected in November to complete the term and will serve through December 2026. Gómez represents Ward 2, which includes Alamo, Lafayette, Town of Danville, communities of Blackhawk and Diablo, and portions of Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and San Ramon.

The new board’s first act appointed Director Marguerite Young president and Director April Chan vice president for 2025.

Young was elected in 2014 to represent Ward 3 in Alameda County, which includes Piedmont and portions of Oakland, and in Contra Costa County includes Orinda, El Sobrante, Moraga, and portions of Pinole and Richmond.

Chan was elected in 2022 to represent Ward 7 in Alameda County, which includes Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview and portions of San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Hayward, and a portion of San Ramon in Contra Costa County.

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The East Bay Municipal Utility District has a proud history of providing high-quality drinking water for 1.4 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. EBMUD’s wastewater system serves 740,000 customers and helps protect the ecosystem of San Francisco Bay. EBMUD is a not-for-profit public agency established in 1923.

House Passes ACWA-Supported Wildfire Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fix Our Forest Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 23 and is advancing to the U.S. Senate. ACWA supports the bill and organized a coalition letter supporting legislation aimed at improving forest health and reducing the intensity of catastrophic wildfires.

The bill enjoys strong bipartisan support and is co-authored by U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), who is Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Signatories on the coalition letter include the American Farm Bureau, The American Forest Resource Council, The California Farm Bureau, the Family Farm Alliance, the Federal Forest Resource Coalition, the National Association of Counties, the National Water Resources Association and the Washington State Water Resources Association.

“Forest management resources included in the Fix Our Forests Act are crucial to help control and reduce the severity of wildfires to enhance air quality, wildlife habitat, and more,” the coalition letter reads. “For example, this legislation would improve water supply sources such as drinking water and rivers, improve water quality by decreasing runoff, pollutants, and erosion, and save costs by reducing infrastructure repairs to reservoirs, pipelines, and treatment plants.”

ACWA’s advocacy effort supporting the legislation was led by ACWA Director of Federal Relations Ian Lyle. Shaping federal policy in relation to preventing catastrophic wildfires is a major focus in ACWA’s advocacy on headwaters health, which is one of the association’s priority issues. ACWA’s Headwaters Workgroup, in coordination with the Federal Affairs Committee, guides this advocacy. The Headwaters Workgroup was led for many years by Chair Willie Whittlesey, General Manager of Yuba Water Agency. Last month, Joel Metzger, General Manager at Utica Water and Power Authority, was named Chair.

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the Fix Our Forests Act would improve forest management activities and increase wildfire resiliency by: improving federal agency collaboration; authorizing targeted environmental streamlining authorities; providing litigation reform; expanding good neighbor authorities; and investing in research and technology aimed at improving forest health.

Western Water Welcomes Rick Aragon as Assistant General Manager

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ACWA Statement on Southern California Wildfires

SACRAMENTO — The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) is working to support our member agencies impacted by catastrophic wildfires. ACWA President Cathy Green issued the following statement regarding the fires:

“ACWA recognizes the immense challenges water agencies face in Southern California as they work tirelessly to provide assistance, manage resources, and help the firefighting efforts. The dedication and resilience displayed by those agencies and their employees in such extreme circumstances is truly admirable.

“Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters, including storms, floods, droughts, and catastrophic wildfires. This is why ACWA and its member agencies have advocated during the past two decades for further state and federal investment into advancing forest and headwaters health.”

The following information outlines key points around water agency involvement, along with ACWA’s previous and ongoing work connected to forest health and wildfire mitigation.

• Water agencies are responsible for providing critical retail water service to properties across the state, including water to aid fire suppression. These water systems, especially ones serving densely populated urban areas such as Los Angeles, were not designed to meet the significant demand from wildfires, especially the climate-driven fires that California experiences today.

• ACWA members have prepared, and continue to prepare, for catastrophic wildfires through a multi-pronged approach, including headwaters and vegetation management, infrastructure investments, emergency preparedness, mutual assistance, staff training, and community coordination to build resilient water and wastewater systems capable of withstanding fire threats and safeguarding public safety.

• In a structural fire, there might be three to five fire engines responding to the fire. For a wildfire, there can be hundreds of fire engines hooked up to the same system. The significant drawdown on the system during a wildfire can drop the water pressure and flow, which can affect fire hydrants, particularly those at higher elevations.

• Water agencies are coordinating with firefighters to support firefighting efforts. This includes providing water sources for firefighting helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. In some areas, pre-existing partnerships have resulted in the strategic placement of water tanks specifically designed to enhance the capability of firefighting helicopters to quickly refill.

• Water supply has not hindered firefighting efforts. Reservoirs in California are at or above average storage levels for this time of year, thanks in part to years of proactive water management.

• California communities are not alone in facing significant threat due to wildfire. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported last year that more than one-third of the U.S. population, roughly 115 million, are in high wildfire risk counties.

• ACWA includes headwaters health among its priority issues and in 2023 adopted several state and federal policy recommendations.

• ACWA thanks the firefighters and other first responders working to ensure the safety of communities in California.