Chief Engineer Dr. Maryam Bral Elevated to Assistant General Manager
OXNARD – Accomplished engineer and leader Dr. Maryam Bral is United Water Conservation District’s (UWCD) new Assistant General Manager, bringing over 20 years of expertise in water resource management to the role. As Assistant General Manager, Dr. Bral will guide UWCD’s strategic initiatives, ensuring the delivery of reliable and sustainable water resources to the communities it serves. Dr. Bral embodies out-of-the-box thinking and innovative spirit that set UWCD apart as a water industry leader. “I am honored to step into this new role to further serve the water needs of Ventura County,’” Dr. Bral said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to build a sustainable water future for all. I will work with my colleagues at UWCD to form strong partnerships, shape sound public policy, and deliver high-quality water to our community now and in the future.” Dr. Bral joined UWCD in 2018 as Chief Engineer and Chief Dam Safety Engineer, leading several transformative projects. Her career at UWCD includes advancing the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project at Lake Piru, a $330 million effort to protect the region from the threat of dam failure while ensuring the continued operation of the dam and other UWCD facilities, securing groundwater recharge and surface water delivery to our customers. As a lead contributor to the newly-constructed El Rio Iron and Manganese Treatment Facility Project, Dr. Bral and her team have helped improve regional water quality and mitigate water scarcity in the face of future drought conditions. Additionally, Dr. Bral has been instrumental in realizing the Extraction Barrier and Brackish Water Treatment Project from concept to design and implementation. Her close collaboration with the U.S. Navy has pioneered an innovative solution to seawater intrusion along the Pacific Coast in pursuit of a “new” local water supply. Dr. Bral also played a key role in diversifying supply sources by adding recycled water to UWCD’s water supply portfolio and expanding the use of recycled water in Ventura County through the Laguna Road Recycled Water Interconnection Project. Her ability to deliver sustainable and cost-effective solutions has been a hallmark of her leadership. “On behalf of UWCD and our Board of Directors, I congratulate Dr. Bral on her well-earned promotion,” said General Manager Mauricio Guardado. “Her dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in advancing our mission and making a meaningful impact on the region’s water landscape. We are excited to see the even greater contributions she will bring in her new role.” Dr. Bral holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, with her research work and thesis focused on membrane filtration and artificial recharge of humic groundwaters. She obtained her master’s degree in Chemical/Civil Engineering and bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark. Her research centered on innovative methods for improving water quality, tapping into unused water sources, and advancing sustainable water treatment technologies. For more information about UWCD and its leadership team, visit www.unitedwater.org.###
About United Water Conservation District Since 1927, United Water Conservation District (District) has served as a leader among water agencies by managing, protecting, enhancing and securing the water resources of the Santa Clara River and Oxnard Coastal Plain. The District works to protect the environment’s natural attributes and conserves runoff from all major tributaries of the Santa Clara River, including Piru, Hopper, Sespe, and Santa Paula Creeks. Committed to managing the area’s water supplies through groundwater replenishment and the construction and operation of efficient water supply and delivery systems, the District serves as the conservator of groundwater resources that are utilized by the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Santa Paula, and Fillmore, as well as Naval Base Ventura County and several mutual water districts, farms, and individual pumpers. The District also provides surface water for agricultural irrigation and treated drinking water to the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. www.unitedwater.orgCucamonga Valley Water District Elects 2025 Board Officers
RANCHO CUCAMONGA — On January 14, 2025, the Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD/District) Board of Directors held its election of officers. Director Randall James Reed was re-elected to serve as its president. Director Reed has served on the board since 2003 and represents Division 3 of the District’s service area.
During his time on the board, President Reed has served on many committees and is currently serving on the District’s Engineering and Finance Committees. He also represents CVWD on the Association of California Water Agencies/Joint Powers Insurance Authority Board of Directors and the Association of San Bernardino County Special Districts, as well as many other local committees.
“I am humbled and honored for the trust my fellow Directors have in my ability to continue as CVWD Board President,” commented President Reed. “My gratitude extends to my fellow community leaders whose relationships are invaluable. Together we make the foundation for our community to overcome any challenges that lay ahead.”
Also at the January 14 meeting, the board appointed James V. Curatalo Jr. as Vice President. Vice President Curatalo has served on the board of directors since 1999 and is currently on the Human Resources/Risk Management and Water Resources committees. He also represents the District on the Fontana Union Water Company Board of Directors, a mutual water agency in which CVWD is the majority shareholder.
“Our board looks forward to representing the residents and businesses that we serve within our community,” commented Vice President James V. Curatalo Jr. “Our success as a Water District has always been attributed to the partnerships we have had with the cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Upland, Ontario, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency and San Bernardino County and their elected officials.”
The role of the board of directors is to develop policies that guide the District in carrying out its mission of providing high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services, while practicing good stewardship of natural and financial resources. For more information on CVWD’s Board of Directors or its mission, please visit CVWDwater.com or call at 909-987-2591.
January 2025 Priority Issues Update Now Available
The January 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, governor’s budget, Bay-Delta Plan and more.
The new and previous Priority Issues Updates can be found here.
Yuba Water Awards Nearly $77 Million Contract for Major Capital Improvement Project
Yuba Water Agency recently awarded a $76.8 million contract to upgrade key components of its hydropower generation infrastructure in the Yuba County foothills. A joint venture company made up of Obayashi and Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc. was awarded the contract for the agency’s Colgate tunnel outage project, set to begin in the fall of 2025.
The tunnel outage will focus on a four-mile-long rock tunnel and one-mile-long penstock pipe that carries water from New Bullards Bar Reservoir to New Colgate Powerhouse at the base of Lake Francis Road in Dobbins.
During the outage, Yuba Water will remove rocks and debris, repair and reinforce worn parts and install a new protective valve system at the top of the penstock pipe. The upgraded valve will enhance the agency’s ability to protect downstream infrastructure and improve maintenance access without requiring the entire tunnel to be dewatered.
“Even though recent inspections show the tunnel is in good condition, this project will reinforce key areas to help prevent future unplanned outages and ensure reliable operations for decades to come,” said Yuba Water Hydro Engineer Casey Peterson, one of the lead engineers on the project.
Yuba Water has been planning for the tunnel outage since 2017, conducting remote inspections of the tunnel system and working with contractors and manufacturers to design and fabricate specialized parts. For instance, the agency worked for more than one year to secure three 14-foot-diameter, 11-ton connectors, called flanges, which will be installed as part of the new protective valve.
Staging for the project is expected to begin in September 2025, with the bulk of the work planned for October through January 2026. Colgate’s hydropower generation units will be offline during the entirety of the outage.
Yuba Water is funding these critical capital improvements with revenue generated from its hydropower sales along with state grant funds.
Learn more about Yuba Water’s missions and investments in Yuba County communities at yubawater.org.
YLWD is Wildfire Ready: Emergency Preparedness Response
YORBA LINDA – The Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD) is committed to the safety and well-being of our beloved community. We salute the brave firefighters and first responders putting their lives on the line to protect those affected by the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires. As strong winds and frequent heat advisories continue to impact our region, we want to reassure the 80,000 residents and businesses in Yorba Linda that the District remains proactive in its Wildfire Emergency Preparedness. Reservoirs- Our team of dedicated water professionals carefully monitor weather events, and takes necessary precautions to protect our region and infrastructure by increasing reservoir levels to ensure an adequate supply of water.
- Fire hydrants in Yorba Linda are operational and have an adequate water supply allowing local fire authorities to promptly respond to emergencies.
- YLWD staff inspects 4,052 fire hydrants annually by checking hydrant pressure and water flow, and will re-paint as needed as part of the District’s preventative maintenance program.
- YLWD stays prepared during the current fire threat by pre-filling our two Heli-Hydrants, which are strategically placed, quick-fill, pilot-operated water sources that can be filled within minutes to help local fire authorities save critical time and fight fires in our community.
- The District has invested in multiple natural gas back-up generators, including a portable generator, for emergency back-up power. These generators are designed to activate during power outages or scheduled electrical shutdowns, significantly bolstering YLWD’s booster pump station reliability, especially in a wildfire event.
- The recent enhancements to the Hidden Hills Booster Pump Station include the installation of a high-capacity pump that doubles the pumping capacity from 1,800 gallons per minute to 3,600 gallons per minute and a new emergency natural gas back-up generator.
- Brush control maintenance and weed abatement, as well as other fire-hardening landscaping, is frequently maintained at all YLWD facilities, ensuring a safer perimeter around critical infrastructure.
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About Yorba Linda Water District: A “District of Distinction” for its commitment to good governance, ethics, and sound operating practices, Yorba Linda Water District serves the residents of Yorba Linda and portions of Placentia, Brea, Anaheim, and unincorporated areas of Orange County. Governed by a five-member publicly elected Board of Directors, YLWD’s mission is to provide reliable water and sewer services and protect public health and the environment while maintaining financial integrity and superior public service. It accomplishes this by embracing proven technologies, improving customer satisfaction, providing efficient and responsive operations, and ensuring reliable infrastructure.Water for Our Future Campaign Highlights Reliable Water Supply in Placer County
While the latest snow survey showing above-average snowpack across California is good news, local water providers are focused on long-term reliability, preparing for the challenges of aging infrastructure and climate change.
Residents and businesses in Placer County can be confident in the reliability of their water supply.
That’s the primary message in a new joint outreach campaign launched by the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), City of Roseville, and City of Lincoln.
The Water for Our Future campaign showcases how Placer County’s water supplies are stable and secure and maintained through proactive measures and strategic planning to ensure water reliability for years to come.
The Water for Our Future campaign highlights several forward-looking initiatives:
- The Ophir Project: Set to begin construction in 2025, this project will treat 10 million gallons of water daily, meeting the current needs of 10,000 families in western Placer County, including the City of Lincoln. As the community grows, the project will scale to handle 30 million gallons per day.
- Renewal and Replacement of Infrastructure: Even though our community is growing with new residential and commercial developments, we still rely on some older infrastructure that is crucial to the overall water system. Your water supplier is committed to renewing and replacing these aging components in a financially responsible way to ensure reliable service and meet your community’s long-term needs.
- Roseville-PCWA Cooperative Pipeline: Roseville and PCWA are constructing a 14-mile pipeline to provide reliable water access upstream of Folsom Reservoir. This initiative supports sustainable water management and strengthens the region’s water reliability by tapping into existing water sources and bypassing the reservoir.
- Efficiency and Stewardship Programs: Placer County’s water providers are committed to water efficiency, offering rebate programs that encourage the adoption of water-saving appliances and practices. These efforts help reduce water use and support the long-term sustainability of our water resources.
- The RiverArc Project: By tapping into surplus water from the Sacramento River, this project enhances Placer County’s water security and resilience to drought. It also supports groundwater sustainability, allowing flexible water management based on current conditions.
- Sacramento Regional Water Bank: This bank uses the natural storage capacity of groundwater aquifers to store water during wet periods for use during dry times. Placer County’s water providers are securing a stable supply for the region by contributing excess surface water and participating in groundwater banking programs.
Above-average snowpack is encouraging, but it doesn’t change the reality that California’s precipitation patterns are becoming more unpredictable. Extreme weather events, such as sudden storms or prolonged dry periods, require planning for both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. Water for Our Future demonstrates how Placer County’s water supplies are resilient no matter what the future holds.
Please visit PlacerWaterFuture.com for more information on the Water for Our Future campaign and to explore the projects that keep Placer County’s water supply reliable.
Agencies Partner to Improve Water Reliability for 18,000 Residents
BEAUMONT – The County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project, a multi-agency effort led by San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA), San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD) and South Mesa Water Company (SMWC), received $3.1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The project will stabilize water storage in the Yucaipa Subbasin, making reliable water accessible to 18,000 people. “Through critical regional collaboration, the County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project works to secure sustainable groundwater conditions for generations,” SGPWA Board President Mickey Valdivia said. “This project is a testament to the power of partnership.” Prolonged drought conditions over the past decade have depleted groundwater levels in the Yucaipa Subbasin. In response, SGPWA, SBVMWD and SMWC have partnered to build a turnout on Bryant Street and County Line Road that will facilitate the movement of clean drinking water to a future facility in Calimesa. This facility will handle up to 479 million gallons per year. It also reuses an existing abandoned pipeline, which will connect to California’s State Water Project (SWP) delivery system. All three agencies will be able to import and store water through the project pipelines. The project enables more flexibility for SGPWA during droughts, as wet year storage can increase the sustainable yield of the Yucaipa Subbasin. Thanks to the project, SGPWA will be able to direct imported supplies to other communities within their service area including Beaumont, Banning, Cherry Valley and the Banning Bench. SBVMWD will be responsible for the turnout portion of the project. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support a vital effort toward water resilience in our community,” SBVMWD Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Heather Dyer said. “Our residents, including many living in disadvantaged communities, will benefit from reliable water and security in the face of drought.” SMWC previously received $10.2 million from the State Water Resources Control Board to replace and construct 26,000 feet of local water lines. This funding impacted the County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project by allowing SMWC to repurpose existing water mains for the multi-agency effort. “These efforts have brought imported water to SMWC’s service area for the first time. More than that, this work brings agencies together for an essential cause: our community’s precious water supply. We are proud to support it,” SMWC General Manager David Armstrong said. The County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project costs $6.2 million in total, with the ARPA funding covering half. Fifth District Riverside County Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez was instrumental in securing the ARPA support. “Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right that should not be determined by wealth, status, or location,” General Manager Lance Eckhart said. “We are grateful Supervisor Gutierrez sees the need to invest in projects that diversify and improve the resilience of our water supply to better serve our communities, especially the disadvantaged areas.” Construction on the project is expected to start in the summer of 2025, with the project slated for completion by the end of 2026. Learn more at www.sgpwa.com.###
About San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency Formed in 1961, SGPWA is a State Water Contractor that serves a 225-square-mile area of western Riverside County. The service area includes the cities of Calimesa, Beaumont, and Banning, and the communities of Cherry Valley, Cabazon, and the Banning Bench. In addition to importing State Water Project (SWP) water from Northern California to augment local groundwater sources, the Agency builds local system infrastructure, participates in water transfers, partners in statewide water projects and collaborates on regional water reliability and conservation efforts.Partnership with Students and Parents Expands WVWD Outreach
WALNUT – Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) is excited to continue its partnership with the Suzanne Middle School Chinese American Parent Association (CAPA) and the Chinese American Student Alliance (CASA), building on the success of past programs like Project Bright, which educated residents about water-saving techniques. This ongoing collaboration provides students with unique opportunities to engage in community service while promoting water sustainability initiatives.
This school year, students and parents have been actively promoting District programs, including fire-resistant landscaping workshops and rain barrel purchases. CAPA and CASA are entrusted with selecting the most effective outreach locations, such as local grocery stores, where they distribute flyers and set up booths to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices.
“There’s something special about our community learning from its own students,” said Lily Lopez, Director of External Affairs & Sustainability at WVWD. “It’s wonderful to see them take the lead in promoting water conservation, and we look forward to growing this collaboration with more organizations throughout the community.” Through these ongoing efforts, students not only earn service hours but also develop crucial skills in leadership and communication—skills they will carry forward in their education.
West Basin Board Accepts Resignation of Director Harold Williams
The West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Director Harold C. Williams, effective January 2, 2025. Williams was first elected to serve on the Board in 2014. He concludes his service on the West Basin Board after nearly three terms in office, and after 40 years as a California registered civil engineer and in public service.
Williams represented Division I, which includes the cities of Carson, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates and unincorporated Los Angeles County area of Rancho Dominguez.
Board President Desi Alvarez says, “The Board appreciates Director Williams’ passion for maintaining and improving infrastructure and his commitment to public service.”
He served as the driving force for many key West Basin initiatives including a workforce development career pipeline for young people in the water industry and marketing water conservation programs for equity and accessibility across all West Basin communities. During his tenure on the West Basin Board, Williams served as one of two West Basin representatives on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors from 2018 until 2022 and represented the District on various water industry association committees.
A longtime Carson resident and community leader, Williams has held leadership positions in numerous civic organizations and served on different city commissions. As an active member of his professional community, Williams served as president of the American Public Works Association—Southern California Chapter; president of the City and County Engineer’s Association; and treasurer of the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers. He has also been involved in various service organizations such as the Carson Lions Club, and the International Association of Lions Clubs.