Rancho Water Recognized as Civic Experience Gold Award Winner
Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District) proudly announces its first-place win in the prestigious 2024 Civic Experience Awards, presented by CivicPlus®. This annual program honors exceptional local government leaders, departments, and municipalities that elevate civic experiences to drive greater community participation, improve satisfaction, and foster stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities.
Rancho Water was recognized for its innovative emergency water shutdown alert system, launched in December 2023, which has significantly improved communication with customers during critical water outages. The initiative includes a user-friendly website feature that allows customers to track the status of repairs in real-time. By integrating visual graphics and multilingual icons, Rancho Water has empowered residents to stay informed without the need for phone calls, streamlining operations and reducing stress during water shutdown emergencies.
As part of the award, Rancho Water received a $1,500 charitable contribution, which it has proudly pledged to Inland SoCal United Way. This organization, serving over one million residents in Riverside, San Bernardino, and East Los Angeles Counties, mobilizes communities to promote resiliency, financial security, and health. The contribution will support Inland SoCal United Way’s impactful programs, including rental and utility assistance for Riverside County residents through its United Lift program, one of several programs that Rancho Water recommends for customers facing financial difficulties.
“Winning the Civic Experience Award is an incredible honor, and we’re thrilled that our efforts to improve customer communication during emergency water shutdowns have been recognized on a national scale,” said Brian Brady, Rancho Water Board President. “We are equally proud to contribute to Inland SoCal United Way, which shares our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community.”
The Civic Experience Award underscores Rancho Water’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and fostering a culture of innovation. By continuously improving its systems and prioritizing transparency, Rancho Water sets a high standard for public service in the water utility sector.
$250,000 Cybersecurity Grant Awarded to Rancho Water
Rancho Water is proud to announce it has been awarded a $250,000 grant through the 2024 State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). This critical funding will enable Rancho Water to enhance the security and resilience of its cybersecurity infrastructure, ensuring the continued protection of essential services provided to the community.
Rancho Water is one of just over 100 statewide recipients of this grant funding which was open to a wide range of entities such as water districts, community services districts, cities, tribes, and schools. The grant will support a variety of essential cybersecurity initiatives at the District. These include replacing older firewalls and installing industrial-grade security devices for data acquisition systems, deploying encrypted Ethernet radios to secure critical communications, and developing and implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity policy. Additionally, the funding will provide certification training for key staff, conduct vulnerability scans and penetration testing, and integrate advanced threat monitoring to improve incident detection and response.
“Cybersecurity is vital to the integrity of our operations and the safety of the services we provide,” said Brian Brady, Board President of Rancho Water. “By receiving the maximum amount of $250,000 for this grant, Rancho Water will be able to make significant advancements in our cybersecurity measures without placing an additional financial burden on our ratepayers.”
The purpose of the Cal OES State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program 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. SLCGP is part of a larger federal grant program which is jointly administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The federal program will appropriate $1 billion nationwide over the course of four years.
This $250,000 grant represents significant growth in Rancho Water’s continued ability to deliver safe, reliable, and resilient water services to its community. By strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure, Rancho Water is better positioned to safeguard its operations against emerging threats. Click here for more information about the SLCGP and a complete list of 2024 SLCGP Awarded Entities.
Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority Approves Resolution to Dissolve JPA
Los Vaqueros Reservoir JPA Chair Anthea Hansen released this statement following their January 8 board meeting.
Today, the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority (JPA) approved the resolution to officially dissolve the JPA and directed staff to proceed with all actions to support this decision.
Without question, this is a significant and somber day for the JPA and the Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project (Project). As we move forward with the dissolution process, it is important to document the contributions and lessons learned from this effort. The Phase 2 Expansion Project brought together diverse partners representing urban, agricultural, and environmental entities to work together to maximize broad public benefits and regional resilience.
While the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) was specific to this reservoir expansion, the collaboration sparked important discussions and has helped to foster among the JPA members the possibility of new opportunities for continued regional partnerships and integration. Under the JPA umbrella, relationships have been created and, in other cases, strengthened. We shouldn’t lose sight of the importance of the need for agencies representing diverse interests to work together as a model for the future.
History has taught us that timing is a critical component in bringing water projects to the finish line. The California State Water Project design and funding took many twists and turns before it was ultimately completed. Because large, complex water infrastructure projects often take decades to complete, ensuring a collaborative, durable path forward is essential. It is also an extremely challenging endeavor.
I have been so honored to lead an amazing team of professionals. From our Executive Director and the project management team to our legal counsel, we have been fortunate to assemble veteran water experts to facilitate the needs of the JPA members and gain broad support and funding. Speaking for myself, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience to work alongside and to witness firsthand the dedication and commitment of time and expertise by the JPA members, their board members and staff, both past and present, as we worked to move this project forward.
My hope is that this will not be the end of collaboration between the JPA members, but the beginning of an ongoing dialogue which leads to the successful completion of projects that secure regional water resilience for the future.
Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority
The Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority (JPA) was formed in 2021 and provides governance and administration for the Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project (Project). The Los Vaqueros Reservoir is an off-stream reservoir owned and operated by the Contra Costa Water District.
The Project was intended to increase Bay Area and Central Valley water supply reliability, develop water supplies for wildlife refuges, and improve water quality while protecting Delta fisheries and providing additional Delta ecosystem benefits. When completed, the Los Vaqueros Reservoir capacity was to be increased from 160,000 acre-feet to 275,000 acre-feet with new and modified conveyance facilities added to provide environmental, water supply reliability, operational flexibility, water quality, and recreational benefits.
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Yuba Water Agency Board Names Chair and Vice-Chair, Welcomes New Director
During its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 7, the Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors selected Jon Messick as chair and Wayne Bishop as vice-chairman for the 2025 calendar year. The board also welcomed Renick House as its newest board member.
“I appreciate the confidence from my fellow board members in serving another term as chair and look forward to continuing the important work we do to serve the people of Yuba County,” Messick said.
This is Messick’s second consecutive year as chairman. He has served on the board since 2022 through his role as a Yuba County supervisor representing District 5, which includes the foothills and some of the northeastern valley communities including Hallwood, District 10 and Beale Air Force Base.
Bishop is serving his first term as vice-chair. He has represented South Yuba County on the board since 2022 and has been a member of the Administration, Budget and Personnel Committee for the past two years.
House joins the board for a four-year term following his election last year as a Yuba County Supervisor representing District 2, which includes the City of Marysville and a portion of West Linda.
Yuba Water’s board is made up of all five members of Yuba County’s Board of Supervisors and two elected officials representing North and South Yuba County. The board works with the agency’s general manager to set policy and make decisions that support Yuba Water’s core missions of flood risk reduction, water supply reliability, fish habitat protection and enhancement, hydroelectric power generation and recreation at New Bullards Bar Reservoir. The board is guided by a five-year strategic plan.
Yuba Water approves five-year update to Groundwater Sustainability Plan
Yuba Water also approved a five-year update to its Groundwater Sustainability Plan, a requirement under the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA. Yuba Water manages two groundwater subbasins in the region, together as a unit, in partnership with Cordua Irrigation District and the City of Marysville. The North Yuba Subbasin is north of the Yuba River, while the South Yuba Subbasin is south of the Yuba River.
“Updates to the plan include incorporating new data and science that reflect the current hydrogeologic conditions in our groundwater basin and expanding our groundwater quality monitoring,” explained Charles Johnck, Yuba Water’s water resources program coordinator. “We have a long history of proactive groundwater management, going back to the foundation of this agency, the Yuba Accord and our groundwater substitution program. This update is just the next step to continue that sustainable framework.”
While Yuba County’s groundwater has been sustainably managed for decades, the Yuba subbasins were two of 127 regions identified in 2014 by the California Department of Water Resources as being medium- or high-priority basins subject to SGMA based on elements such as population and groundwater use. Approximately 80 percent of Yuba County residents rely on groundwater as their primary water source.
Learn more about Yuba Water and its work to power a brighter future for Yuba County at yubawater.org.
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Continuing Resolution Includes Disaster, Headwater Health Funding
WASHINGTON D.C. – Congress passed a continuing resolution last month that not only averted a government shutdown, but also included several provisions of interest to ACWA member agencies, such as extending the Farm Bill until Sept. 30, 2025.
The resolution also provided approximately $110 billion in disaster-related funding that can cover losses stemming from a variety of disasters, including droughts, wildfires and floods. The resolution also provides $1.5 billion in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for rehabilitation, repairs, studies and projects to reduce the risks of future disasters, and to address water infrastructure needs facilitated by the Corps.
It also contains $920 million in funding for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Headwaters health is among ACWA’s priority issues and a major focus in the association’s federal advocacy.
The legislation also included $30 million in funding for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for expenses related to natural disasters occurring during or before 2024.
Full text of the continuing resolution can be found online.
WRDA Funding Bill Passes Congress
WASHINGTON D.C. — California water managers will benefit from the December passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, a critical bill authorizing water infrastructure projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
ACWA has remained a strong advocate for passage of WRDA bills and most recently led a coalition letter focusing on expanding water supply opportunities at facilities managed by the Army Corps.
Passed in December by both chambers of the U.S. Congress with robust bipartisan support, the latest WRDA bill directs billions of dollars in funding for projects throughout the nation, including more than 80 projects in California. It also contains numerous policy provisions aimed at expanding Army Corps efforts in relation to water supply.
One of its provisions affecting California is strengthening the Army Corps’ ability to employ Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations, or FIRO, which combined with advances in weather forecasting can potentially revolutionize water storage management in response to climate change.
This includes directing the Army Corps to incorporate FIRO considerations into updates of water control manuals at its projects and requiring the Army Corps to include a FIRO assessment of each reservoir in six Western states, including California. ACWA has actively supported efforts to expand the use of FIRO by federal agencies.
The latest WRDA bill also authorizes the Army Corps to accept funds from non-federal partners to formulate, review, or revise operational documents at federal reservoir projects. This authorization will help water managers get operational documents done with greater efficiency.
In addition, a declaration in the bill clarifies that the policy of the Army Corps is to “prioritize opportunities for water supply, water conservation and drought resiliency within the operations of Corps projects.”
These were among several sections in a portion of the bill championed by retiring California Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. ACWA is grateful for Congresswoman Napolitano’s service to the nation and her dedication to the water community.
Further details on projects nationwide can be found in the bill online.
Local Agency Unveils Bold Regional Water Distribution Initiative
BEAUMONT — The San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) took a significant step toward ensuring long-term water security in the region by hosting a highly anticipated workshop on September 30th, where they unveiled details of the ambitious Backbone Pipeline Project. This transformative project aims to enhance the distribution of imported water throughout the San Gorgonio Pass area, promising a sustainable water future for local communities. The event attracted participation from various State Water Contractors, local stakeholders, partnering cities, retail water districts, and local Tribal representatives, all of whom actively shared their insights on the proposed plans. This engagement highlighted the collaborative effort necessary to advance the project. The Backbone Pipeline Project, a vision over two decades in the making, is now closer than ever to becoming a reality, thanks to growing support from multiple agencies. The proposed pipeline would convey SGPWA’s State Water Project (SWP) water allocation from the existing East Branch Extension Pipeline in the City of Beaumont to multiple facilities throughout the San Gorgonio Pass region, ending at a groundwater recharge basin in Cabazon. “This project represents a pivotal moment for the region,” said Board President Mickey Valdivia. “By improving the distribution of imported water to new recharge facilities, the Backbone Pipeline will secure a reliable water source for generations to come. Communities across the San Gorgonio Pass area stand to benefit from this enhanced water security.” In October 2023, a feasibility study was conducted by Albert A. Webb & Associates to outline the requirements, permits, and funding necessary to undertake the project. This included recommendations for the Backbone Pipeline that would convey water from the State Water Project East Branch Extension pipeline to the communities in Banning and Cabazon to recharge groundwater basins and provide additional water for residents. The total estimated cost for the project is up to $150 million, with SGPWA committed to securing funding through state and federal grants. The construction of the pipeline will unfold in five phases, involving the installation of 48 inch, 36-inch, 30-inch, and two 24-inch welded steel transmission pipelines. The finished project will result in 88,700 linear feet of pipeline stretching throughout the San Gorgonio Pass region. The Board and stakeholders who participated in the workshop also discussed exploring additional partnerships and design alternatives that could result in significant cost savings for all parties involved in the project. SGPWA will coordinate with the City of Beaumont, the City of Banning, the City of Riverside, Caltrans, Cabazon Water District, Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, Union Pacific Railroad, Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to ensure compliance with all State regulations and permits. This project marks a crucial step toward safeguarding the region’s water future and ensuring a resilient supply for decades to come. For more information, visit 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.District Increases Environmental Awareness Through Local Classroom Funding
ROWLAND HEIGHTS — Rowland Water District (RWD) continues to demonstrate that it is a force for good in the community as its ongoing Splash Cash program awarded more than $13,000 in grants for water education-related programs for the 2024-2025 school year. While teachers have the flexibility to create their curriculum or programs, the overall theme is centered around increasing students’ awareness of the importance of water as a natural resource in Southern California. “The Splash Cash Program continues to be a huge success, and we are excited to witness the creative use of funds by our local teachers and students,” said RWD Marketing & Social Media Coordinator Brittnie Gildea. “This program provides students with opportunities to go on educational field trips and engage them with hands-on curriculum. It’s truly inspiring to see the incredible outcomes that this program offers our community.” The 2024-25 Splash Cash program awarded nine grants submitted from local teachers across five schools in the RWD service area. The winners included: · Ms. Garrett of Rowland Elementary School · Ms. Silvers of Rowland Elementary School · Ms. Minette-Galindo of Northam Elementary School · Ms. Leuthold of Santana High School · Ms. Casas of Telesis Academy · Dr. Navarro of Jellick Elementary School · Ms. Velasco of Jellick Elementary School · Ms. Willie of Jellick Elementary School · Ms. Buck of Jellick Elementary School RWD proudly supports programs that foster water conservation awareness. This year’s Splash Cash grant projects include hands-on learning experiences, educational science camps, and gardening projects, all with the goal of addressing local water challenges and teaching students the importance of being water conservation stewards. While Splash Cash has been a resounding success for local teachers and students, the District offers a variety of educational incentives for K-12 classrooms such as annual poster contests, classroom presentations, scholarships, and free classroom materials for participants of the Mini Solar Board Challenge. All 14 schools in the RWD service area are eligible to participate in these educational programs. Learn more at rwd.org.###
About Rowland Water District Rowland Water District was formed 70 years ago to provide water service to 200 ranchers and farmers in a rural, agricultural community. Over the years, the District has evolved to meet the changing needs of a dynamic and rapidly growing customer base. Rowland Water currently delivers 14 million gallons of safe drinking water to about 55,000 people every day. The District maintains 150 miles of potable water pipeline and 25 miles of recycled water pipeline to serve 13,800 customer connections across 17.2 square miles in southeast Los Angeles County, including portions of Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, and the cities of Industry and West Covina.Conservation Kits Now Available for Desert Water Agency Customers
Desert Water Agency is offering a free conservation kit program, where DWA customers can receive resources to help them save water. The conservation kits include easy-to-use tools to help residents become more water efficient inside and outside their homes. Each kit includes:- Water-saving 7-spray garden hose nozzle
- Dual-spray swivel kitchen faucet aerator
- Toilet leak-detection dye tablets
- Moisture meter for your indoor plants
- Bubble-spray faucet aerator
- Instructions on how to install and use the items
First 2025 Snow Survey Shows Snowpack Near Average
SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the first snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 24 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 9 inches, which is 91 percent of average for this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack is 108 percent of average for this date.
Recent years in California have been marked by extremely hot and dry conditions broken up by periods of intense rain and snow. So far, this water year has been no different. A record-breaking hot and dry summer continued well into the fall, but a powerful atmospheric river in November broke several rainfall records in Northern California. A series of storms in late December provided another boost.
“While our snowpack looks good now, we have a long way until April when our water supply picture will be more complete,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Extreme shifts between dry and wet conditions are continuing this winter and if the past several years are any indication, anything could happen between now and April and we need to be prepared.”
DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the Sierra Nevada indicate that the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 10.7 inches, or 108 percent of average for this date, compared to 28 percent on this date last year.
California has seen this pattern before. In both 2013 and 2022, the January snowpack was well above average thanks to December storm activity, only for dry conditions to take over the rest of the winter, quickly erasing early season snow totals and continuing existing drought conditions across the state.
“We are fortunate to have had several solid snow-producing atmospheric river systems so far this season,” said DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Andy Reising. “The fall was extremely dry, so our healthy snow totals are thanks to a handful of big storm systems in November and late December. But to finish the year where we need to be, we will still need additional snow building at a regular pace throughout the winter.”
Major reservoirs statewide are currently 121 percent of average thanks to two consecutive years of above average snowpack conditions, which occurred after the driest three-year period on record in California. DWR is preparing for these swings between extreme conditions by investing in climate resilience, including the use of Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations, floodplain and flood infrastructure improvements and groundwater recharge efforts that will ensure California is able to capture and use as much water during flood conditions as possible.
On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.” Data from these snow surveys and forecasts produced by DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit are important factors in determining how DWR manages the state’s water resources. DWR conducts four media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for February 3.
For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov/