District Launches Revamped Bill Pay Experience For Customers
BEAUMONT — Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) is improving its online payment portal to better serve its customers by expanding payment options and streamlining the website interface.
The new bill pay system, hosted by Paymentus, launches on December 30, 2024 and will be available to all BCVWD customers. The updated website works seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices, allowing customers to conveniently view and pay their water bills on whichever device they prefer.
Customers will also have newly expanded ways to pay their bills including through Visa, Mastercard, or Discover cards, PayPal and PayPal Credit digital wallets, or by linking a traditional checking or savings account. In addition to digital payments processed through the new website, BCVWD customers will also be able to pay in person by cash or check at Walmart Money Centers using Walmart Bill Pay (WMBP).
“We’re excited to launch our new online payment system which will make it faster and easier for customers to stay up to date on their water bill,” said John Covington, Board President. “The new payment options also allow customers to choose the most convenient way to pay.”
As an added benefit, customers now have the opportunity to enroll in automated payments (Auto Pay) to easily schedule recurring payments and avoid service disruptions or late fees. This feature empowers customers by giving them control over when they pay their bill each month.
“As a District, we are always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience while being mindful of operational efficiency,” said David Hoffman, Director and Chairman to the Finance and Audit Committee. “This new payment system reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability, making it easier for customers to manage their water accounts while also reducing paper waste and costs.”
The new online payment system also supports electronic billing, which reduces paper waste and will save the District money on printing materials and postage each month. Customers can opt-in to receive notifications about their monthly water bill, including payment reminders and when a new bill is available to view.
For more information visit bcvwd.gov.
Marking a Year of Achievements While Setting Bold Goals for the Future
ROWLAND HEIGHTS — Rowland Water District (RWD) staff recently delivered its annual State of the District presentation to the Board of Directors on October 22, 2024, highlighting key moments and accolades from the District’s previous fiscal year. Throughout the past year, the District has made significant strides, demonstrating financial responsibility, investing in its staff through hiring, promotions, and development, giving back to the community through outreach, mentorship, and educational programs, enhancing customer tools and communication, and advancing regional partnerships – all while maintaining a forward-looking vision. The District’s long-term credit rating was upgraded from AA- to AA by S&P Global Ratings, which is among the highest ratings possible for smaller Districts. S&P anticipates long term stability, driven by RWD’s fully cash-funded five-year capital improvement plan. The District also saw higher revenues and lower expenses than forecasted, which is a testament to its rigorous commitment to fiscal integrity. “Our commitment to financial responsibility is rooted in transparency and accuracy,” said Director of Finance Myra Malner, CPA. “By upholding rigorous reporting standards, we ensure a solid foundation that supports sustainable growth and continued excellence in serving our customers.” In July, RWD released its annual Water Quality Report in a new interactive format on its website to complement the traditional printed version. This approach was more cost-effective for the District and provided a measurable boost to community engagement. The digital report included embedded videos, a rollover glossary, and animated portions to educate its customers about the District’s ongoing rehabilitation projects and advancements in water quality. On the operational side, the District has invested in significant infrastructure upgrades, including a $2.9 million rebuild of its Cuatro Booster Station. This project will feature two new pumps, advanced electrical controllers, new piping, and enhanced communication systems. The District has also completed numerous reservoir rehabilitations, building remodels, electronics upgrades, and other improvements to enhance daily operations and service efficiency. “Our infrastructure upgrades and repairs over the past year have significantly improved our ability to serve customers with greater reliability while providing our staff with the tools and resources to perform their jobs more efficiently,” said Assistant General Manager Dusty Moisio. Earlier this year, RWD launched its community outreach initiative, Caring For Our Neighbors, to provide essential support and resources to our customers. . The District hosted a series of charity and volunteer events that included raising more than $2,000 to outfit students with fully equipped backpacks for school, supporting Rowland Unified School District’s Family Resource Center’s ‘Fresh Start’ event to provide 147 students with school supplies for the year, as well as partnering with local churches for food bank distribution events. “The Caring For Our Neighbors program has been a tremendous success, both within our team and throughout the community,” said Marketing and Social Media Coordinator Brittnie Gildea. “We’re thrilled to continue growing the program and discovering new, impactful ways to give back for years to come!” In October, the District also provided unprecedented overseas support to Norzagaray Water District in the Philippines to educate its staff and provide guidance for servicing a community of more than 100,000 residents. Looking towards the future, the District is planning to conduct a rate analysis, further expand its community education and outreach programs, increase legislative tracking and strategies, and focus on water conservation while enhancing resiliency across its service area. Rowland Water District’s FY 2023-24 Annual Report is now available in print or as a digital download for all customers. You can find the Annual Report here: rwd.org/annual-report###
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.State Water Project Allocation Increases Following Recent Storms
SACRAMENTO – Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced an update to the State Water Project (SWP) allocation forecast for 2025. The allocation has increased to 15 percent of requested supplies, up from the initial allocation forecast of 5 percent announced earlier this month. The SWP provides water to 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million Californians.
Strong storms in late November and early December have helped boost statewide precipitation to just above average for this time of year. Reservoir levels have also increased because of the storms. The initial allocation forecast announced on December 2 had not accounted for these storms because the data was not yet available to water managers. Prior to the second half of November, the start of the water year had been dry and warm.
“The past several weeks has brought welcome rain and snow to Northern California and these improved conditions have allowed the State Water Project to increase the allocation forecast to the benefit of millions of Californians,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “While we typically wait to provide an update until January, we felt it important to let our State Water Contractors know of the increase as soon as possible to allow them to better plan their water supply for the year ahead.”
State water managers will continue to monitor precipitation and snowpack conditions as well as account for dry soils that may soak up some of the spring runoff following record heat this past summer. Additionally, Southern California remains very dry and has not benefited from the atmospheric rivers experienced so far this season.
“California is still in the early months of our wet season and as recent history has shown, conditions can change quickly,” said Dr. Michael Anderson, State Climatologist. “While Northern California has benefitted from early season storms, dry conditions in the new year can leave us with below average totals when warmer weather arrives.”
Each year, DWR provides SWP allocation forecasts based on available water storage, projected water supply, and water demands. Allocations are updated monthly as snowpack, rainfall, and runoff information is assessed, with a final allocation typically determined in May or June. As the winter progresses, if California sees an increase in rain and snowfall, the allocation forecast may increase. The next update will likely come in January and will use information from the first snow surveys of the season.
The allocation forecast notice to State Water Contractors and historical data on SWP allocations are available on DWR’s website.
Helix Water District Board Ready for 2025
San Diego voters reelected three incumbents – Board President Daniel H. McMillan, Vice President Joel A. Scalzitti and Division 3 Director Mark Gracyk – to a new, four-year term on the Helix Water District Board of Directors. McMillan and Scalzitti ran unopposed. Gracyk received 65% of the vote in the November 5, 2024, election.
Helix serves a 50-square-mile service area about 20 minutes east of downtown San Diego. The district operates two dams and reservoirs, a regional water treatment plant serving 500,000 people and a water distribution system serving 278,000 people.
Gracyk was first elected to the Helix board in 2016 and represents the district in the community and the San Diego region. He is the current vice chair of the board’s engineering and operations committee, serving on the City of La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission and representing the district with the San Diego River Conservancy.
McMillan was also elected to the Helix board in 2016. McMillan has represented Helix on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors since 2019 and sits on the Authority’s engineering and operations, water planning and project labor committees. He also represents Helix on the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority, the risk-sharing pool for property, liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and employee benefits, for water utilities throughout California.
Scalzitti joined the Helix board in 2012. Like McMillan, he has represented Helix on the San Diego County Water Authority Board and its imported water and water planning committees since 2019. He represents Helix on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program Joint Powers Authority and is also on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) special districts advisory committee.
Helix is governed by a five-member board of directors. Each director is elected by the communities in which they reside to oversee district policies and represent Helix on regional and state-level water resources management and policymaking. Members of the board serve four-year terms.
At their meeting on December 11, the Helix board voted to have McMillan and Scalzitti continue in their roles as board president and vice president in 2025. Board members’ committees, regional and state-level assignments for 2025 will be announced in January.
CVWD Swears In Re-Elected Board Members
RANCHO CUCAMONGA — Vice President Mark Gibboney and Director Kevin Kenley were sworn in for four-year terms of the Cucamonga Valley Water District during its board meeting on December 10, 2024. Vice President Gibboney and Director Kenley have served on the Board of Directors since November 2019.
Vice President Gibboney represents Division 2 of the District’s service area and currently serves on CVWD’s Government & Public Affairs Committee and Water Resources Committee. He also serves on the Fontana Union Water Company Board of Directors, a mutual water agency in which CVWD is the majority shareholder. He and his wife have lived in Rancho Cucamonga for over 40 years, where they raised their family.
Director Kenley represents Division 1 of CVWD’s service area, which covers portions of southern Rancho Cucamonga and northeastern Ontario. He currently serves on the District’s Engineering and Government & Public Affairs Committees. Director Kenley also represents CVWD as a special district member for the County of San Bernardino, Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). Director Kenley has been a resident of Rancho Cucamonga since 2001, where he and his wife raised their five children and two stepchildren.
The Board of Directors is responsible for developing policies that guide the district in fulfilling its mission of providing high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services while ensuring the responsible management of natural and financial resources. For more information about CVWD’s board of directors or its mission, please visit CVWDwater.com or call 909-987-2591.
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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.
December 20, 2024 ACWA News Available
Read the December 20 edition of ACWA News for informative articles about the association and water industry.
Articles include:
- Water Leaders Gather in Palm Desert for ACWA Fall Conference
- Board Wraps Up Year by Hearing Long List of 2024 ACWA Wins
- Conference photo page Features Snapshots from Palm Desert
- Awards Recognize Outstanding Leadership and Member Agency Excellence
Yorba Linda Water District Welcomes New Board Director Wayne R. Scott
On December 19, 2024, the Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD) announced the appointment of Colonel Wayne R. Scott, a longtime and highly respected member of the Yorba Linda community, as a new Board Director, following the administration of the oath of office. Director Scott will fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term of former Director Phil Hawkins and will serve in this interim capacity until 2026. Director Scott brings an extensive background and commitment to his new position, having dedicated over 29 years to serving his country and community in the United States Air Force, where he retired at the rank of Colonel. During his distinguished military career, he completed nineteen assignments, including three tours as a commanding officer, overseeing as many as five hundred personnel. After retiring from military service, Director Scott transitioned to the civilian sector, joining Raytheon as a Program Manager. His notable contributions included leading a $260 million aircraft landing system development project for the U.S. Navy. His exceptional performance earned him the esteemed Raytheon Program Leadership Award in 2017. Since establishing roots in Yorba Linda, Director Scott and his wife have been actively engaged in the community. With a passion for honoring military service, Director Scott co-founded the Honoring Hometown Heroes program in 2010, which supports Gold Star families, those who have lost loved ones in military service. Additionally, Director Scott played a key role in establishing the first ‘Love Yorba Linda’ in 2019, which has expanded to include over one thousand volunteers completing more than fifty community service projects in 2023. He is also an active member of various veteran organizations and has hosted military-related events at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial. As President of a local veteran non-profit, he continues to demonstrate his commitment to supporting veteran services. “I am honored to serve our community as a new Director for the Yorba Linda Water District and will fulfill my duty to serve well and faithfully in this capacity,” stated Director Scott. YLWD President Tom Lindsey welcomed Director Scott to the Board, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration ahead. “Seven amazing and qualified candidates applied for the position, making the decision a difficult one. As always, some of our finest residents stepped up to serve when needed. Colonel Scott prevailed after thorough and transparent interviews and spirited Board discussions,” commented President Lindsey. “I am excited to tap into Wayne’s experience and expertise. Colonel Scott is known throughout our community as a servant-leader and will now help YLWD tackle the critical issues that we face today and into the future. Welcome to the Yorba Linda Water District Board of Directors, Wayne!” The YLWD Board of Directors is tasked with developing policies that guide the District in executing its mission of providing dependable water and sewer services to safeguard public health and the environment with financial integrity and superior customer service. For more information about the YLWD Board of Directors or our mission, please visit www.ylwd.com or call 714-701-3000.###
Three Calleguas Municipal Water District Directors Sworn In
On Wednesday, December 18, Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas) Board Directors Raul Avila, Reddy Pakala, and Scott Quady began new four-year terms. Calleguas is governed by an elected five-member Board of Directors, each representing a different geographical division of the service area.
Retiring from the Board is Director Andy Waters of Division 3, which encompasses eastern Camarillo, western Thousand Oaks, the City of Moorpark and the Santa Rosa, Tierra Rejada, and Las Posas Valleys. Director Waters retired as Board Vice President after 12 distinguished years of service. “It’s been a privilege to serve on the Calleguas Board,” noted Director Waters. “My family has a strong legacy of water leadership in this region, and I have been honored to continue in that tradition. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to ensure fiscal responsibility and a resilient water supply future for Ventura County.”
Assuming the Division 3 seat is Reddy Pakala, who is the former director of the Ventura County Water and Sanitation Department, where he oversaw several water and sewer districts. After 34 years at the county’s Public Works Agency, Director Pakala retired in 2014. “I am thrilled to join the Calleguas Board at this pivotal time in Ventura County water management. I have the highest regard for the District’s Directors and staff, many of whom I worked with previously, and I look forward to contributing to the District’s innovative water resource planning and implementation for the County’s long-term benefit.”
Director Scott Quady represents Division 2, which covers portions of the City of Thousand Oaks, including Newbury Park, and Oak Park. He currently serves as Board President and has been a member of the Board since 2008. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue to work with my colleagues at Calleguas,” remarked President Quady. “I want to thank Director Waters for his service and welcome Director Pakala to the Board.”
Director Raul Avila represents Division 1, which covers Simi Valley. He was first elected to the Board in 2020. “I want to thank the residents of Simi Valley for once again trusting me to represent their best interests on the Calleguas Board. I will work hard to continue to be their advocate as we consider the complex water issues affecting our area.”
The new Board will hold its first meeting on January 8, 2025.
Calleguas provides water to three quarters of Ventura County’s population (approximately 650,000 people) through 19 retail water agencies, including the cities of Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme, and surrounding unincorporated areas including Oak Park, Santa Rosa Valley, Las Posas Valley, Somis, and Naval Base Ventura County.
Rancho Water Board Elects President and Senior Vice President
TEMECULA – The Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District) Board of Directors has elected Brian Brady as President and J.D. Harkey as Senior Vice President for the upcoming one-year term beginning in January 2025. The Board’s unanimous vote reflects their confidence in the leadership and expertise of these two distinguished individuals.
President Brady brings a wealth of experience to his new role. First elected to Rancho Water’s Board in November 2020, he has served as Senior Vice President, Chairman of the Planning and Administration Committee, and alternate on the Finance and Audit Committee. He also represents Rancho Water as the first alternate on the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA).
With over 40 years of engineering and executive management experience in the public and private sectors of western electric and water utilities, President Brady is a seasoned professional in water resource assessment, asset valuation, and strategic operations of water utilities. His previous roles include General Manager of the Fallbrook Public Utility District, where he collaborated with Camp Pendleton Marine Base to develop the Santa Margarita River Conjunctive Use Project. He has also served as the Governor’s appointee to the Colorado River Board of California.
“I appreciate the Board’s confidence in my leadership and extend my congratulations to Senior Vice President J.D. Harkey,” said Brady. “I am honored to step into this role as Rancho Water advances innovative water sustainability and infrastructure projects to benefit our community.”
Senior Vice President Harkey was elected to Rancho Water’s Board in November 2022. He is an active member of the Planning and Administration Committee and the Engineering and Operations Committee. A long-time Temecula resident, Harkey serves as the CEO of Drake Enterprises, overseeing 450 acres of avocado and wine grape farming.
“I am excited to take on the role of Senior Vice President,” said Harkey. “It is a privilege to support President Brady and the rest of the Board as we address critical water challenges and opportunities in our region.”
Rancho Water congratulates President Brian Brady and Senior Vice President J.D. Harkey on their elections and looks forward to their leadership in tackling key water resource initiatives that enhance sustainability and resilience for the community.
JCSD Honored with the ACWA Excellence in Innovation Award
The Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) is proud to announce it has received the prestigious Excellence in Innovation Award from the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). This accolade was presented during the ACWA Fall Conference in Palm Desert, California, attended by hundreds of water industry professionals and agencies. JCSD was recognized for its innovative Heli-Hydrant Project, an initiative designed to enhance firefighting capabilities and water management efficiency across Eastvale and Jurupa Valley. By integrating water resource management with fire safety initiatives through the Heli-Hydrant Project, JCSD redefines the role of water agencies as pivotal partners in frontline emergency response, going beyond traditional water services. This award-winning project exemplifies groundbreaking and unique practices that contribute to long-term water resilience, aligning perfectly with ACWA’s criteria which favor initiatives that drive significant advancements in the water sector. The JCSD Heli-Hydrant Project, initiated in October 2023 and operational since July 2024, has set a new standard in emergency preparedness and resource management. Designed to rapidly supply large volumes of water for aerial firefighting efforts, these installations are the first of their kind in the Inland Empire and underscore JCSD’s leadership in addressing critical community safety needs through innovative technology. A total of four heli-hydrants are planned for the Eastvale and Jurupa Valley areas. “Receiving the ACWA Excellence in Innovation Award is a tremendous honor and validates our commitment to enhancing the safety and efficiency of water use in our community,” said Board President Bart Moreno. “This project reflects our vital contribution to public safety and support for first responders during critical times.” ACWA represents over 470 public agencies, collectively responsible for 90% of the water delivered to cities, farms, and businesses in California. The ACWA Awards are highly competitive, recognizing member agencies that demonstrate unique and creative solutions addressing contemporary water challenges. After an application and review process, finalists were invited to present their innovations on a panel during the ACWA Fall Conference with General Manager Chris Berch representing JCSD. To learn more, please visit www.JCSD.us/HeliHydrant. For more information about this item, please contact Arman Tarzi, JCSD Manager of Government & Public Affairs at atarzi@jcsd.us.# # #
Founded in 1956, the Jurupa Community Services District is a public agency providing services and programs to Jurupa Valley and Eastvale. It is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of five elected representatives from both cities. Serving over 140,000 people in a 40-square-mile area, JCSD provides a variety of community services and programs, including water, sewer, streetlights, frontage landscape maintenance, graffiti abatement, and parks and recreation services.