Zone 7 Celebrates 25-Year Directors Award and Honors Water Professionals
As California celebrates its eighth annual Water Professionals Appreciation Week, Zone 7 Water Agency is proud to highlight not only the dedicated water professionals behind the scenes but also a prestigious milestone: receiving the 25-Year Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water for our Del Valle Water Treatment Plant (WTP). This award underscores the hard work, expertise, and commitment of the Zone 7 team in delivering high-quality drinking water to our community. Zone 7 is one of only twelve utilities nationwide to receive this award, which recognizes utilities that demonstrate a long-standing commitment to water quality, surpassing regulatory standards. Our Del Valle WTP has been participating in the Partnership for Safe Water Program since 1998, and this award highlights the ongoing efforts of our staff to optimize operations and protect public health. Water Professionals Appreciation Week provides a special opportunity to acknowledge the essential role of these skilled individuals—operators, chemists, engineers, and other specialists—who ensure that our water treatment facilities run smoothly around the clock. “I am proud to have a dedicated and professional team of operators who monitor and adjust our water treatment facilities, ensuring we consistently deliver safe drinking water that meets or exceeds our goals,” said Rich Gould, Zone 7 Operations Manager. In 2020, the Del Valle WTP was upgraded with a state-of-the-art ozonation system, further enhancing its ability to provide safe, reliable drinking water to the Livermore-Amador Valley. The 25-Year Directors Award is a testament to the dedication of Zone 7’s water professionals, whose hard work ensures that our water meets rigorous quality standards. As we celebrate Water Professionals Appreciation Week, we encourage the community to take a moment to recognize the efforts of water professionals throughout California. Their work, especially during times of drought and a pandemic, is vital in maintaining the safe and reliable water services we depend on. Be sure to visit zone7water.com/water-treatment-facilities and follow us on social media for more information about our amazing staff, the essential role they play, and how you can join the water industry in California. There are so many careers in water, from district managers to treatment plant operators and engineers, all working together to keep water flowing to homes and businesses. For engaging videos about our water quality, treatment process, and the people who make it all possible check out our YouTube playlist. If you see Zone 7 workers out in the community, take a moment to say “thank you” for ensuring we all have access to high-quality drinking water every day. Photos Courtesy Zone 7 Water Agency: Board Photo PSW Award – Staff presents the 25-Year Directors Award to the Zone 7 Board of Directors at the September 18 Board Meeting###
About Zone 7 Water Zone 7 Water Agency is one of the 10 active zones of the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The District was established by the State Legislature in October 1949 to solve problems of flooding, drainage, channel erosion and water supply and conservation in Alameda County. In 1957, by popular vote, Zone 7 became a special district governed by a seven-member board of directors. Along with flood protection, Zone 7 supplies water to all of eastern Alameda County and a population of over a quarter million residents. Treated water is sold wholesale to local retailers, including the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton, the Dublin San Ramon Services District, and the California Water Service Company. Zone 7 also distributes untreated water to local agriculture operations and golf courses.WVWD Celebrates Water Professionals Appreciation Week October 5-13
RIALTO – In recognition of Water Professionals Appreciation Week (WPAW), West Valley Water District (WVWD) is highlighting the dedicated staff who provide critical water services to its communities each and every day. Established by Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 80 in 2017, this week recognizes the dedication and expertise of water professionals statewide. It is celebrated every year, beginning on the first Saturday of October and ending on the following Sunday. “Our talented staff works tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this essential service to your homes, schools, and businesses,” said WVWD General Manager John Thiel. “As both the General Manager and a customer of WVWD, I am witness to the difficult and important work that goes into making our water supply safe, reliable, and affordable.” From District engineers and operations personnel to customer service representatives and accounting specialists, WVWD staff exemplifies the wide range of skills vital to the operation of the district. This team of experts in their respective fields, play an important role within the organization to ensure high-quality water gets to your faucets, appliances, toilets, sprinklers, and fire hydrants when and where it’s needed. “It’s wonderful to see our team work together for a common good,” said WVWD Human Resources and Risk Manager Haydee Sainz. “We encourage the community to learn more about the rewarding careers available in this vital field by visiting the WVWD career page on our website. This week is the perfect time to thank a water pro! Join the celebration by following WVWD on Instagram, Facebook, and X and use the hashtag #ThankWaterPros.# # #
The West Valley Water District has proudly served the Southern California communities of Bloomington, Colton, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Jurupa Valley since 1952. Through name changes and consolidation, the mission has always remained the same: to provide customers with safe, high quality, and reliable water service at a reasonable rate and in a sustainable manner. The District provides water for over 100,000 customers and is overseen by a five-member, publicly elected Board of Directors.West Basin Issues RFP for Recycled Water Facilities O&M Services
The West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) initiated a competitive bidding process with a request for proposals (RFP) for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of its recycled water facilities.
West Basin utilizes contracted services to operate and maintain its five recycled water facilities: the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo; the Juanita Millender-McDonald Carson Regional Water Recycling Plant in Carson; the Chevron Nitrification Treatment Plant in El Segundo; the Torrance Refinery Water Recycling Plant in Torrance; and the Hyperion Secondary Effluent Pump Station in Playa del Rey.
The scope of services and agreement terms aim to align with modern contract frameworks and the needs of a District with a nearly 30-year-old track record of reliably providing recycled water to its customers. Agreement terms recognize the changed conditions of influent water quality, the age and condition of the system’s infrastructure, and a universal need to be cost-efficient. The new contract will balance the risks and rewards associated with operating such a highly complex and advanced treatment system.
“The West Basin Municipal Water District is conducting a thorough and transparent solicitation process that will result in optimized operations and position the District for long-term success as it enters a new era of water recycling for the service area and region,” said General Manager E.J. Caldwell.
The solicitation process is expected to conclude with board review and approval in late winter, with an O&M service provider projected to be operating under a new contract by summer 2025. The contract term would be for five years, with options for two five-year extensions.
The West Basin Board of Directors (Board) has authorized and supported a competitive solicitation process, starting with ad hoc committees that began in July 2023 to consider options. The most recent staff report given at the September 2024 Board meeting, including a presentation, can be found online (Sept. 2024 report link). Bidding information is online at www.westbasin.org/doing-business.
President Desi Alvarez stated, “It is important to recognize that we are shifting to a more agile contract framework that will provide maximum value and will ultimately serve the District well. This has been an important goal for the District and I am very pleased to see that the District will be receiving competitive bids for this critical service.”
The West Basin recycled water program helps ensure water supply reliability to its customers, communities and region at large by producing a locally controlled, sustainable supply of water. West Basin began recycling water in the early 1990s in response to a major drought in the 1980s. Today, West Basin produces up to 40 million gallons a day of recycled water for irrigation, industrial, and groundwater replenishment via the West Basin seawater barrier. The program reduces the need for imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River, replenishes our groundwater supplies, and improves ocean water quality by diverting wastewater discharge to the ocean. Learn more at www.westbasin.org/recycledwater.
Sacramento-Area Agencies to Develop Watershed Resilience Blueprint
A new planning initiative is underway to strengthen the resilience of our water supplies and environment in the face of climate change across the larger watershed in the Sacramento region.
Supported by a $2 million grant from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and led by the Sacramento Regional Water Authority (RWA), the project aims to create a blueprint for safeguarding our local watersheds and the crucial water they provide.
The RWA proposed project area covers parts of the American River, Bear River, Cosumnes River, and Lower Sacramento River watersheds, plus the City of West Sacramento. Together, these areas form a “supershed” that stretches from the Sierra Nevada mountaintops to the groundwater basins beneath Sacramento’s urban floor.
These areas face increasing risks from climate-related challenges such as floods, fires, and droughts. The new initiative will develop a comprehensive Watershed Resilience Plan to guide strategies, projects, and actions for a sustainable water future.
“The Watershed Resilience Blueprint is about preparing for the future,” said RWA Executive Director Jim Peifer. “Through this initiative, we are taking proactive steps to address the long-term sustainability of our watershed in the face of climate change.”
Central to this effort is the creation of a “Watershed Network,” which will bring together a diverse group of voices—including local agencies, tribal communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and vulnerable frontline populations. By involving those who rely on the watershed the most, the Watershed Network provides valuable input on strategies that will not only be effective but also equitable. These diverse perspectives will help shape actions that make sense for everyone, especially communities that are most impacted by rising water costs or reduced access to clean water.
“Incorporating diverse voices is crucial for the plan’s success,” Peifer said. “To achieve resilience for all, we must integrate a wide range of perspectives and experiences.”
The project will also conduct a thorough assessment of climate vulnerabilities within the watershed, using both existing and new data. This assessment will inform detailed implementation plans for recommended strategies, guiding water management efforts in the region for years to come.
The initiative builds upon the WaterFuture portfolio, a comprehensive plan addressing climate change impacts on our region’s water supply and environment. The portfolio includes projects like the Sacramento Regional Water Bank, forestry management, upstream storage enhancements, flood improvements, and more.
Organizations participating in this planning effort include water providers, environmental organizations, local governments, and others.
Stay updated about the project and its progress at rwah2o.org. To learn more about DWR’s Watershed Resilience Program visit https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/Watershed-Resilience-Program.
The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a joint powers authority representing nearly two dozen water providers serving 2.2 million people in the greater Sacramento region. Formed in 2001, its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources. Learn more at rwah2o.org.
PHOTO CREDIT: Placer County Water Agency
Collaborative Success at PCWA’s East Slope Meeting
AUBURN AND LAKE TAHOE — Collaborative efforts among Placer County utility districts continue to pay off in both water quality and quantity, according to reports presented at the September meeting of the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors. Local utility districts have tackled such issues as copper and lead levels, upgrading water meters, fighting algae blooms, and replacing water mains as well as dealt with emergencies as they continued to provide their customers with water reliability.
With PCWA’s assistance, this success has set the stage for ambitious projects that will have long-term positive impacts such as a new water treatment plant using Lake Tahoe surface water to supply more than 2,000 connections.
These projects go beyond water: Fire safety, forest management, and energy recovery are part of a planned $10 million wood energy plant that could supply heat to Tahoe-area residents.
On Sept. 19, the PCWA Board of Directors gathered in North Lake Tahoe for its annual East Slope board meeting to receive updates from local utility districts. Hosted by the North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD), this meeting is a valuable and useful opportunity for PCWA to engage with key partners and gain insights into ongoing and future water infrastructure projects in the Tahoe Basin.
“The collective insight shared during the East Slope board meeting underscores the importance of collaboration among our agencies,” said PCWA Board Chair Robert Dugan. “By sharing our experiences, successes, and challenges, we can accelerate the learning curve for new initiatives. This exchange of information on programs, projects, and regulatory hurdles equips each district with the necessary tools to implement successful public water supply and infrastructure projects.”
Here are some highlights:
Donner Summit Public Utility District (DSPUD)
Steve Palmer, General Manager, presented the district’s unique challenges, including managing water services for ski resorts, Caltrans, and homes at high elevations. He outlined efforts to address algae blooms in Lake Angela and discussed their upcoming dam infrastructure testing project. Palmer also highlighted the district’s Water Supply Resiliency Study, funded in part by PCWA’s FAP, and plans to establish an interconnection with Sierra Lakes County Water District. DSPUD is tackling infrastructure issues, including relocating water lines in the Big Bend area, also partially funded by PCWA’s FAP.
Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD)
Tony Laliotis, Director of Utilities, shared a comprehensive update, thanking PCWA for its longstanding financial and technical support. Serving the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe, TCPUD faces challenges with 16 fractured water systems, including public and private entities. Laliotis highlighted the acquisition of the Tahoe Swiss Village Utility, Inc., with a transition planned by Jan. 1, 2025. TCPUD also has made significant strides in the $27.5 million West Lake Tahoe Regional Water Treatment Plant Project. Partially funded by $782,500 from PCWA’s Financial Assistance Program (FAP), this project will use Lake Tahoe’s surface water to serve up to 2,200 connections with a treatment capacity expandable to 1,000 gallons per minute. In addition, Laliotis discussed future projects such as the Mid-Sierra Reconstruction and the West Shore Storage Augmentation, both crucial to regional water system improvements and long-term reliability.
North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD)
Brad Johnson, General Manager, discussed the district’s aggressive capital investment plan, which includes proposed rate adjustments that would double their water system investment. This will fund the replacement of small water mains and improve fire flow. Johnson emphasized the importance of building a comprehensive hydraulic model, with support from PCWA’s FAP award, to unify patchwork water systems and enhance fire protection for the community. He also recounted a recent raw sewage spill that prompted a swift, coordinated response from nine different agencies, underscoring the value of collaboration and strong relationships between utility districts.
Olympic Valley Public Service District (OVPSD)
Charley Miller, General Manager, provided insights into their ongoing projects, including the early stages of a Prop. 218 rate study and their comprehensive community wildfire protection plan initiated in 2022. This plan has identified five critical areas for improvement, focusing on community involvement in fire safety measures. The OVPSD is recognized as a Fire-wise community and actively collaborates with the local fire department on wildland training and green waste programs.
Miller noted that recent funding of $2.5 million from the Tahoe National Forest Foundation will support fuel management projects covering hundreds of acres. OVPSD also is implementing a water meter replacement program with approximately 480 meters upgraded to date, aiming for completion next year. OVPSD was awarded more than $371,000 through PCWA’s FAP for this program. Additionally, an emergency intertie project is under construction to improve water supply reliability, with the help of PCWA’s FAP with an award of more than $400,000.
Northstar Community Services District (NCSD)
Mike Geary, Assistant General Manager, expressed gratitude to PCWA staff for the ongoing support, particularly in fuels management initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in providing such services as water, sewer, fire, and road maintenance. Geary discussed the completion of the Martis Valley Trail, which will connect Northstar Village to Truckee, facilitating better access and connectivity for residents and visitors. He shared that the NCSD is also constructing a wood energy facility that will utilize biomass from local forest fuels reduction projects, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing heating solutions for the village. This $10 million project, partially funded by grants and PCWA’s FAP, aims to create a sustainable energy loop that repurposes wood waste, contributing to the community’s climate resilience efforts.
Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD)
Chad Reed, Water Utility Director, reported the district’s focus on service reliability and safety, which has improved operational efficiency and customer service. Reed highlighted the district’s ongoing efforts to comply with the new lead and copper regulations including a comprehensive survey of about 2,000 connections and the on-going implementation of technology that enhances compliance with water quality regulations.
Steven Poncelet, Public Information and Strategic Affairs Director for the TDPUD, wrapped up the presentation with updates on continued challenges the district faces with State and Federal legislation and regulatory activities and potential solutions they are engaging to ensure regulatory compliance while minimizing impacts to customers.
###
About PCWA
Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) is the primary water resource agency for Placer County, California, with a broad range of responsibilities including water resource planning and management, retail and wholesale supply of drinking water and irrigation water, and production of hydroelectric energy.
Alameda County Water District Wins 2024 WaterSense® Excellence Award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Alameda County Water District with a WaterSense Excellence Award for promoting WaterSense labeled products, marking the third time the District has received this esteemed recognition. WaterSense honored its Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence Award winners during the WaterSmart Innovations (WSI) Conference in Las Vegas on September 26. ACWD was one of 22 Excellence Award winners.
WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping consumers learn ways to save water. More than 2,100 manufacturers, builders, retailers, utilities, government, and nonprofit organizations partner with WaterSense to produce and promote water-efficient products, programs, and homes.
“More than ever, consumers and businesses are looking to conserve resources, cut costs, and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Veronica Blette, Acting Associate Director of the Water Infrastructure Division in the EPA Office of Wastewater Management. “Our WaterSense Award winners for 2024 made it easy for Americans to make water-efficient choices and find WaterSense labeled products and homes that save water, energy, and money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Since EPA launched the program in 2006, nearly 46,000 WaterSense labeled models of plumbing and irrigation products have helped consumers and businesses save 8.7 trillion gallons of water; the amount of energy needed to pump, treat, and heat water by 997 billion kilowatt hours; and $207 billion in water and energy bills. These savings also helped prevent 379 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to planting 6.3 billion trees.
WaterSense recognized ACWD for its water conservation achievements in 2023. The District encouraged customers to save water in the garden by hosting landscape workshops featuring water-efficient practices and issuing rebates for WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controllers and sprinkler spray bodies. The District encouraged indoor water use efficiency through its promotional partnership with the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity’s Green House Call program, which distributed WaterSense labeled showerheads and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators to nearly 100 homes. In addition to water-saving devices, ACWD provides its customers with information on finding and fixing leaks through an online portal.
“I am honored the Alameda County Water District has received its third Excellence Award,” said ACWD Board President Jim Gunther. “Our WaterSense partnership emphasizes our commitment to equipping customers with resources to achieve their conservation goals. A WaterSense label makes it easier to be efficient by simplifying product selection, ensuring customers receive equipment that has been fully vetted and meets high standards,” added Gunther.
For more information about ACWD’s water use efficiency program, rebates and ways to save water, visit acwd.org/conserve.
For more information about WaterSense, visit epa.gov/WaterSense.
State’s Top Water Manager Urges Solutions for Delta Conveyance at Roundtable
Perris — The future of California’s primary water supply delivery system was presented to regional leaders on Tuesday as Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) hosted the state’s top water manager for a roundtable discussion on the proposed Delta Conveyance Project (DCP).
Karla Nemeth, Director of the California Department of Water Resources, laid out the importance of investing in the DCP during a two-hour conversation attended by dozens of regional water, community, and civic leaders at EMWD’s headquarters.
“We have no better option than the one that is right in front of us today,” Nemeth said. “When the current system fails, it will be harder and more expensive than the current option.”
The call to action comes as the proposed DCP advances through the regulatory process and faces a critical vote by The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors in December. That vote will determine if Metropolitan continues its financial support in the design and planning of the modernized conveyance system.
“When I think of the value of this project, it delivers additional surface water to the communities where it is needed,” Nemeth said. “Does California need this project? Absolutely. It allows the State Water Project to be more flexible and adaptable.”
For decades, the existing system in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has faced mounting challenges that threaten the water supply reliability and water quality for the 27 million Californians that depend on the State Water Project (SWP) for at least a portion of their water supplies. This water also irrigates crops vital for global food supply. In fact, the SWP service area alone would rank as the world’s eighth-largest economy.
The DCP would construct two intake facilities in the Sacramento River north of the Delta and an underground tunnel to convey the water to the existing SWP distribution system.
The current SWP pumps are in the south Delta, near the habitat for many endangered fish species. During wet years, pumping restrictions are often enacted because fish are drawn into the powerful pumps. The proposed plan would resolve those concerns. Additionally, the Delta has hundreds of miles of levees built more than a century ago that do not meet current engineering standards. A major earthquake could result in levee breaches, and the inflow of ocean salt water to the lower-lying Delta farmlands would render water supplies unusable for years. Moving the pumps north bypasses the risks of levee failures associated with seismic events.
Climate-induced changes have altered the way California must manage its water supply infrastructure. As the state experiences longer droughts and shorter periods of intense rainfall driven by atmospheric rivers, it must be able to capture and move large amounts of water in short periods. The DCP would enable it to do so and is a more affordable option compared to other water supply alternatives.
“EMWD is incredibly appreciative of the time Director Nemeth took to educate our region about this much-needed investment in our water supply future,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “We are strong advocates for the Delta Conveyance Project and it is critical that we continue to move forward with a long-term solution to create a more secure and affordable water supply.”
EMWD is dependent on the SWP for approximately 30 percent of its water supplies. Because that water is very high quality and low salinity, it is the only imported water source that may be used for groundwater replenishment purposes.
EMWD has been a longtime supporter of modernizing infrastructure in the Delta to provide a more efficient and reliable delivery system to benefit all Californians. The DCP would not increase water rights for SWP contractors but would enable those agencies to maximize their legal allotments and move additional water into storage when its available.
The roundtable discussion also included comments from Nina Hawk, Metropolitan’s Chief of Bay Delta Resources, EMWD General Manager Joe Mouawad, and Miguel Angel Luna, who serves on the Board of Directors for both Metropolitan and the Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority.
# # #
CDFW Awards Grants for Member Habitat Projects
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in late September announced $41 million in grants that will fund 20 restoration and protection projects throughout the state, including two projects backed by Northern California ACWA members.
The grants will benefit wetlands and meadows, Southern California steelhead and watersheds impacted by cannabis cultivation, according to a CDFW news release. This continues efforts to support critical restoration projects with funding made available in late 2022 through the Nature Based Solutions Initiative and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, funding through CDFW’s Cannabis Program, as well as funding dedicated to improving Southern California steelhead habitat through Proposition 68.
The Montague Water Conservation District received $1.85 million for a project to enhance flows on Parks Creek. Located on a major tributary to the Shasta River, this project will provide year-round fish passage and update infrastructure by installing a compliant fish screen. The resulting instream benefit will support the upper Parks Creek flow strategy developed with CDFW and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The CDFW also awarded $1,36 million to the Ukiah Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for its Upper Russian River Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem and Interconnected Surface Water Study. The project will examine surface water-groundwater interconnection and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that support Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Upper Russian River and its tributaries.
The GSA includes the Upper Russian River Water Agency, Willow County Water District and the Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District.
More information about these funding opportunities, including guidelines and how to apply, general information about CDFW’s grant programs, as well as a schedule for upcoming grant solicitations, once available, can be found at www.wildlife.ca.gov/grants.
October 2024 Priority Issues Update
The October 2024 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 ACWA-sponsored bills, direct potable reuse and more.
The new and previous Priority Issues Updates can be found here.
Westlands Secures $2M WaterSMART Grants for Conservation and Drought Resiliency
FRESNO – Westlands Water District (District) recently secured $2 million through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s WaterSMART Initiative (WSI). Awarded funds will be made available to District growers in the form of block grants, up to $450,000 per grower, to carry out water conservation and drought resiliency improvements, such as installing irrigation pipelines, micro-irrigation systems, reservoirs, and temporary diversion pumping plants. “As the San Joaquin Valley continues to battle the impacts of an unreliable water supply, programs that provide access to grant funding, those like the WaterSMART Initiative, for the District’s family-owned farms are essential,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “The District is continually working to identify resources like the WaterSMART Initiative to assist our farmers. These resources allow our farmers to continue their hard work maximizing the beneficial use of every drop of water, through use of efficient and sustainable farming practices and substantial investment in modern irrigation technology.” District farmers are encouraged to apply for WSI grants by contacting their local Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office as soon as possible to determine eligibility and start an application. To be considered for a WSI block grant, willing and eligible growers must complete applications by the deadline: January 31, 2025. Today’s announcement is in addition to the $1,808,326 in grant funding the District was awarded in August through the WaterSMART initiative to retrofit 1,603 manually read surface water meters with advanced automated metering devices. You can learn more about the WaterSMART Initiative by visiting the program website.###
About Westlands Water District Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than five decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation, and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.