Nick Serrano Elected Board Chair of San Diego County Water Authority

New officers for the San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors were elected on September 19, with Nick Serrano from the City of San Diego set to start a two-year term as Board chair on October 1.

Serrano, 34, has served as vice chair of the Board for the past two years as a representative of the City of San Diego. He was unanimously elected as Chair today and will serve with incoming Vice Chair Frank Hilliker from the Lakeside Water District, and incoming Secretary Joy Lyndes from the San Dieguito Water District.

Serrano will be the 28th board chair since the Water Authority’s founding in 1944 and the first openly LGBTQ+ and youngest chair in the Board’s history. He follows Mel Katz, representing the City of Del Mar, who has served as a Board member since 2018 and as chair since 2022. Katz’s term as chair ends on September 30.

“Chair Katz has served this Board and this region with distinction, laying a foundation that we will continue to build on for many years. As Chair, my pledge is to continue my unwavering focus on ensuring safe, clean, and affordable water for the ratepayers of San Diego, and to bring new, innovative solutions to the table in order to maintain affordability so that every San Diegan has a secure water future.”

— Nick Serrano, incoming Board Chair, San Diego County Water Authority

A Board member since 2021, Serrano has been a member of the Water Authority’s committees for Imported Water, Legislation & Public Outreach, and the Colorado River Strategy Work Group.

A lifelong public servant, Serrano currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. He is a native San Diegan, SDSU graduate, and the proud son of a San Diego Police officer and longtime County of San Diego employee.

On October 1, Frank Hilliker will take on his new role as vice chair. He currently serves as chair of the Finance Planning Work Group and sits on the Legislation & Public Outreach Committee, Administrative & Finance Committee, Colorado River Strategy Work Group, Labor Contract Work Group, and Board Governance Work Group. Hilliker joined the Water Authority Board in 2007 representing the Lakeside Water District and is among the longest-serving Board members. He is the past chairman of the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce and president of Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs, Inc.

Incoming Board secretary Joy Lyndes currently serves on the Legislation & Public Outreach and Water Planning & Environmental committees. The Encinitas City Councilmember was appointed to the Board in December 2022 and is a Board member of the San Dieguito Water District. She is a licensed landscape architect and a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The Water Authority’s 35-member board, representing 23 retail member water agencies, holds its regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month January through October. The November and December meetings are combined, and this year that meeting is November 21. Board documents and webcasts of Board meetings are at www.sdcwa.org/board-directors.

ACWA Mourns Past President Boatmun

Past ACWA President and long-time Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board of Directors member Bette Boatmun passed away on Sept. 20.

Boatmun served as ACWA President during the 2002-’03 term and served as Vice President during the 2000-’01 term. She was ACWA’s second female President and was actively involved in the association throughout her career, serving as a Board member and being engaged in ACWA Region 5.

Boatmun dedicated 46 years of her life to representing her community on the CCWD Board of Directors, having been first appointed in 1974 and retiring in 2020, when ACWA honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Boatmun was also previously honored with ACWA’s Emissary Award in 2014.

“Bette was truly an amazing human being and one of the most consequential leaders in ACWA’s history,” said ACWA Executive Director Dave Eggerton. “For my entire career, she has been an enormously important figure in the water industry and at ACWA. She was also a personal mentor who provided me with invaluable counsel.”

Under her leadership at CCWD, Boatmun supported numerous projects that included the construction and expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir and building the Randall-Bold Water Treatment Plant.

She also chaired the Governing Board of East County Water Management Association, the Contra Costa Special Districts Association and the Sanitation and Water Agencies of Contra Costa County.

Additionally, her community involvement extended far beyond California water. She was a former Executive Director of the YWCA of Contra Costa County and volunteered her time in a number of community organizations, including the Concord American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, Sons of Italy and Soroptomist International.

In 2017, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized her as the longest-serving elected official in the county’s history in an honorary resolution on her 80th birthday.

“The Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors and staff are extremely saddened to hear of Bette Boatmun’s passing. Bette was a remarkable leader and a true visionary when it came to water conservation, education and public service,” stated ACWA Vice President and CCWD Board President Ernie Avila in an announcement. “I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent with her serving on this Board. Her wisdom, vision, and friendship will be greatly missed.”

September 20, 2024 ACWA News Available

• ACWA Toolkit Available for Water Professionals Appreciation Week in October
• ACWA News Profiles Water Leader Randy Record
• Photos and Articles Highlight ACWA Region 8 and Region 9 Events
• Westlands Makes Strides Toward Groundwater Sustainability

2024 Marked A Year of Policy Success for ACWA Members

As I close out my final legislative session at ACWA and look forward to new opportunities, I want to take a moment to celebrate the successes of 2024 on both legislative and regulatory issues. With key legislation halted, regulations drastically improved, and new policies enacted, this year’s accomplishments are a testament to ACWA’s strategic advocacy and the collective voice of our members. This year highlighted ACWA’s continued commitment to advocating on behalf of public water agencies for the betterment of California water. 

One of the most critical victories this year was the passage of AB 2257, sponsored by ACWA and authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City). This bill would allow ratepayers to participate in the ratemaking process and raise specific objections to proposed rate changes before resorting to litigation after the new rates are approved. The bill would provide an opportunity for local agencies and ratepayers to resolve objections during the public process and avoid costly surprise litigation down the road – a significant win for public agencies throughout California. As of Sept. 17, the bill was waiting for Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign or veto.

Water rights reforms also took center stage in 2024. AB 460 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), which ACWA initially opposed, saw significant amendments that removed provisions granting the State Water Resources Control Board sweeping authority. Instead, the bill now focuses on penalizing illegal water diversions, a more targeted and reasonable approach. This bill marks the culmination of years of work to protect ACWA member water rights and ensure that illegal diversions are met with significant penalties. This victory was the result of tireless advocacy by ACWA staff and member agencies, whose unified voice was instrumental in securing amendments that protect the current water rights system. 

ACWA’s advocacy also focused extensively on the budget process in 2024. With a significant budget shortfall projected for the next three years, lawmakers looked to make budget cuts wherever possible. This included a reduction in over $500 million for the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, formerly known as the Voluntary Agreements, contained in the main budget bill AB 107 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino). ACWA and a broad coalition of partner agencies and associations successfully advocated for the restoration of this critical funding in the follow up budget bill, SB 108 by Senator Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco). This represents another huge win and hopefully the last time this funding is jeopardized. 

On the regulatory front, ACWA worked extensively with its members and coalition partners over the last year to secure wide-ranging amendments to the State Water Board’s Making Conservation a California Way of Life regulation. The changes have resulted in a more feasible and cost-effective regulation, and included changes to timelines for the outdoor water use standard and performance measures, inclusion of feasible alternative compliance pathways, modifications to compliance start dates and other significant changes that will assist agencies in complying with the regulation. 

In short, 2024 has been a year of significant success for ACWA members. ACWA secured wins that protect ratepayer processes, modernize water rights, ensure funding for future resilience, move the state forward on water-use efficiency, and so much more. 

Looking ahead, there is some un certainty. A special session in October related to oil and gas companies is on the horizon, a huge influx of new faces will be entering the Legislature in 2025, and a climate resilience bond will be on the November ballot. While the next legislative year may bring some surprises and some unknowns, one thing remains certain. ACWA will continue to advocate in the halls of the Capitol on behalf of its members with the same expertise and success that have defined this organization for years. 

ACWA’s staff and members have proven that when we come together with a clear and unified message, we can drive meaningful change on California water policy.

Westlands Celebrates Progress on Groundwater Sustainability

Federal, state and local leaders gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony that recognized the completion of phase one of Westlands’ latest groundwater sustainability project.

Westlands Water District recently marked the latest in a string of milestone accomplishments toward maximizing its groundwater recharge and storage capabilities.

On Aug. 22, Westlands celebrated the completion of Phase One of its Pasajero Groundwater Recharge Project. Attended by federal, state and local leaders, Westlands’ ribbon cutting ceremony recognized not only the completion of phase one of the project but also partnerships contributing to its success and others like it in the future.

Phase one of the project features a new 30 cubic-feet-per-second conveyance turnout from the Coalinga Canal and six basins, and results in up to 21,000 acre-feet per year of recharge capacity. The second phase will include the addition of up to 10 dry wells with a recharge capacity of up to 5,000 acre-feet to convey surface water directly into the aquifer. 

Last year Westlands was able to recharge nearly 400,000 acre-feet of water, and with projects like this and through partnerships, Westlands plans to nearly double that capacity up to 800,000 acre-feet.

“The Arroyo Pasajero Groundwater Recharge Project and other similar projects hit a sweet spot in California water,” stated John Watts, Senior Counselor to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Maria Camille Calimlim Touton, in a news release. “Groundwater recharge provides a mechanism to capture the flood flows from atmospheric rivers and other increasingly concentrated winter storms — and then store that much-needed water for use in droughts to allow the San Joaquin Valley to keep supplying food for the nation.”

Regional Collaboration 

This landmark project will revolutionize water management for Westlands but also demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships between the Bureau, California Department of Water Resources, and regional water agencies who have worked together toward a reliable and resilient water future for the San Joaquin Valley.

Westlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Friant Water Authority during the ACWA 2024 Spring Conference & Expo in Sacramento, with the parties agreeing to work toward solutions with shared interests such as water storage and banking. 

Westlands is a member of the San Joaquin Blueprint which also entered into an MOU with Metropolitan. In addition to the agreements among water districts, Westlands has been actively involved in the creation of the framework for a South-of-Delta Long-Term Drought Plan which culminated in an MOU with the Bureau and South-of-Delta Central Valley Project contractors. The plan includes the creation of a “drought pool” where South-of-Delta water users contribute water to be stored for future use in dry years. These MOUs advance collaboration on goals, including water banking and conveyance, and have laid the foundation for the development of pilot programs with both Valley Water and Metropolitan.

A Role for Flood Control

Also this year, the state Department of Water Resources (DWR) awarded Westlands a $1 million grant as part of its Flood Diversion Recharge Initiative. This grant will assist the state’s efforts to reduce flooding by increasing flood flow diversion volumes to recharge areas and expand local capacity to divert future flood waters. These efforts in turn reduce downstream flood impacts and facilitate groundwater recharge.

The grant will support the removal of 450 acres of orchards from land recently acquired by Westlands. Located in an area of Westlands identified as subsidence-prone, adjacent to the San Luis Canal, the cleared land will reduce demand for groundwater near critical infrastructure, improve the availability of surface water and sustainable groundwater allocation(s), provide the Westlands with increased recharge capabilities, and provide a site to temporarily retain diverted floodwater when needed. The subject land is part of 4,245 acres acquired since 2022, including the removal of 2,144,930 acres of orchards and vines, at a total investment of over $58 million.

Stability Through Flexibility

Meanwhile, the Pasajero Groundwater Recharge Project increases the flexibility for storing water outside of the San Luis Reservoir and will provide groundwater banking and exchange opportunities for Westlands and partners.

“The Pasajero Groundwater Recharge Project is a great example of what can occur when the state and agricultural communities come together and work towards a common goal,” stated DWR Director Karla Nemeth in a news release. “Increasing groundwater storage is crucial in strengthening our state’s water stability and meeting our water needs. This project will be an effective way to improve groundwater quality in the San Joaquin Valley.”

The project received nearly $4 million in funding assistance from DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Proposition 68 Implementation Grant Program and more than $2.6 million from Westlands. Additionally, Westlands was awarded $25 million from the federal Inflation Reduction Act to fund similar recharge projects that would help advance the implementation of additional collaborative drought resiliency efforts.

“Our changing climate and unpredictable water supply requires Westlands to remain innovative in how we secure and store water, the technologies we offer our landowners, and the partnerships we build,” stated Westlands General Manager Allison Febbo stated in a news release. “Strengthening water security in California isn’t something that can be done by just one water district, one water agency, or one region. The Pasajero Groundwater Recharge Project demonstrates the importance of prioritizing collaboration to develop comprehensive solutions to advance California’s water goals.”

Phase Two of the Pasajero Groundwater Recharge Project will begin with the construction of dry wells in the first half of 2027.

WVWD Recognized for Excellence in Employee Safety

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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

PWD Begins Prop 218 Rate Study Process, Will Hold Public Workshops Oct. 7 & 23

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Monte Vista Water District Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Francisco X. Rivera Appointed to Otay Water District Board of Directors

SPRING VALLEY – The Otay Water District board of directors announced at its Sept. 4 board meeting that it appointed Francisco X. Rivera to fill the division one vacancy that resulted from the resignation of Tim Smith. Director Rivera was one of three candidates vying for the position to represent division one.

Following the unanimous 4-0 vote by the board of directors at its September board meeting, on Sept 13 at a special board meeting, the District administered the Oath of Office and Director Rivera immediately assumed all powers and duties of the board of directors.

“I am honored to have been considered and selected as part of this public process and it is with a lot of pride and pleasure that I take the responsibility seriously for the Otay Water District,” said Director Rivera. “I’m ready to begin serving our ratepayers of division one and am dedicated to helping the board and staff carry out the District’s mission. I hope to build on what has already been accomplished at the District and to find ways to continue to make improvements.”

The board of directors conducted open interviews during the regularly scheduled Sept. 4 board meeting. The candidates, whose applications and resumes were included in the board packet, were asked the same set of questions in a public forum. Following the interviews, a nomination was made.

The District’s Board President Jose Lopez welcomed Rivera to the board. “We were impressed by Director Rivera’s background in engineering and his commitment to the community, which will help contribute to the District’s goals. We are confident that he will make a great asset to this board.”

Director Rivera began his career with the City of Chula Vista in 1984, retiring in 2023 after holding key positions such as principal civil engineer, deputy city engineer, and deputy director of engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the United States International University in San Diego and holds California professional licenses in both civil and traffic engineering. Over the years, he has managed major infrastructure projects, including transportation improvements and wastewater systems. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Director Rivera is also an active member of his community, serving on the executive board of the Eastlake III Homeowners Association, the Salvation Army South County Advisory Board, and the SANDAG TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee.

During his tenure on the District’s board, Director Rivera aims to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, foster exceptional employee morale, and minimize water and wastewater rate increases.

Director Rivera will serve the remaining 15 months of Smith’s term, with the next election for the four-year seat scheduled for November 3, 2026.

 The five-member board of directors is the governing body of the District and is responsible for setting rates for service, taxes, policies, ordinances, adopting the annual budget and other matters related to the management and operation of the water agency. Each director is elected by voters within one of five divisions to represent the public’s interest on the Board. Directors serve four-year terms in office.

 The Otay Water District is a public agency providing water, recycled water, and sewer service to more than 240,000 customers within approximately 125 square miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of eastern Chula Vista, Bonita, Jamul, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa, and eastern Otay Mesa along the international border with Mexico. For more information on the Otay Water District, visit otaywater.gov.

Desert Water Agency Announces Esther Saenz as Next General Manager

Desert Water Agency is pleased to announce the appointment of Esther Saenz as its General Manager effective July 2025, following the upcoming retirement of Steve Johnson. Saenz will become the first female General Manager in the Agency’s history, marking a significant milestone for DWA.

Saenz currently serves as Director of Finance at DWA and was selected to succeed Johnson based on her extensive fiscal experience, deep understanding of the Agency’s operations and proven leadership. She has demonstrated strong commitment to the Agency’s mission throughout her 14-year tenure at DWA.

Johnson, who became General Manager in February 2024 following the retirement of Mark Krause, said he is optimistic for DWA’s future under Saenz’ direction.

“Esther has been a key figure in our financial management and strategic planning. Her leadership will ensure a smooth transition and continued stability for Desert Water Agency. I’m confident that she will continue to drive our mission forward with the same dedication and expertise she has shown throughout her career,” Johnson said.

Saenz will oversee the Agency’s operations, including management of the community’s water resources and compliance with ever-changing water and conservation regulations.

“Holding this position is a tremendous privilege and responsibility,” she said. “I have had the incredible honor of working closely with Steve and the talented team at DWA for more than a decade and I am dedicated to building upon our strong foundation. The continued reliability and sustainability of our water supply is vital for our region and the people who live, work and play here.”

The DWA Board of Directors approved Saenz’ selection during its regular board meeting on Sept. 17, 2024, well in advance of Johnson’s retirement to guarantee a seamless transition.

“We have full confidence in Esther’s ability to lead DWA’s groundwater management programs and maneuver critical statewide water policy to ensure a safe and dependable supply for the community now and well into the future,” said DWA Board President Paul Ortega.

Johnson’s retirement in July 2025 caps a remarkable 30-year career with DWA. His leadership and devotion to public service have left a lasting impact on the Agency and the community it serves.

About DWA

Desert Water Agency is a public, not-for-profit agency and a State Water Contractor, managing and importing water for a 325-square-mile area in the western Coachella Valley. DWA provides tap water service to Palm Springs and parts of Cathedral City. An elected five-member board sets policy and represents the ratepayers.