Otay Water District Announces the 2026 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest Winners
Six student artists were recognized as the winners of the Otay Water District’s 2026 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for their creative artwork promoting the importance of water-use efficiency. The annual contest invites K-12 grade students attending schools within the District’s service area to create posters that highlight the value of water and encourage water conservation. “It is encouraging to see the level of creativity that students showcased this year to promote the significance of water conservation and stewardship,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “This program helps inspire younger generations to better understand the importance of protecting our water resources every day.” While no high school submissions were submitted this year, winners were selected in the elementary and middle school categories. The District recognized the winners during its board of directors meeting on July 1. Each student received a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag in recognition of their achievement. Winners include the following: Elementary School Category:- First place: Gabriel M., Fifth Grade, Liberty Elementary School
- Second place: Kathlyn Clarie M., First Grade, Liberty Elementary School
- Third place: Julianna R., Fourth Grade, Sweetwater Springs Elementary School
- First place: Chloe K., Eighth Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School
- Second place: Delilah T., Seventh Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School
- Third place: Zoe C., Eighth Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School
Water Deliveries Flow to Biola’s Groundwater Recharge Project for the First Time
BIOLA — For the first time, surface water from Fresno Irrigation District’s (FID) Herndon Canal is flowing into the Biola Community Services District’s (CSD) 6-acre groundwater recharge basin. This milestone marks the completion of the Biola Groundwater Recharge Project, which enables Biola, a groundwater-dependent disadvantaged community in northwest Fresno County, to be fully groundwater sustainable. Biola CSD may be the first to reach this groundwater sustainable milestone in a critically over drafted groundwater basin as defined by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Completed in 2024, the project includes a new turnout connecting FID’s Herndon Canal to the basin providing approximately 30 acre-feet of storage capacity. Together, the improvements allow Biola CSD to capture available surface water, replenish the local aquifer, and offset groundwater pumping under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
“This project represents years of planning and collaboration,” said Carmen Zamora, General Manager of Biola CSD. “For a small community like Biola, having the ability to recharge groundwater with surface water is a tremendous investment in our water resilient future.”
The project was made possible through funding provided by the California Department of Water Resources and the County of Fresno, along with strong partnerships between Biola CSD, Fresno Irrigation District, North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), and local and regional stakeholders.
“Projects like this show what can be accomplished when agencies work together toward a common goal,” said Kassy Chauhan, Executive Officer of North Kings GSA. “Every successful recharge project strengthens local groundwater supplies and helps our region move closer to achieving long-term groundwater sustainability under SGMA.”
The community is invited to join Biola CSD and project partners at an upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, at 9:00 AM. The event will take place at the basin located in the community of Biola, North 4th Street and West H Street, Kerman, CA.
North Kings GSA continues to work with community partners to identify opportunities that improve groundwater conditions while protecting water reliability for the communities they serve. The Biola Groundwater Recharge Project demonstrates how strategic local investments can help small communities achieve sustainable groundwater management well ahead of the State’s 2040 sustainable groundwater deadline.
Read more highlights about the project here or watch the video with project partners.
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Walnut Valley Water District Recognized As “Best in Class” by the Alliance for Water Efficiency
WALNUT — Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) is proud to announce its recognition as a contributing utility in the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s newly released guidebook, Best in Class: Smart Practices for Residential Landscape and Irrigation Programs.
The national guidebook highlights exemplary programs from water utilities across North America that are advancing outdoor water efficiency through innovative, equitable, and data‑driven approaches. WVWD is featured for its Exterior Retrofit Irrigation Program (E-RIP), a pilot initiative designed to improve residential irrigation efficiency through targeted outreach, direct installations, and minor system repairs.
A Data‑Driven Approach to Water Efficiency
WVWD launched the Exterior Retrofit Irrigation Program in 2020 to select high outdoor water users. Following the retrofits, the pilot group successfully achieved a reduction in overall water use. Building on this success, the District applied lessons learned to refine and strengthen the program, which helped secure additional funding and expand participation to serve more customers.
In 2023, with support from a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Grant and partnerships with Eagle Aerial Solutions and EcoTech Services, Inc., WVWD applied water‑use analytics and mapping tools to more effectively target high outdoor water users. By leveraging consumption reporting data and Waterview mapping, the District identified opportunities to focus on properties where irrigation retrofits would be most practical, cost‑effective, and likely to result in completed repairs and measurable savings.
This strategic pivot highlighted in the Best in Class guidebook serves as a model for adaptive program design allowing the District to better align resources with on‑the‑ground results, demonstrating the value of program evaluation and course correction in water use efficiency programming.
“Our inclusion in this guidebook reflects WVWD’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement,” said Jared Macias, Interim General Manager. “We are proud to share our experience, and lessons learned, with other utilities working to design effective outdoor water efficiency programs.”
The Guidebook, developed by the Alliance for Water Efficiency with input from 27 utilities and organizations, is intended to serve as a practical resource for water professionals at all stages of program development from planning and implementation to evaluation and refinement.
WVWD’s case example underscores the importance of using customer data to guide decision‑making, and adapting strategies to maximize participation and outcomes, principles that align with the District’s broader commitment to sustainable water management.
For more information, visit www.walnutvalleywater.gov.
Eric Smith Creates a Legacy of Leadership, Leading & Learning
For nearly three decades, Eric Smith has helped shape the culture, operations, and people of Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD). As he prepares for retirement after almost 30 years of service, Eric leaves behind more than an impressive career—he leaves a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence that will continue to influence SMWD for years to come.
Throughout his career, Eric has earned the respect of colleagues across the organization by leading from the front. Whether working alongside crews in the field, mentoring the next generation of leaders, or helping bring major infrastructure projects online, Eric has always been known as someone who is willing to roll up his sleeves, solve problems, and support his team. “Half of my life has been spent enjoying what I do at the District, so the time has gone by quickly,” Eric says with a smile. That passion for the work—and for the people who perform it—has defined his career. Eric began his journey at SMWD as a Customer Service Field Representative, reading water meters and learning the District from the ground up. Over the years, he worked through nearly every operational role, building an unmatched understanding of the systems, facilities, and people responsible for delivering high-quality drinking water and wastewater services to the community. His fingerprints can be found on many of SMWD’s most significant operational achievements. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of bringing major facilities online, including Upper Chiquita Reservoir and Trampas Reservoir,” Eric reflects. “I’ve also had the opportunity to help improve water quality by testing reservoir management systems and learning the water chemistry needed to keep our customers safe. Being able to share that knowledge with our crews has been especially rewarding.” While infrastructure projects stand as visible milestones, Eric is quick to point to the people behind the work. Over the past several years, Operations has managed everything from complex pressure-reducing vault rehabilitations in San Juan Capistrano to supporting new reservoirs, pump stations, and other critical facilities as the District continues to grow. Eric credits the team’s willingness to collaborate and support one another as the key to those successes. “We have a great team,” he says. “Everyone is willing to help however they can. That respect for each other and willingness to learn from one another is what makes this organization special.” That philosophy extends directly into Eric’s approach to leadership. Rather than focusing on being the smartest person in the room, Eric believes great leaders build teams that are even stronger than themselves. “I try to hire people who are better than I am and help them succeed in any way I can,” he explains. “When someone is promoted, I remind them that their job is no longer just to know how to do the work. Their job is to help the people they lead become the best they can be.” His emphasis on mentorship has helped develop countless employees throughout the organization. Eric is equally quick to acknowledge those who helped shape his own career. “I’ve had so many mentors at SMWD that it’s impossible to name just one,” he says. “From Customer Service to Operations, everyone taught me something. I learned just as much from the people I supervised as I did from those who supervised me.” That humility and commitment to continuous learning have become hallmarks of Eric’s leadership. His advice for anyone entering the water industry is simple: “Learn. If you’re interested in what happens here, there is no end to what you can learn. I’m still learning today, and I’m grateful I was given every opportunity to keep growing throughout my career.” As Eric retires, he leaves SMWD stronger than he found it—not only through the infrastructure and operational improvements he helped advance, but through the leaders he mentored, the teams he strengthened, and the culture he helped build. His legacy also reflects something larger than any one individual. Over nearly 30 years, Eric has helped establish operational practices, develop talented employees, and foster a culture of continuous improvement that positions the District for continued success. Customers can remain confident that the dedicated professionals Eric helped mentor will continue delivering the safe, reliable, high-quality drinking water and wastewater services the community depends on every day. Outside of work, Eric looks forward to spending more time with his family, traveling, fishing with his son, mountain biking, and, true to form, continuing to learn new skills and tackle new projects. As one chapter closes, the impact of his leadership will continue to be felt throughout the organization and the communities SMWD serves. Thank you, Eric, for nearly 30 years of exceptional service, steadfast leadership, and your enduring commitment to the people of Santa Margarita Water District. Your contributions have helped shape not only the District’s operations, but also the culture of teamwork, excellence, and service that will carry SMWD into the future. Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.IRWD President Steve LaMar Honored for ‘Spirit of Balance’
Irvine Ranch Water District Board President Steve LaMar has joined the ranks of California governors, senators, environmental nonprofits and globally recognized brands in receiving the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Award from the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB) this week.
CCEEB was founded in 1973 by Governor Edmund G. Brown and others, with the mission to bring together perspectives of business, labor and public leaders for balanced and effective policy solutions. CCEEB’s Brown Award honors the “spirit of balance” promoted by its namesake who said, “Can we have economic growth and a better environment? We can and we must. …(Both) are inextricably tied together, and the decisions we make about one affect the other.”
Past recipients of the award include former Governors Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger; State Senator Fran Pavley and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez; Representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund, Nature Conservancy and many other nonprofits; and other regulatory agencies and businesses.
Consistent with the spirit of the award, LaMar has dedicated his career to pursuing balance between economic growth and environmental protection through his many years as a water policy and planning expert with more than 25 years of experience on statewide business and industry committees, and environmental nonprofits.
“Steve LaMar played a key role in advancing one of California’s first Natural Community Conservation Plans, and serves as president of the Natural Communities coalition, a nonprofit responsible for protecting more than 37,000 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat and numerous threatened and endangered species,” the award program stated. “…Through his visionary leadership and enduring commitment to California’s water future, he has made a lasting impact on communities and regions across the state.”
He has participated in many major water policy forums and served on statewide task forces and advisory committees on drought planning, desalination, the California Bay-Delta, the California Water Plan and other water reliability and conservation issues. He consults for several of California’s most successful master-planned community developers and homebuilders, and has served as a policy leader with the California Building Industry Association for decades.
He has served on the IRWD Board of Directors since 2009. He is also a past president of the Association of California Water Agencies and the current president of the Natural Communities Coalition, a nonprofit implementing habitat restoration for over 37,000 acres of open space land in Orange County. He serves on the board of directors of the Southern California Water Coalition, the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance, and is IRWD’s representative on the Water Affiliates Group to the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Two awards are presented each year. LaMar received this year’s honor as an individual. The second award for organizations went to the Port of Long Beach for balancing the promotion of jobs and commerce with environmental programs to significantly reduce air pollution and increase water quality in the harbor.
VCMWD Honors the Life and Legacy of Former General Manager Gary T. Arant
VALLEY CENTER — The Valley Center Municipal Water District is deeply saddened to announce that former General Manager, Gary T. Arant, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Gary was a respected public servant, leader, mentor and friend whose extraordinary impact on the District and the Valley Center community will be remembered for generations.
Gary devoted 53 years of public service to California’s water industry, including nearly 37 years of exemplary service to the Valley Center Municipal Water District. He retired from the District on December 29, 2025. In recognition of his remarkable career and enduring contributions, the District’s Board of Directors proclaimed December 29th as “Water Titan Day.”
Throughout his decades of service, Gary was known for his integrity, steady leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Valley Center. He consistently placed the needs of residents, ratepayers, employees and the community first. His work helped ensure safe and reliable water service, responsible stewardship of the District’s resources and sound public governance.
Gary guided the District through complex regulatory, financial and operational challenges. His leadership strengthened the organization and helped position it to continue serving the Valley Center community for generations to come.
His influence extended well beyond the boundaries of the District. Gary represented Valley Center on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors and provided leadership through the Association of California Water Agencies and the San Diego County Farm Bureau. Through these roles, he contributed to regional water reliability, thoughtful water policy and continued support for the agricultural community.
Gary was also widely respected for the professional relationships he fostered throughout San Diego County and across California. He built trust and collaboration among public agencies, elected officials, water industry professionals, employees and community members.
For those who knew Gary personally, however, his legacy cannot be measured only by years of service, professional accomplishments or the many challenges he helped the District overcome. “He was not only a colleague and leader, but also a friend to those that had the privilege of working alongside Gary for many years,” said Lindsay Leahy, General Manager of Valley Center Municipal Water District, “before his passing, Gary asked that employees know how much he loved his work, the District, its staff and the opportunity to serve the Valley Center community. He felt blessed to have spent his career going to a job each day that he truly loved.”
Gary served as a mentor to many employees and water professionals throughout his career. His knowledge, guidance and commitment to public service helped shape the careers of countless individuals. The lessons he shared and the example he set will continue to influence the District and the broader water community for many years.
Gary is survived by his three sons, two grandchildren, and extended family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association. The Valley Center Municipal Water District Board of Directors, management and staff extend their deepest condolences to Gary’s family, friends and loved ones. Gary’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers and to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn this profound loss.
Gary’s legacy will live on through the organization he helped strengthen, the people he mentored, the relationships he built and the community he faithfully served. He will be deeply missed and always remembered as a true Water Titan.
Valley Center Municipal Water District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to more than 30,000 people in Valley Center, and portions of Escondido and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego. For more information about the Valley Center Municipal Water District, visit www.vcmwd.org.
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ACWA Mourns Arant
Past ACWA Board member and longtime California water leader, Gary Arant, has passed away. In a July 16 announcement, San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) Board Chair Nick Serrano described Arant as a giant within the water community.
“Gary’s contributions were far-reaching – shaping policy, strengthening collaboration, advocating for farmers, and mentoring many who now carry forward the work he cared for so deeply,” Serrano stated in SDCWA news release. “He brought not only technical knowledge and thoughtful perspectives, but also genuine respect for those around him.”
Arant represented Valley Center Municipal Water District on the SDCWA Board, where he continued serving following his January 2026 retirement from the district after 52 years, having led the district as General Manager for nearly 37 years.
His involvement within ACWA stretched back to 1973, including multiple terms on the association’s Board of Directors over a span of 20 years, as well volunteering his time to chair ACWA’s Energy, Local Government and Communications committees while actively serving on ACWA’s Region 10 Board.
ACWA recognized Arant’s extensive contributions to the association during the 2024 Fall Conference for his invaluable contributions to the association’s Board of Directors, regions and committees. He also received ACWA’s Emissary Award in 2007, among many recognitions within the ACWA community.
SSWD Opens Vacant Buildings for Rare Firefighter Training Before Demolition
SACRAMENTO – Before demolishing two vacant District-owned buildings, Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) partnered with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (Metro Fire) to transform the site into a unique hands-on training environment for firefighters.
The buildings provided Metro Fire crews with the opportunity to practice critical emergency response skills in actual structures. Over multiple training sessions, firefighters conducted search-and-rescue operations in smoke-filled conditions, practiced forcible entry through security bars, performed rooftop ventilation cuts, established water supplies from nearby fire hydrants, and simulated fire suppression under realistic conditions.
Metro Fire first approached SSWD in March 2026, seeking permission to use the boarded-up site for non-destructive structure-fire drills. SSWD agreed and coordinated site access, hydrant availability, security, and staff support. Metro Fire conducted an initial multi-company drill in April. Both agencies then began planning more advanced, destructive training once asbestos abatement was complete and the buildings were cleared for use.
“Our partnership with Metro Fire is one of our critical relationships,” said SSWD General Manager Dan York. “SSWD works with Metro Fire to maintain and provide water service to over 6,500 fire hydrants throughout our district. Being able to utilize these buildings to help in their training is another way we are working together to protect our community.”
By making the property available to Metro Fire, SSWD helped firefighters gain experience in real-world incidents and put a public asset to productive community use.
“Training in acquired structures gives our firefighters the opportunity to practice in conditions that closely resemble actual emergencies,” said Metro Fire Public Information Officer Captain Mark Nunez. “Every realistic training opportunity helps crews sharpen the skills they’ll rely on when someone calls 911.”
Fire crews practiced search-and-rescue operations in smoke-filled conditions, forcible entry through security bars, roof operations, including vertical ventilation cuts, door breaches, and extinguishing fires under simulated fire conditions. The training provided fire crews with a rare opportunity to practice these realistic skills and techniques under conditions similar to those when a building is on fire.
SSWD’s partnership with Metro Fire demonstrates how local public agencies work closely to strengthen emergency preparedness and protect the communities they serve, and how even an old, unused asset can be put to productive use before demolition.
EMWD’s Financial Leadership Earns AAA Ratings
PERRIS — Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD)’s commitment to financial excellence on behalf of its customers has helped it maintain its AAA ratings by Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings.
Fitch and S&P have assigned AAA ratings to EMWD’s Series 2026A and Series 2026B refunding water and wastewater revenue bonds and affirmed EMWD’s AAA-Rating with a Stable Outlook. The rating agencies cited EMWD’s “exceptionally strong” financial profile and customer affordability as driving factors in the overall rating actions.
EMWD’s strong financial standing is the result of a wide range of factors, including a diverse water supply portfolio, its allocation-based rate structure, and financial practices that balance reserves and debt ratios.
EMWD’s strong credit rating profile helps EMWD obtain lower-cost financing for infrastructure investments, which results in cost savings for customers.
EMWD is also a national leader in securing external funding and has received approximately $900 million in state and federal grants in the past 25 years. This further reduces financial impacts on customers by returning tax dollars to their communities.
“We have a responsibility to act in the best financial interest of our customers, who have entrusted us as stewards of their water district,” EMWD Board President Stephen Corona said. “EMWD is dedicated to providing our customers with an exceptional value, including through sound financial management and a commitment to transparency.”
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Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service, and recycled water provider to more than one million people living and working within a 682-square mile service area in western Riverside County and northern San Diego County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency, and its mission is “To deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater, and recycled water services.” More information can be found at www.emwd.org.
ACWA Foundation Event to Strengthen Link Between Students and Water Careers
The ACWA Foundation will host a Central Valley Water Careers Pathways Symposium on Sept. 24 to expand awareness of water sector career opportunities among educators and strengthen the workforce pipeline between water agencies and schools.
The symposium in Fresno will convene high school counselors and private and public sector industry representatives to showcase the broad range of career opportunities within the water sector. Content will include information about job opportunities, pathways, course requirements, local needs, salaries, benefits and more.
“Studies show we need to reach students earlier, capturing their attention and interest in the water sector during high school. Year after year, counselors provide direct guidance to new classes of students about career opportunities. This pilot program could become the foundation for ongoing educator-industry partnerships throughout the state,” said ACWA Foundation Executive Director Lisa Mealoy.
The ACWA Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 formed by the ACWA Board of Directors in 2022. The Foundation and its Board of Trustees operate separately and independently from ACWA and its Board of Directors.
For more information about the event, including sponsorship opportunities, visit acwa-foundation.org.