On the agenda: Riverside meeting — data center (Jul 28)

WESTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT
14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside, CA 92518
AGENDA
COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 28, 2026, at 9:30 AM
To join the Zoom virtual meeting: https://wmwd.zoom.us/j/87686272499
or telephone access: (669) 219‐2599 or (669) 900‐6833
Meeting ID: 876 8627 2499

Members of the public may view and/or participate in this meeting in person, online via
Zoom, or by viewing the live‐streamed meeting at www.WesternWaterCA.gov. This
meeting may also be video recorded for on demand viewing and broadcasting purposes.
Primary notice of this meeting will be the physical posting of the agenda in the public
notice area, located at the District’s Headquarters office, 14205 Meridian Parkway,
Riverside, California 92518. In addition, every effort will be made to publish this agenda
on the District’s website at: https://westernwaterca.gov/agendacenter, subject to technical
difficulties, such as power failure, internet disruption, or other third-party interference.
Members of the public who wish to comment on any item within the jurisdiction of the
District, or any item on the agenda, may make comments in person, virtually via Zoom at
the time noted on the agenda, or by submitting comments in writing at the following web
address: https://westernwaterca.gov/FormCenter, by in‐person delivery or via U.S. Mail
addressed to the District’s Headquarters office. Written comments received by 4:30 p.m.
on July 27, 2026, will become part of the Board meeting record. Pursuant to Government
Code Section 54957.5, any writing that (1) is a public record; (2) relates to an agenda
item set for open session of a regular meeting of the Board of Directors; and (3) is
distributed less than 72 hours prior to that meeting, will be made available for public
inspection at the time the writing is distributed to the Board of Directors. Any such writing
will be available for public inspection at the District office located at 14205 Meridian
Parkway, Riverside, California 92518. In addition, such writing may also be posted on the
District’s website at https://westernwaterca.gov/agendacenter. Any person with a
disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in this
meeting, or the agenda or agenda packet documents made available in an appropriate
alternative format, or any person with limited English proficiency (LEP) who requires
language assistance to communicate with the Western Municipal Water District Board of
Directors during the meeting, should contact the Western Municipal Water District Board
Secretary at (951) 571‐7209 or [email protected], no less than 72 hours prior
to this meeting, to enable the Western Municipal Water District to make reasonable
arrangements to ensure accessibility or language assistance for this meeting.

Agenda Page 1

Western Water | Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
July 28, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public may address the Committee regarding any item within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the Committee; however, no action may be taken on off‐agenda items unless
authorized by law. Comments shall be limited to matters not listed on the agenda. Members of
the public may comment on any matter listed on the agenda at the time that the Committee
considers that matter. Each individual’s comment is limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes;
however, the Presiding Officer reserves the right to reduce the amount of time each individual
can speak in order to ensure all members of the public have an opportunity to comment.

4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and non‐controversial and are to be acted
upon by the Committee by one motion, without discussion. If any Committee member, staff
member, or interested person requests that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for
further discussion, it will be moved to the first item on the Action Agenda.

A. Approve the Minutes of the June 23, 2026, Community and Government Affairs
Committee Meeting
5. ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA
(If any) In accordance with Section 54954.2 of the Government Code, upon determination by a
two‐thirds vote of the legislative body, or, if less than two‐thirds of the members are present, a
unanimous vote of those members present that there is a need to take action, and the need to
take action arose after the agenda was posted.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE MADE TO THE FULL BOARD
The following items on the Agenda call for discussion and action by the Committee. All items are
placed on the Agenda so that the Committee may discuss and take action on the item, if the
Committee is so inclined.

A. Receive and File the July 2026 Government Affairs and Legislative Update
B. Receive and File a Staff Analysis of California Assembly Bill 2619
C. Adopt a Resolution Supporting the Association of California Water Agencies’ Vision
for Our Water Future
D. Authorize Execution of a Professional Services Contract with E Source Companies
for Regional Water Loss Technical Support Services
E. Approve the Write-Off of Accounts Receivable Deemed Uncollectible

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 2

Western Water | Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
July 28, 2026
7. REPORTS
The following agenda items are reports. They are placed on the Agenda to provide information
to the Board and the public. There is no action called for in these items.

A. GENERAL MANAGER REPORT
1. Teen Internship for Development and Experience Series (TIDES) program
2. California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) Election of Directors
B. ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER REPORT
C. COMMUNICATIONS AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE REPORT
1. Grants Communication Project Update
D. DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND REQUESTS
8. NEXT MEETING
A. Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
9. ADJOURNMENT

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 3

WESTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT
MINUTES OF THE
COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
MEETING
OF JUNE 23, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Director Rizvi called the Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting to
order at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in the Western Municipal Water District
Training Room, 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Roll call of the Board of Directors was taken by Administrative Assistant Candice
Haro. The following Board members were in attendance:
Director’s Present
Director Mike Gardner (Participated online pursuant to Senate Bill 707)
Director Fauzia Rizvi
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public may address the Committee regarding any item within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the Committee; however, no action may be taken on off‐agenda items unless
authorized by law. Comments shall be limited to matters not listed on the agenda. Members of
the public may comment on any matter listed on the agenda at the time that the Committee
considers that matter. Each individual’s comment is limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes;
however, the Presiding Officer reserves the right to reduce the amount of time each individual
can speak in order to ensure all members of the public have an opportunity to comment.

None.

Agenda Page 4

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
July 28, 2026
4. CONSENT

Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and non‐controversial and are to be acted
upon by the Committee by one motion, without discussion. If any Committee member, staff
member, or interested person requests that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar
for further discussion, it will be moved to the first item on the Action Agenda.

A. Approve the Minutes of the May 26, 2026, Community and Government Affairs
Committee Meeting of the Whole
Committee members approved minutes of the May 26, 2026, Community and
Government Affairs Committee Meeting, with no changes.
5. ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA
(If any) In accordance with Section 54954.2 of the Government Code, upon determination by a
two‐thirds vote of the legislative body, or, if less than two‐thirds of the members are present, a
unanimous vote of those members present that there is a need to take action, and the need to
take action arose after the agenda was posted.

None.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE MADE TO THE FULL BOARD
The following items on the Agenda call for discussion and action by the Committee. All items are
placed on the Agenda so that the Committee may discuss and take action on the item, if the
Committee is so inclined.

A. Award a Professional Services Contract to the National Theatre for Children
for Western Municipal Water District’s Regional and Retail Assembly
Program
This item was presented by: Michelle Adams, Customer Experience Manager
Committee Recommendation: Forward Item 6A to the full Board of Directors for
consideration.

B. Receive and File the June 2026 Government Affairs and Legislative Update
This item was presented by: Chris Kearney, The Ferguson Group and Michael
Hadley, Government Affairs Officer II
Committee Recommendation: Forward Item 6B to the full Board of Directors for
consideration.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 5

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
July 28, 2026
7. REPORTS
The following agenda items are reports. They are placed on the Agenda to provide information
to the Board and the public. There is no action called for in these items

A. GENERAL MANAGER REPORT
1. California Special Districts Association Election Update
General Manager Craig Miller advised the Committee that there are four
(4) candidates from our area that the District can select from, and it does
not require a Board vote, the General Manager can submit a vote on their
behalf. Disussion ensued and it was agreed that the item will be brought
back to the next meeting, so Committee members have time to review the
candidates.
B. ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER REPORT
None.
C. COMMUNICATIONS AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE REPORT
1. Strategic Communications Update
A. Strategic Communications Outreach and Messaging Summary
Grace Cardenas, Strategic Communications Manager, outlined the
upcoming outreach strategy, which will inform customers about local
and statewide water conditions. She noted that the water quality report
will be available online by July 1, and hardcopies are now provided only
upon request. Grace also reported receiving fifty-two entries for the
Inland Empire Landscape Contest, with the people’s choice winner
announced yesterday who will be featured in next month’s Inland Empire
magazine. In August, the team will highlight budget messaging and
showcase behind-the-scenes operations leading into Water Professions
Week in October. She also reviewed recent community meetings that
continue to strengthen local relationships.
Nydia Doolittle, Strategic Communications Representative II, provided
capital project updates. The Jefferson Improvement Project is scheduled
for completion at the end of July, followed by post-project outreach for
community feedback. The Orangecrest Pipeline Replacement Project
remains underway and has significantly impacted the neighborhood; the
team conducted pre-construction surveys, ongoing communication, and
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Agenda Page 6

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
July 28, 2026
will complete a post-construction survey. She emphasized
cross-departmental coordination among Strategic Communications,
Operations, Customer Service, and Engineering to ensure customers
receive clear project information.
The team also highlighted the March Field Air Museum ribbon-cutting
event, which received strong media attention, including an influencer
appearance and a video reaching 34,000 views. Additionally, the Sewer
Force Main project was noted as a successful event, with the Military
Affairs Council inviting Deputy Director of Water Resources Josh Aguilar
to speak, and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce inviting
Deputy General Manager Tim Barr to speak at an upcoming event.
2. Customer Experience Update
Michelle Adams, Customer Experience Manager, updated the Committee
on the team’s work over the past year. In March, members of the Customer
Experience and Human Resources departments attended the Qualtrics
Summit to strengthen their use of the District’s survey platform. She noted
that customer expectations continue to evolve, and public agencies must
adapt. Industry engagement helps the District understand these
expectations and proactively improve how it communicates with customers,
which is critical for maintaining public trust and confidence. Michelle also
presented at the Customer Experience Professionals Association’s Leaders
Conference in Canada, reinforcing the District’s role as a regional leader.
3. Customer Service Update
Derrien Cotton, Customer Service Manager, reported strong demand for
customer support over the past year, with the team handling 20,000
in‑person and phone interactions. She noted that the District approved more
than $30,000 in customer assistance and proactively reached out to roughly
1,500 customers about potential leak issues based on unusual usage
patterns. Derrien also highlighted improvements to after‑hours
communication, which has received positive customer feedback. She
added that a tap‑to‑pay option will be introduced at the front counters in the
coming weeks to modernize payment methods, especially as the Federal
Reserve has stopped producing new pennies.
D. DIRECTORS REPORTS AND REQUESTS
None.
Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 7

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
July 28, 2026
8. NEXT MEETING
A. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Committee, Director Rizvi adjourned the
meeting at 10:36 a.m.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 8

Agenda Item: 6A
Date: July 28, 2026
TO: THE COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director Laura Roughton, Committee Member
Director Fauzia Rizvi, Committee Member
FROM: Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager

RECEIVE AND FILE THE JULY 2026 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests the Community and Government Affairs Committee recommend the Board
of Directors:
1. Receive and file the July 2026 Government Affairs and Legislative Update.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
At each meeting of the Community and Government Affairs Committee, Western
Municipal Water District staff provides a verbal report. The report is sometimes
accompanied by materials prepared by The Ferguson Group and KP Public Affairs and
includes a high-level overview of relevant topics from both federal and state government
to be discussed in more depth during the meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
This action has no budget impact.
DETAIL:
State Updates
Legislative Calendar
•

Summer Recess: July 3 – July 31

•

Fiscal Committee to Floor: August 14
Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 9

Western Water | Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6A
July 28, 2026
•

Last Day for Bill Amendments: August 21

•

All Bills to Governor’s Desk: August 31

•

Governor’s Signature or Veto: September 30

Updates to 2026 Bills of Interest
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Assembly Bill (AB) 1436 (Avila Farrias): Air pollution regulations: private fleets:
exception (Died)
o Western Municipal Water District’s (Western Water) position: Support

AB 1881 (Ramos): California Indian Freedom Act of 2026
o Western Water position: Oppose

AB 2180 (Ward): Proposition 218: Proportional cost of service
o Western Water position: Support

AB 2215 (Calderon): Water rights: permits: State Water Project (Died)
o Western Water position: Support

AB 2218 (Kalra): Water policy: California Native American tribes
o Western Water position: Oppose

AB 2568 (Johnson): Water district directors: compensation
o Western Water position: Watch

AB 2739 (Soria): Water Affordability and System Stabilization Fund
o Western Water position: Support

Senate Bill (SB) 601 (Allen): Water: waste discharge
o Western Water position: Oppose

SB 1125 (Menjivar): Water rate assistance program
o Western Water position: Support

SB 1153 (Caballero): Disaster preparedness: wildfire
o Western Water position: Support

Governor Newsom Signs Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Budget
•

Governor Newsom officially signed the FY 2026-27 $351.7 billion budget on June
30, 2026, marking his final budget before leaving office
o The budget reflects a roughly 40% increase since 2019-20, largely fueled
by higher-than-expected tax revenues from stock market gains, particularly
in the artificial intelligence sector

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 10

Western Water | Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6A
July 28, 2026
o The budget maintains zero deficit for both the current and following fiscal
year and preserves nearly $30 billion in state reserves, with additional
holding accounts bringing total reserves to over $35 billion
•

Key allocations and priorities within the FY 2026-27 budget include:
o Healthcare: Delays cuts to Medi-Cal and in-home supportive services,
preserves coverage for low-income and undocumented residents, and
allocates $300 million to subsidize private healthcare costs
o Education: Funds for universal school meals, universal transitional
kindergarten, free summer school, and expands childcare with nearly
23,000 new state-funded slots; Special education receives the largest
single-year investment in state history
o Housing and Homelessness: Provides $900 million for the Homeless
Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program, nearly doubling the
Governor’s original proposal, and advances housing reforms to accelerate
construction and reduce costs
o Public Safety and Infrastructure: Continues investments in disaster
recovery, wildfire resilience, behavioral healthcare, and public safety, while
also funding election administration improvements with $40 million to speed
up vote counting and combat misinformation
o Taxes and Revenue: Introduces targeted tax increases, including a higher
rate on commercial healthcare providers, expansion of sales tax to certain
software products, and limits on corporate tax breaks; These measures aim
to sustain funding for critical programs while leveraging federal matching
funds

•

The final signed budget did not include Senator Caballero’s request to add an
additional $1 million to fully fund the Department of Water Resources
implementation of SB 72

Federal Updates
Legislative Calendar
•

Senate in session, House in district: July 27 – August 7

•

Both federal legislative houses in district (Summer Recess): August 10 - 28

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 11

Western Water | Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6A
July 28, 2026
Congress Races to Advance FY 2027 Spending Bills
•

Both chambers are pushing hard this week to make progress on FY 2027
appropriations in advance of the summer recesses

•

Partisan tensions are running high in both chambers, as demonstrated through the
significant number of amendments being filed in both chambers, including over
120 amendments for the Energy-Water bill alone, with proposals ranging from
studying the grid impacts of data center growth to prevent unilateral termination of
Department of Energy and Army Corps of Engineers projects

•

Final compromise legislation is not expected until after the November midterm
elections

•

Western Water’s $500,000 FY 2027 Community Project Funding request remains
in the House’s Environmental Protection Agency State and Tribal Assistance
Grants program

White House Confirms Aubrey Bettencourt as Nominee for Commissioner to the
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
•

Bettencourt is a third-generation farmer from California and most recently was the
chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation
Service

•

Bettencourt is a longtime agriculture professional and advocate; she was president
and CEO of the California Almond Alliance, president of the California Water
Alliance, and as an official of a drip irrigation technology firm

•

Confirmation hearings have not been set as of this report’s submitting

Interior Nominee Set for Confirmation Hearings Before Two Senate Committees
•

Kevin Lilly, President Trump's pick to oversee national parks and fish and wildlife
programs at the Interior Department, will face confirmation hearings before two
Senate committees; Lilly, a Texas investment manager and former Army officer,
has served as acting assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks since last
summer despite lacking notable public lands or conservation experience

Congress Puts Colorado River States on Notice that an Agreement Must be Made
•

The Colorado River's crisis arrived on Capitol Hill earlier in June with Senate
Energy Chair Mike Lee (R-UT) making clear that Congress intends to play a central
role in shaping any solution and that basin states pursuing litigation may find
themselves cut off from federal dollars

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Agenda Page 12

Western Water | Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6A
July 28, 2026
•

Lee convened the first major congressional hearing on the river's future as the
Interior Department prepares to issue its own unilateral management plan by end
of next month, one expected to include significant water delivery cuts to the lower
basin states of Arizona, California, and Nevada
o Lee argued that Congress holds constitutional authority over any interstate
water compact and warned that plans burdening upstream states (like Utah)
would face a "difficult path forward"

•

Funding is a key flashpoint, as water users and environmental groups are seeking
$2 billion in new conservation funding just for the Colorado River Basin, and a
governors' wish list to Interior topped $50 billion for infrastructure like desalination
and canal lining
o Interior’s Assistant Secretary Andrea Travnicek testified that less than $100
million remains from a $4 billion Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 drought
fund
o Lee was skeptical of new appropriations and suggested federal money
shouldn't flow to states engaged in Supreme Court litigation, a clear shot at
Arizona, which has been openly preparing for legal action

•

Notably, the fight doesn't break along party lines, as Lee and his Democratic
counterpart, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), frequently clash but their states are on
the same side of this dispute, united as upper basin allies (UT, NM, CO, WY)
against the downstream states that are bearing the brunt of proposed cuts

REASON FOR ACTION:
To ensure members of the Board of Directors are informed of the latest updates on state
and federal legislative and regulatory issues.
SOLUTION:
Receive and file the July 2026 Government Affairs and Legislative Update.
WESTERN WATER’S ASPIRATION REFERENCE:
This item aligns with Western Water’s Aspiration of Excellence in Service Delivery.
LEGAL COUNSEL REVIEW:
Staff has determined that legal review of this item is not necessary.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 13

Western Water | Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6A
July 28, 2026
PROPOSED DATE OF ACTION:
If approved by the Committee, this item is scheduled for consideration by the full Board
of Directors at their meeting on August 19, 2026, or at a subsequent meeting, if
necessary.
Respectfully submitted by:
Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager

Attachments:
1. Priority Bill Report from KP Public Affairs – July 2026
2. Federal Affairs Report from The Ferguson Group – July 2026

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 14

Attachment 1
Western Municipal Water District
Priority Bill List as of 7/17/2026
AB 1772

(Papan D) Fish and wildlife: invasive species: invasive mussels.
Current Text: Amended: 6/25/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/9/2026
Last Amend: 6/25/2026
Status: 7/1/2026-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (June
30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 7/1/2026-S. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Calendar: 8/3/2026 10 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2200 SENATE APPROPRIATIONS, CERVANTES,
SABRINA, Chair
Summary: Existing law, until January 1, 2030, generally prohibits a person from possessing, importing,
shipping, or transporting in the state, or from placing, planting, or causing to be placed or planted in
any water in the state, invasive mussels, and authorizes the Director of Fish and Wildlife or the
director’s designee to engage in various enforcement activities, including ordering the areas in
conveyance that contain water be drained, dried, or decontaminated, as provided. Existing law
requires a public or private agency that operates a water supply system to cooperate with the
Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement measures to avoid infestation by invasive mussels and to
control or eradicate any infestation that may occur in a water supply system. Existing law requires, if
invasive mussels are detected, the operator of a water supply system to, in cooperation with the
department, prepare and implement a plan to control or eradicate invasive mussels within the system,
and eliminate or minimize any potential downstream transport of an invasive mussel. Existing law
requires, on or before December 31, 2026, the department to review all approved plans and require all
plans that do not specifically address all invasive mussel species known to be present in bodies of
water in the state as of January 1, 2026, to be updated or revised appropriately to include all invasive
mussel species, on or before September 30, 2027. Existing law requires every invasive mussel species
to be addressed in a plan no later than 180 days from the date that the species is listed in a certain
regulation. Existing law defines “invasive mussel” for these purposes as any nonnative detrimental
mussel, as provided. This bill would prohibit a conveyance from being launched until a specified drying
period has completed, as provided. By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a statemandated local program. The bill would require the department to require water supply system
operators to update their plans to address all invasive mussel species present in the operator’s water
system as of January 1, 2026, as provided.
Position
Notes 1: ACWA - SUPPORT IF AMENDED

AB 1881

(Ramos D) California Indian Freedom Act of 2026.
Current Text: Amended: 5/19/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/12/2026
Last Amend: 5/19/2026
Status: 7/1/2026-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 1.) (June
30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 7/1/2026-S. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Calendar: 8/3/2026 10 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2200 SENATE APPROPRIATIONS, CERVANTES,
SABRINA, Chair
Summary: Existing law establishes various protections for California Native American tribes, including
prohibiting a public agency or private party using or occupying public property or operating on public
property from interfering with the free expression or exercise of Native American religion as provided in
the United States Constitution and the California Constitution. Existing law also requires a local
government to provide formal notification to each California Native American tribe that is traditionally
and culturally affiliated with the project site as an invitation to consult on the proposed project, as
provided. Existing law requires the local government, during the consultation, to give deference to the
tribal information, tribal knowledge and customs, and the significance of the resource to the California
Native American tribe. Existing law prohibits any information, as described, that is submitted by a
California Native American tribe during the environmental review process from being included in the
environmental document or otherwise disclosed by the lead agency or any other public agency to the
public, as specified, without the prior consent of the tribe that provided the information. This bill, the
California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would prohibit a governmental agency from substantially
burdening a California Indian or California Native American tribe’s exercise of religious beliefs or
spiritual practices on state lands, including their access to and use of sacred sites and objects, and

Page 1/7

Agenda Page 15

their ability to perform religious ceremonies and rites, even if the burden results from a rule of general
applicability, unless the governmental agency demonstrates that application of the burden is in
furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and is in the least restrictive means of furthering
that interest.
Position
OPPOSE Unless
Amended
Notes 1: ACWA - OPPOSE UNLESS AMENDED
CMUA - OPPOSE
AB 2026

(Aguiar-Curry D) Water diversion: groundwater recharge: permit.
Current Text: Amended: 7/2/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/17/2026
Last Amend: 7/2/2026
Status: 7/2/2026-From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR.
(Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (July 1). Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 7/2/2026-S. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Calendar: 8/3/2026 10 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2200 SENATE APPROPRIATIONS, CERVANTES,
SABRINA, Chair
Summary: Existing law declares that all water within the state is the property of the people of the
state, but the right to the use of the water may be acquired by appropriation in the manner provided
by law. Existing law requires the appropriation to be for some useful or beneficial purpose. Existing law
provides, however, that the diversion of floodflows for groundwater recharge does not require an
appropriative water right if certain conditions are met, including that a local or regional agency that
has adopted a local plan of flood control or has considered flood risks as part of its most recently
adopted general plan has given notice, as provided, of imminent risk of flooding and inundation of
lands, roads, or structures. Existing law defines “floodflow” for these purposes to include
circumstances in which flows would inundate ordinarily dry areas in the bed of a terminal lake to a
depth that floods dairies and other ongoing agricultural activities, or areas with substantial residential,
commercial, or industrial development. Existing law applies those requirements to diversions
commenced before January 1, 2029. Existing law prohibits an entity from substantially diverting or
obstructing the natural flow of, or substantially changing or using any material from the bed, channel,
or bank of, any river, stream, or lake, or from depositing or disposing of certain material where it may
pass into any river, stream, or lake, without first notifying the Department of Fish and Wildlife of that
activity, and entering into a lake or streambed alteration agreement if required by the department to
protect fish and wildlife resources, except as specified. This bill would revise and recast those
conditions required for the appropriative water right exemption for a diversion of floodflows for
groundwater recharge, would apply the requirements to a diversion commenced before January 1,
2034, and would further exempt those diversions from the requirements of CEQA and requirements
relating to lake or streambed alteration agreements, subject to conducting tribal consultation, as
provided.
Position
Notes 1: ACWA - SUPPORT/AMEND

AB 2032

(Ransom D) Fish and wildlife: golden mussels.
Current Text: Amended: 6/11/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/17/2026
Last Amend: 6/11/2026
Status: 7/2/2026-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To
Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 7/2/2026-S. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Calendar: 8/3/2026 10 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2200 SENATE APPROPRIATIONS, CERVANTES,
SABRINA, Chair
Summary: Existing law, until January 1, 2030, generally prohibits a person from possessing, importing,
shipping, or transporting in the state, or from placing, planting, or causing to be placed or planted in
any water within the state, invasive mussels, as defined. Existing law requires a public or private
agency that operates a water supply system to cooperate with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to
implement measures to avoid infestation by invasive mussels and to control or eradicate any
infestation that may occur in a water supply system, and, if invasive mussels are detected, to prepare
and implement a plan, as specified, to control or eradicate invasive mussels within the system (control
plan). Existing law prohibits the importation, transportation, possession, or live release of specified

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Agenda Page 16

wild animals, except under a revocable, nontransferable permit, known as a restricted species permit,
issued by the department, in cooperation with the Department of Food and Agriculture, and only if
certain requirements are met. Existing law authorizes the department to issue permits, commonly
known as scientific collecting permits, to take or possess any form of plant or animal life for scientific,
educational, or propagation purposes. This bill would exempt from the requirement to obtain a
restricted species permit for golden mussels a public or private agency that operates a water supply
system and has submitted a control plan to the department for maintenance and operational activities
in the water supply system, as specified.
Position

AB 2180

(Ward D) Local government: Proposition 218 Omnibus Implementation Act: proportional cost of
service.
Current Text: Amended: 5/22/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/19/2026
Last Amend: 5/22/2026
Status: 6/11/2026-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Location: 6/11/2026-S. THIRD READING
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Summary: The California Constitution specifies various requirements with respect to the levying of
assessments and property-related fees and charges by a local agency. As part of those requirements,
the California Constitution mandates that such fees or charges that are extended, imposed, or
increased satisfy certain requirements, including, but not limited to, that the amount of the fee or
charge imposed upon any parcel or person as an incident of property ownership not exceed the
proportional cost of the service attributable to the parcel. Existing law, known as the Proposition 218
Omnibus Implementation Act (act), prescribes specific procedures and parameters for local jurisdictions
to comply with these requirements and, among other things, authorizes an agency providing water,
wastewater, sewer, or refuse collection services to adopt a schedule of fees or charges authorizing
automatic adjustments that pass through increases in wholesale charges for water, sewage
treatment, or wastewater treatment or adjustments for inflation under certain circumstances. This bill
would authorize a local government to demonstrate the proportional cost of the service attributable to
the parcel by any method that reasonably allocates the ascertainable cost of providing service to all
parcels, if substantiated as provided. The bill would, however, provide that for water or sewer service
fee or charge impositions, a local government is not required to provide an exact measure of the cost
of the service at each parcel and may instead impose uniform or tiered rates to parcel or customer
classes that are defined based on common characteristics indicative of likely water or sewer use.
Position
Notes 1: ACWA - SUPPORT/SPONSOR
CMUA - SUPPORT

AB 2218

(Kalra D) Water policy: California Native American tribes.
Current Text: Amended: 7/2/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/19/2026
Last Amend: 7/2/2026
Status: 7/2/2026-From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR.
(Ayes 4. Noes 0.) (July 1). Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 7/2/2026-S. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Calendar: 8/3/2026 10 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2200 SENATE APPROPRIATIONS, CERVANTES,
SABRINA, Chair
Summary: Would require the state government to support California Native Americans to maintain
cultural and linguistic traditions, practice ecosystem stewardship, and engage in good faith
government-to-government consultations with all California Native American tribes regarding policies
that may affect tribal communities.
Position
OPPOSE
Notes 1: ACWA - OPPOSE UNLESS AMENDED
CMUA - OPPOSE

AB 2568

(Johnson R) Water district directors: compensation.
Current Text: Amended: 4/27/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/20/2026

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Agenda Page 17

Last Amend: 4/27/2026
Status: 6/18/2026-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Location: 6/18/2026-S. THIRD READING
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Summary: Existing law authorizes a water district, as defined, to adopt an ordinance that provides
compensation to members of the governing board, as specified. Existing law prohibits a water district
from adopting an ordinance that compensates members of the governing board for more than a total
of 10 days in any calendar month. This bill would, until January 1, 2032, authorize a water district that
has at least 90,000 residents within its jurisdiction to adopt an ordinance that compensates members
of the governing board for up to a total of 15 days in any calendar month, but would require the
members of the governing board of a water district that compensates its members for more than 10
days in a calendar month to annually adopt a written policy describing, based on a finding supported
by substantial evidence, why providing compensation for more than 10 days per calendar month is
necessary for the effective operation of the water district.
Position

AB 2619

(Papan D) Water resources: data centers.
Current Text: Amended: 7/2/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/20/2026
Last Amend: 7/2/2026
Status: 7/2/2026-From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR.
(Ayes 5. Noes 1.) (July 1). Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 7/1/2026-S. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed
Conc.
1st House
2nd House

Chaptered

Calendar: 8/3/2026 10 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2200 SENATE APPROPRIATIONS, CERVANTES,
SABRINA, Chair
Summary: Existing law authorizes the legislative body of an incorporated city and the county board of
supervisors to license businesses carried on within their respective jurisdictions and to set license
fees, as specified. This bill would require a person who owns or operates a data center, prior to
applying to a city or a county for an initial business license, equivalent instrument, or permit, to provide
its water supplier, under penalty of perjury, a good faith estimate of the expected water use, the
anticipated source of water, and the data center’s projected water use volume for the maximum day,
maximum month, and average year. When applying to a city or county for an initial business license,
the bill would require a person who owns or operates a data center to report, under penalty of
perjury, on the application, a good faith estimate of the expected water use, the anticipated source of
water, and the data center’s projected water use volume for the maximum day, maximum month, and
average year. When applying to a city or county for a renewal of a business license, equivalent
instrument, or permit, the bill would require a person who owns or operates a data center to report,
under penalty of perjury, on the application, the data center’s annual water use for the preceding
calendar year, including total water and direct water use, as prescribed.
Position

AB 2739

(Soria D) Water: affordability and system stabilization.
Current Text: Amended: 7/2/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/20/2026
Last Amend: 7/2/2026
Status: 7/2/2026-From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR.
with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 1). Read second time and
amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 7/2/2026-S. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Calendar: 8/3/2026 10 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2200 SENATE APPROPRIATIONS, CERVANTES,
SABRINA, Chair
Summary: Existing law establishes in the Natural Resources Agency the Department of Water
Resources. Existing law vests in the department powers, duties, purposes, responsibilities, and
jurisdiction in matters pertaining to water or dams. Existing law declares the responsibility of the state
to assist local governments in providing certain essential services and facilities where water resource
construction projects financed, in whole or in part, by the state or by the state jointly with the federal
government create an undue burden on a local area’s ability to provide these services and facilities.
Existing law, the California Safe Drinking Water Act, requires the State Water Resources Control Board

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Agenda Page 18

to administer provisions relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect public health. Existing
law declares it to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to safe,
clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary
purposes. This bill would establish in the State Treasury the Water Affordability and System
Stabilization Fund for holding the principal and income of the Water Affordability and System
Stabilization Trust, which the bill would create.
Position
Notes 1: ACWA - SUPPORT
CMUA - SUPPORT
SB 601

(Allen D) Water: waste discharge.
Current Text: Amended: 7/10/2025 html pdf
Introduced: 2/20/2025
Last Amend: 7/10/2025
Status: 8/28/2025-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE
FILE on 8/20/2025)(May be acted upon Jan 2026)
Location: 8/28/2025-A. 2 YEAR
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy 2 year Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Summary: The State Water Resources Control Board and the 9 California regional water quality
control boards regulate water quality and prescribe waste discharge requirements in accordance with
the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (act) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit program. Under the act, the State Water Resources Control Board is
authorized to adopt water quality control plans for waters for which quality standards are required by
the federal Clean Water Act, as specified, and that in the event of a conflict, those plans supersede
regional water quality control plans for the same waters. This bill would authorize the state board to
adopt water quality control plans for nexus waters, which the bill would define as all waters of the
state that are not also navigable, except as specified. The bill would require any water quality
standard that was submitted to, and approved by, or is awaiting approval by, the United States
Environmental Protection Agency or the state board that applied to nexus waters as of May 24, 2023,
to remain in effect, as provided.
Position
OPPOSE
Notes 1:
ACWA - OPPOSE
CMUA - OPPOSE
CSDA - OPPOSE 3

SB 872

(McNerney D) Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund.
Current Text: Amended: 7/2/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 1/6/2026
Last Amend: 7/2/2026
Status: 7/2/2026-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 6/30/2026-A. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Summary: Existing law, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009, declares that the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) is a critically important natural resource for California and the
nation and it serves as both the hub of the California water system and the most valuable estuary and
wetland ecosystem on the west coast of North and South America. Existing law establishes in the
Natural Resources Agency the Department of Water Resources (department). Existing law requires the
department and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine the principal options for the Delta
and requires the department to evaluate and comparatively rate each option for its ability to do
specified things, including, among others, to maintain Delta water quality for Delta users, and to
preserve, protect, and improve Delta levees. Existing law establishes in the agency the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta Conservancy. Existing law requires the conservancy to act as a primary state agency
to implement ecosystem restoration in the Delta and to support efforts that advance environmental
protection and the economic well-being of Delta residents. Existing law provides for the preservation of
specified management areas of the Suisun Marsh, pursuant to a protection plan prepared and adopted
by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, as provided. Existing law
establishes the Delta Stewardship Council, and requires the council to develop, adopt, and implement
a comprehensive long-term management plan for the Delta, known as the Delta Plan, as provided.
Existing law requires the department, upon appropriation, to reimburse an eligible local agency for
costs incurred for the maintenance or improvement of specified levees, in an amount not to exceed
75% of costs incurred in excess of a set amount per mile, as provided. This bill would require the

Page 5/7

Agenda Page 19

department to reimburse 100% of the excess costs if a local agency demonstrates economic hardship
and the reimbursement is for a project that addresses a threat to life, property, water supply, or
habitat.
Position
SUPPORT
Notes 1: ACWA - SUPPORT
SB 1085

(Durazo D) Water supply planning: housing developments.
Current Text: Amended: 6/17/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/13/2026
Last Amend: 6/17/2026
Status: 7/2/2026-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (July 1).
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 7/2/2026-A. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Summary: The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to be
responsible for determining whether a project is exempt from CEQA and whether an environmental
impact report, a negative declaration, or a mitigated negative declaration is required. Existing law
requires a city or county that determines a certain type of project is subject to the requirements of
CEQA to identify any public water system that may supply water for the project and to request those
public water systems to prepare a specified water supply assessment, as provided. This bill, among
other things, would instead require a city or county, upon receipt of a preliminary application for a
housing development project that meets certain conditions, or upon a development application for
certain projects being determined as complete or deemed complete, to make that identification of
public water systems. The bill would require a city or county, within 15 days of receiving an application
that meets either of the above-mentioned criteria, to request each identified public water system to
determine whether the projected water demand associated with the proposed project was included in
the most recently adopted urban water management plan.
Position
SUPPORT

SB 1125

(Menjivar D) Water Rate Assistance Program.
Current Text: Amended: 6/9/2026 html pdf
Introduced: 2/17/2026
Last Amend: 6/9/2026
Status: 6/25/2026-Coauthors revised. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes
13. Noes 1.) (June 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 6/24/2026-A. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Summary: Existing law requires the State Water Resources Control Board to develop a plan for the
funding and implementation of the Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program. Existing law requires
the plan to include, among other things, a description of the method for collecting moneys to support
and implement the program and a description of the method for determining the amount of moneys
that may need to be collected from water ratepayers to fund the program. This bill would establish the
Water Rate Assistance Program. As part of the program, the bill would establish the Water Rate
Assistance Fund in the State Treasury, available upon appropriation by the Legislature, to provide
water affordability assistance for residential water services to low-income residential ratepayers, as
specified. The bill would require the state board to take various actions in administering the fund,
including, among other things, tracking and managing revenue in the fund separately from all other
revenue. The bill would require the state board, in consultation with relevant agencies and after a
public hearing, to adopt guidelines for implementation of the program and to adopt an annual report to
be posted on the state board’s internet website identifying how the fund has performed, as specified.
The bill would require the guidelines to include minimum requirements for eligible systems, including
the ability to confirm eligibility for enrollment through a request for self-certification of eligibility under
penalty of perjury. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local
program.
Position
Notes 1: ACWA - SUPPORT IF AMENDED
CMUA - SUPPORT

SB 1153

(Caballero D) Disaster preparedness: urban retail water suppliers and public water systems:
wildfire.
Current Text: Amended: 6/22/2026 html pdf

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Agenda Page 20

Introduced: 2/18/2026
Last Amend: 6/22/2026
Status: 7/1/2026-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (June 30).
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 6/30/2026-A. APPR.
Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered
Conc.
1st House
2nd House
Summary: The California Emergency Services Act requires all public water systems, as defined, with
10,000 or more service connections to review and revise their disaster preparedness plans in
conjunction with related agencies, including, but not limited to, local fire departments and the Office of
Emergency Services, to ensure that the plans are sufficient to address possible disaster scenarios. A
person, as defined, who violates the provisions of this act is guilty of a misdemeanor. This bill,
beginning January 1, 2028, would require all urban retail water suppliers, as defined, serving a high or
very high fire hazard severity zone to include incident-specific response procedures for wildfires as part
of their disaster preparedness plans, including any applicable emergency response plan as required by
federal law. The bill would require these plans to include, among other things, mitigation actions,
including actions, procedures, and equipment, that can obviate or significantly lessen the impact of a
wildfire on the water system and the supply of drinking water provided by the water supplier.
Position
SUPPORT
Notes 1: ACWA - SUPPORT/SPONSOR
CMUA - SUPPORT
Total Measures: 14
Total Tracking Forms: 14

Page 7/7

Agenda Page 21

Attachment 2

Western Municipal Water District
Federal Affairs Report – July 2026
Congress Returns to a Packed and Complicated Agenda
Congress is back from the July 4th recess facing a stack of unfinished business, but two developments are reshaping
the political landscape before the August break.
The Senate was set to take its first procedural vote on its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),
a $1.15 trillion bill with provisions touching wind energy permitting, critical mineral supply chains, PFAS
contamination, and military-grade nuclear energy. Hundreds of amendments have been filed, though most won't
survive floor consideration. FY 2027 appropriations bills, meanwhile, remain gridlocked in both chambers, with
Senate appropriators stuck on top-line spending disputes, and a bloc of conservative House Republicans blocking
floor action until the Senate moves an election security bill (the SAVE Act) favored by President Trump.
The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has thrown multiple GOP priorities into question. Graham chaired
the Budget Committee and held a senior seat on Appropriations, which made him central to both a potential party-line
"Reconciliation 3.0" package (see below) and FY 2027 government funding fight. He was also expected to help
shepherd acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's confirmation through the Judiciary Committee this week and had
just returned from Ukraine with word of a deal to advance long-stalled Russia sanctions legislation. His absence,
combined with senior appropriator Sen. Mitch McConnell's (R-KY), ongoing medical leave, narrows an already tight
52-47 Republican majority and leaves several of his signature efforts, including FY 2027 funding, without their chief
advocate.
Committee Votes on Interior Nominee
The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee was scheduled to vote on Kevin Lilly, President
Trump's pick for Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the Interior Department.
Lilly, an investment manager with no prior background in public lands or wildlife management, has been serving as
acting Assistant Secretary for roughly a year. His resume includes chairing Texas' Alcoholic Beverage Commission
and serving as a commanding officer in the Texas State Guard. If confirmed, he would help oversee both the Fish and
Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee also has jurisdiction over the nomination and will hold
its own vote, though that markup has not yet been scheduled.
House GOP Presses Ahead on Reconciliation 3.0, But Timeline Tightens
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced that the House Budget Committee was set to mark up a budget
resolution, kicking off the long-shot push for a third reconciliation bill, one aimed at pairing a major defense spending
boost with voting legislation. Johnson said he'd held a "very productive meeting" with Budget Committee members,
White House officials, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), and pledged more specifics later as Republicans
work to coalesce behind the effort.
Earlier, the House Budget Committee convened an all-Republican member call as lawmakers continue laying
groundwork for a third party-line budget package, dubbed "Reconciliation 3.0." If the spending package is approved
in the House, the Senate could use its arcane budget rules to pass the bill with only a simple majority, taking minority
Democrats out of the equation by bypassing the chamber’s usual 60-vote filibuster obstacle.
TheFergusonGroup.com • 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW • Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20006 • 202.331.8500

Agenda Page 22

The package could include defense funding, voting legislation, and a fraud crackdown, but Republicans are working
against a shrinking calendar. The House has just eight legislative days left before the month-long August recess and
only 24 legislative days remaining before the midterms, a narrow window to adopt a budget blueprint, draft the
reconciliation bill itself, pass it, and send it to the Senate.
Complicating matters further, House leadership faces resistance on the floor from conservatives who are holding up
votes on unrelated business to demand Senate action on a voter ID package, a standoff that threatens to slow
reconciliation efforts along with everything else on the House agenda.
EPA Advances CWA 401 Rule as Senate Permitting Talks Stall
EPA sent its final Clean Water Act Section 401 rule to the White House for interagency review on July 7, aiming for
release later this month. The rule would limit state water quality certifications to point-source discharge compliance
only, rolling back a 2023 Biden-era rule that let states weigh broader project impacts. Industry and GOP officials say
it curbs states' ability to block pipelines and fossil fuel projects; Democratic states and environmental groups are
signaling legal challenges, likening it to a 2020 Trump-era rule they say caused regulatory chaos.
The rule carries added weight because Republicans and Administration officials view 401 changes as central to any
broader permitting reform deal in Congress.
Meanwhile, Senate negotiators are racing to strike a bipartisan permitting deal before the August recess, but advocates
warn time is short. Republicans have offered to streamline environmental and historic-preservation reviews and ease
transmission permitting; Democrats want stronger transmission provisions and limits on presidential authority to
cancel approved energy projects. The two sides remain furthest apart on proposed changes to the National Historic
Preservation Act, and the Trump Administration's continued targeting of solar and wind projects remains a key
obstacle. Some fear a deal could slip to a post-election lame-duck session, which could risk further delay given the
possibility of a new House Democratic majority in the next Congress.
House, Senate Panels Mark Up Respective WRDA Bills
The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW)
Committee have marked up their versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), biennial legislation
directing the Army Corps of Engineers' management and development of water infrastructure.
The House markup was Tuesday, July 14; the Senate followed on Wednesday, July 15. The House T&I Committee
voted their version of WRDA out of committee on a unanimous vote. The Senate EPW mark up was not completed at
the time of this writing.
The House bill, light on new project authorizations with only four included, would instead greenlight hundreds of new
studies on issues ranging from failing sewer systems to coastal erosion. It would grant the Army Corps new authority
to address drought and water conservation, a longtime priority for western lawmakers, and push the agency toward
more nonstructural flood solutions, such as property elevations, buyouts, and wetlands restoration.
Other provisions would direct the Army Corps to strengthen coordination with local governments and improve
communication with Congress, which Democrats say has grown strained under the Trump Administration. The bill
would also press the agency to limit damage to private property and wildlife during post-disaster debris removal, an
issue raised by North Carolina lawmakers following Hurricane Helene.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee introduced their bipartisan WRDA that would authorize eight
new Army Corps of Engineers projects covering flood risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, and port and navigation
improvements while also moving to prevent the executive branch from unilaterally halting authorized water projects.
The Senate WRDA goes further than its House counterpart by also reauthorizing federal funding for drinking water
and sewer systems and for EPA ecosystem programs in regions like the Great Lakes and Long Island Sound. It would
additionally direct EPA to revise carbon capture well regulations to exempt aquifers not used for drinking water.

Page 2
Agenda Page 23

BLM Clears Cadiz Pipeline Conversion for Mojave Water Project in California
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved converting 162 miles of an oil and gas pipeline to carry water
in Southern California, clearing a key hurdle for Cadiz Inc.'s long-running plan to pump Mojave Desert groundwater
to California cities. Documents released Thursday found the conversion "will not significantly affect" the
environment. The plan, filed by Fenner Gap Mutual Water Company, includes seven new pump stations, three on
federal land.
Environmental groups and tribal leaders criticized the move, arguing BLM sidestepped review of the groundwater
extraction itself, which the agency said was outside its scope of analysis, while warning the project would drain rare
desert springs and habitat.
The approval is only a partial win: a 2019 California law still requires the project to undergo scientific study and win
State Lands Commission approval before any water can be sold to California cities.
FWS, NMFS Finalize Rescission of "Harm" Definition Under ESA
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (the Services) have finalized a rule
rescinding the regulatory definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), eliminating language from
50 CFR parts 17 and 222 that has underpinned habitat-modification protections for endangered species since 1975.
The rule takes effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register which occurred on July 14.
The existing definition which classified significant habitat modification as "harm" when it injured wildlife by
disrupting breeding, feeding, or sheltering was upheld by the Supreme Court in the 1995 case Babbitt v. Sweet Home,
but under Chevron deference rather than as the definitively correct reading of the statute. In a dissent joined by thenChief Justice Rehnquist and Justice Thomas, Justice Scalia argued the regulation improperly stretched "harm" beyond
its ordinary meaning and clashed with the ESA's broader structure.
The Services now say that with Chevron deference abolished by 2024's Loper Bright decision, courts must ask
whether a regulation reflects the single best reading of a statute and they've concluded the harm definition fails that
test. Adopting Scalia's reasoning, the Services determined the ESA's own definition of "take" is sufficient and
declined to issue any replacement definition for "harm."
The Services emphasized the rescission won't require reopening permits or incidental take statements issued under the
prior definition. The rule follows a proposed rulemaking published in April 2025 that drew roughly 358,000 public
comments. Several environmental groups have sued to stop the rule from taking effect.
White House OMB Begins Review of ESA Rule Changes
The White House's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has begun their official review of proposed changes
that could narrow protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), part of the Trump Administration's broader
push to limit the law's reach.
Proposed last November, the changes would affect rules governing the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA
Fisheries. One revision would remove language barring consideration of "possible economic or other impacts" when
determining species protections; species decisions would still rely solely on scientific and commercial data, but the
change could open the door to cost analyses. Another would let regulators skip designating critical habitat when a
species faces threats that "cannot be addressed by management actions."
The rules are among several ESA-related changes moving through the Administration, including a separate proposal
(see above) that would redefine the word "harm" in ways that could significantly shrink the law's protective scope.
Environmental groups strongly oppose the proposed changes.

Page 3
Agenda Page 24

EPA Sends Supplemental WOTUS Proposal to OMB Amid Durability Doubts
EPA has sent a supplemental "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) proposal to the White House, just seven months
after unveiling an initial rule officials had called the "final word" on the contentious Clean Water Act (CWA)
standard.
The original November proposal, meant to align WOTUS with the Supreme Court's Sackett decision, required
wetlands and streams to physically touch a larger waterway and hold standing water through a region's "wet season"
to qualify for federal protection. But the undefined “wet season” standard drew broad pushback. Damien Schiff of the
Pacific Legal Foundation warned it could reintroduce the uncertainty Sackett sought to eliminate, since the ruling
recognized only drought and low tides, not months-long seasonal gaps, as exceptions to continuous surface-water
connection.
EPA water chief Jessica Kramer said the agencies remain focused on a "durable definition" consistent with Sackett,
describing the new proposal as a chance to gather more input rather than a reversal. She said last month she was still
weighing whether the wet season standard should survive into the final rule.
The re-proposal likely delays finalization, since new provisions typically require fresh public comment. Reaction on
Capitol Hill remains split along party lines.
DOGE Reaches Its Sunset Date, But Legacy Questions Remain
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) hit its scheduled July 4 expiration this year, though
momentum had faded long before. President Trump's January 2025 order promised a leaner government as a birthday
gift to the nation; instead, DOGE claims $215 billion in savings, a fraction of the promised $2 trillion and a small dent
in the $7 trillion federal budget.
OMB Director Russ Vought said no final report is planned, and the White House hasn't said whether DOGE will
formally dissolve though its budget request sought just $35 million. Critics say DOGE never substantiated its claims.
Still, DOGE's influence lingers: several veterans have moved to the new National Design Studio, and the U.S. DOGE
Service appears likely to continue. But experts doubt the model will be repeated in future administrations.
EPA Declines to Add Microplastics to Tap Water Monitoring Rule
EPA is rejecting calls from Democratic state officials and environmental groups to require tap water monitoring for
microplastics, saying reliable detection methods don't yet exist. In a draft rule, the agency proposed 30 contaminants
for utilities to track under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule including several "forever chemicals" but
left out microplastics, deferring action until testing methods improve. The next rule isn't due until 2031.
The draft rule does add seven ultra-short-chain PFAS compounds along with pesticide- and solvent-related chemicals.
Separately, EPA has proposed adding microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its contaminant candidate list, a
preliminary step toward possible future regulation.
EPA Revisits 'Forever Chemicals' Risk Assessment for Farmland Sludge
EPA has proposed a fresh review of PFAS risks in sewage sludge fertilizer, arguing the Biden Administration's 2025
risk assessment overstated dangers by relying on worst-case scenarios rather than real-world conditions.
At issue are two "forever chemicals," PFOA and PFOS, which survive wastewater treatment and remain in biosolids
spread on farmland. Nearly 60 percent of sludge produced nationwide is eventually applied to land, covering under 1
percent of U.S. farmland, a practice EPA calls critical for treatment plants and farmers alike. The agency's new draft
guidance offers non-binding recommendations for reducing exposure and points to existing federal funding sources,
with a 60-day comment period now open.
The chemicals have caused real harm in Maine, where contaminated farms have dumped milk and removed livestock,
prompting Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) to propose aid for affected farmers. Pingree
called the new guidance insufficient, citing proposed funding cuts and continued approval of PFAS-containing
pesticides.

Page 4
Agenda Page 25

The American Farmland Trust was more supportive, welcoming the move and noting Maine's experience shows
contaminated farms can often return to production with proper support although it also said broader policy changes
are still needed nationally.
As always, it is a pleasure serving the Western Municipal Water District. If this report brings rise to any questions,
please contact Mark Limbaugh at (202) 286-8887 or Christopher Kearney at (202) 549-1583.

Page 5
Agenda Page 26

Agenda Item: 6B
Date: July 28, 2026
TO: THE COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director Laura Roughton, Committee Member
Director Fauzia Rizvi, Committee Member
FROM: Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager

RECEIVE AND FILE A STAFF ANALYSIS OF CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY
BILL 2619
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests the Community and Government Affairs Committee recommend the Board
of Directors:
1. Remain at a “watch” position on Assembly Bill 2619 (Papan), Water Resources:
Data Centers.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
During the June 2026 Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting, staff was
directed to deliver an analysis and position update on Assembly Bill 2619. Staff
recommends that Western Municipal Water District maintain its “watch” position
on Assembly Bill 2619, as the Bill’s direct impact falls primarily on cities and counties
and offers limited identifiable benefit to Western Municipal Water District.
This recommendation is consistent with the Board-adopted Legislative Platform,
which supports engagement in legislation that meaningfully advances the District’s
operational interests, water reliability, fiscal responsibility, and service to customers.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Staff has determined this action has no budget impact.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 27

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6B
July 28, 2026
DETAIL:
Staff recommends that Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) maintain
its “watch” position on Assembly Bill 2619 (AB 2619), as the Bill’s direct
impact falls primarily on cities and counties and offers limited identifiable benefit
to Western Water.
The Bill’s goal of improving transparency around the projected and actual water use
of data centers is generally consistent with Western Water’s interest in prudent water
supply planning, drought preparedness, and the early identification of significant new
demands. However, the measure primarily targets cities and counties through local
permitting and business licensing processes, and its direct effect on Western Water
remains limited and somewhat uncertain. While AB 2619 may provide planning
information that could be useful to water suppliers, Western Water will continue to
monitor the Bill for amendments that could expand water supplier responsibilities,
create administrative or reporting burdens, affect local planning coordination, or
raise concerns related to data management and implementation.
A watch position preserves Western Water’s flexibility while allowing us to engage if
the Bill evolves in a way that materially affects operations or policy
interests. This recommendation is consistent with Western Water’s Board-adopted
Legislative Platform, which supports engagement on legislation that meaningfully
advances Western Water’s operational interests, water reliability, fiscal responsibility,
and service to customers.
REASON FOR ACTION:
A member of the Board of Directors requested more information and a potential
position on AB 2619.
SOLUTION:
Provide direction to staff on the proposed “watch” position on AB 2619.
WESTERN WATER’S ASPIRATION REFERENCE:
This item aligns with Western Water’s Aspiration of Excellence in Service Delivery.
LEGAL COUNSEL REVIEW:
Staff has determined that legal review of this item is not warranted.
PROPOSED DATE OF ACTION:
If approved by the Committee, this item is scheduled for consideration by the full
Board of Directors at their meeting on August 19, 2026, or at a subsequent
meeting, if necessary.
Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 28

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6B
July 28, 2026
Respectfully submitted by:
Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager

Attachment:
1. Analysis of Assembly Bill 2619 (Papan)

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 29

Attachment 1

ANALYSIS: ASSEMBLY BILL 2619 (PAPAN)
WATER RESOURCES: DATA CENTERS
PREPARED FOR THE JULY 28, 2026, COMMUNITY
AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Assembly Bill 2619 (AB 2619) would require data center owners/operators to disclose
water-use information when seeking initial and renewal of business licenses or
permits from a city or county. For initial applications, they must provide a good-faith
estimate of expected water use, anticipated water source, and projected maximum-day,
maximum-month, and average-year use; for renewals, they must report the prior
year’s total water use, direct water use, and cooling system type, under penalty of perjury.
The Bill also directs the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the California
Energy Commission (CEC) to develop, by January 1, 2029, guidelines and best
practices for efficient resource use by data centers, including practices such as closedloop systems, nonpotable water use, and rainwater/stormwater capture. It further
requires state guidance for cities and counties to assess projected water use, waterefficiency measures, and the cumulative water impacts of proposed data centers.
In addition, AB 2619 would explicitly incorporate data center demand into urban water
shortage planning by specifying that current-year unconstrained demand includes data
centers and other large water users. The Bill also states that its city-applicable provisions
address a statewide concern and therefore apply to all cities, including charter cities.

RECOMMENDED POSITION
Staff recommends Western Water uphold its current position of “watch”.

SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION
Support
Entities in support include (as of June 15, 2026):
•

7th Generation Advisors

•

California Coastal Protection Network

Agenda Page 30

•

California Coastkeeper Alliance

•

California Initiative for Technology & Democracy, a Project of California Common
CAUSE

•

Center for Biological Diversity

•

Center for Public Environmental Oversight

•

Clean Water Action

•

Cleanearth4kids.org

•

Community Water Center

•

Fix the World Consulting, LLC

•

Los Angeles Waterkeeper

•

National Resources Defense Council

•

Planning and Conservation League

•

Resource Renewal Institute

•

Restore the Delta

Arguments in favor of the Bill include:
•

Better local planning: Cities, counties, and water suppliers need project-specific
water demand data before approving or renewing facilities

•

Improved drought and shortage planning: Including data center demand in annual
supply and shortage planning will improve reliability analysis and contingency
planning; Santa Clara Valley Water District specifically argued the Bill would
improve water planning by ensuring data center demand is accounted for in annual
assessments and shortage plans

•

Resource efficiency: State-developed best practices could push greater use of
nonpotable water, closed-loop systems, and other conservation-oriented designs

•

Public accountability for fast-growing infrastructure: Because AI growth is
increasing demand for data centers, supporters contend public agencies need
more transparency before that growth outpaces local resource planning – This is
an inference supported by the Bill analysis and related legislative context

Agenda Page 31

2

Opposition
Entities in opposition include (as of June 15, 2026):
•

Associated General Contractors, California Chapters

•

Bay Area Council

•

Building Owners and Managers Association of California

•

Calbroadband

•

Calasian Chamber of Commerce

•

California African American Chamber of Commerce

•

California Business Properties Association

•

California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC)

•

California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA)

•

CTIA - the Wireless Association

•

Data Center Coalition

•

NAIOP California (Commercial Real Estate Development Association)

•

Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG)

•

Techca

•

Technet

•

United States Telecom Association Dba Ustelecom - the Broadband Association

•

Ustelecom- the Broadband Association

Arguments against the Bill include:
•

Competition/trade secret concerns: Water-use and sourcing disclosures may
reveal meaningful information about workloads or operations

•

Privacy and security concerns: Data centers are critical infrastructure, and
opponents argue that detailed reporting could create cybersecurity or physical
security vulnerabilities

•

Sector-specific treatment: The Data Center Coalition argues that data centers are
being singled out rather than treated as one of many industrial/commercial water
users

•

Regulatory burden/business climate: Opponents suggest California may be
layering rigid reporting obligations onto a sector central to AI and digital
infrastructure growth

Agenda Page 32

3

•

Existing voluntary efforts: Opponents contend operators are already pursuing
responsible water practices and collaborating on restoration/reclamation efforts
without this mandate

IMPACT TO WESTERN WATER
If a data center were proposed in Western Water’s service area, Western Water could be
directly affected in at least three ways:
1. Western Water could receive project water-use disclosures.
 Before a data center applies to a city or county, the operator would have to provide
its water supplier with a good-faith estimate of expected water use, anticipated
water source, and projected maximum-day, maximum-month, and average-year
demand; If Western Water were the supplier, Western Water would receive that
information directly
2. Western Water may need to account for data center demand in planning.
 The Bill analysis indicates AB 2619 requires urban water suppliers to consider data
center demand in water planning; That is important for an agency like Western
Water because the Bill is not only about permit applications, but it also ties data
center demand into broader water management and shortage-planning
frameworks
3. Western Water could be indirectly involved in the local entitlement review.
 Even though cities and counties would handle licenses and permits, a city or
county would likely look to the serving water agency for supply, demand, and
infrastructure context; In practice, that could mean more coordination requests,
service verification questions, or comments on projected demand profiles, which
could add to Western Water staff time costs – this is an inference based on how
the Bill is structured around city/county approvals plus supplier disclosure

Agenda Page 33

4

RATIONALE FOR BILL POSITION
Currently, Western Water staff is recommending upholding the “watch” position on AB
2619.
The Bill’s objective of improving transparency around projected and actual water use
associated with data centers is generally consistent with Western Water’s interest in
prudent water supply planning, drought preparedness, and early identification of large
new demands. At the same time, the measure primarily targets cities and counties
through local permitting and business license processes, and its direct impact on Western
Water remains limited and somewhat uncertain. While AB 2619 could provide useful
planning information to water suppliers, Western Water will continue to monitor the Bill
for any amendments that expand water supplier responsibilities, create administrative or
reporting burdens, affect local planning coordination, or raise concerns regarding data
handling and implementation. A watch position preserves Western Water’s flexibility while
allowing us to engage if the Bill evolves in a way that materially affects operations or
policy interests.
While the Bill may be interpreted to fall under the Western Water State Legislative Priority
of “Support local control for planning, management, and use of water supplies to address
local needs and contribute to long-term sustainability”, given the analysis above, staff
believes that unless the Bill becomes more directly applicable to water agencies, a
“watch” position is the appropriate position to take at this time.

LINK TO BILL TEXT AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2619.

Agenda Page 34

5

Agenda Item: 6C
Date: July 28, 2026
TO: THE COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director Laura Roughton, Committee Member
Director Fauzia Rizvi, Committee Member
FROM: Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager

ADOPT A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
WATER AGENCIES’ VISION FOR OUR WATER FUTURE
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests the Community and Government Affairs Committee recommend the Board
of Directors:
1. Adopt Resolution 3395 supporting the Association of California Water Agencies’
Vision for our Water Future.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Association of California Water Agencies launched the “Vision for our Water Future”
initiative in April of 2026 to align and elevate water priorities for the incoming
Gubernatorial Administration. Those priorities include: 1) Elevating water as foundational
to everything California does, 2) Ensuring safe and reliable water remains affordable, 3)
Strengthening and modernizing California water infrastructure and 4) Modernizing water
management. The association has asked members to officially adopt support for the
“Vision for our Water Future” initiative.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Staff has determined this action has no budget impact.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 35

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6C
July 28, 2026
DETAIL:
In April 2026, the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) launched its Vision
for Our Water Future (Vision), a member-driven initiative to identify statewide water
priorities to inform engagement with California’s next Gubernatorial Administration. The
Vision’s priorities are a set of recommendations for the next governor, emphasizing the
importance of strong leadership, sustainable investment, and coordinated action across
all levels of government to secure California’s water future.
The four priorities outlined in ACWA’s Vision are:
1. Lead on water and elevate water as foundational to California’s economy,
agriculture, communities, environment, and climate resilience through sustained
leadership and coordinated state action;
2. Ensure safe and reliable water remains affordable through sustained and
predictable funding partnerships and streamlined investment delivery;
3. Strengthen and modernize California’s water infrastructure, including both built
and natural systems, to improve reliability and resilience; and
4. Modernize water management by improving regulatory, operational, and scientific
frameworks to enable efficient project delivery and adaptive water management.
ACWA’s Vision priorities closely align with Western Municipal Water District’s (Western
Water) Legislative Platform and 2036 Aspirations.
In addition to requesting support from members, ACWA has launched subcommittees to
develop actionable steps towards achieving each priority. Western Water is represented
on each committee and is actively working to ensure our region and our customers' needs
are reflected in outcomes.
REASON FOR ACTION:
ACWA has requested that members adopt resolutions in support of its initiative.
SOLUTION:
Adopt Resolution 3395.
WESTERN WATER’S ASPIRATION REFERENCE:
This item aligns with Western Water’s Aspiration of Excellence in Industry Leadership.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 36

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6C
July 28, 2026
LEGAL COUNSEL REVIEW:
Staff has determined that legal review of this item is not warranted.
PROPOSED DATE OF ACTION:
If approved by the Committee, this item is scheduled for consideration by the full Board
of Directors at their meeting on August 19, 2026, or at a subsequent meeting, if
necessary.
Respectfully submitted by:
Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager
Attachments:
1. ACWA’s Vision for our Water Future Presentation
2. Resolution 3395

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 37

Attachment 1

Western Municipal Water District
Agenda Page 38

What is Vision for
Our Water Future?

The Vision For
Our Water
Future is a
framework to
advance
unified
priorities
Agenda Page 39

Why it Matters / Key Priorities

•Aging infrastructure
•Climate-driven extremes (floods and droughts)
•Growing demands on water systems
•Need for coordinated statewide action

Agenda Page 40

Growing Statewide Support

 Adopt the Board Resolution

Agenda Page 41

Q&A
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Michael Cervantes
Senior Regional Affairs Representative
ACWA
[email protected]

Agenda Page 42

ATTACHMENT 2
RESOLUTION 3395
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF WESTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT OF
RIVERSIDE
COUNTY
SUPPORTING
THE
ASSOCIATION
OF
CALIFORNIA
WATER
AGENCIES’ VISION FOR OUR WATER FUTURE
WHEREAS, in April 2026, the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)
launched Vision for Our Water Future (Vision), a member-driven initiative to identify
statewide water priorities to inform engagement with California’s next Gubernatorial
Administration; and
WHEREAS, the Vision’s priorities are a set of recommendations for the next
governor, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership, sustainable investment and
coordinated action across all levels of government to secure California’s water future; and
WHEREAS, the first priority is to lead on water and elevate water as foundational
to California’s economy, agriculture, communities, environment and climate resilience
through sustained leadership and coordinated state action; and
WHEREAS, the second priority is to ensure safe and reliable water remains
affordable through sustained and predictable funding partnerships and streamlined
investment delivery; and
WHEREAS, the third priority is to strengthen and modernize California’s water
infrastructure, including both built and natural systems, to improve reliability and
resilience; and
WHEREAS, the fourth priority is to modernize water management by improving
California’s regulatory and operational systems so water projects can move forward
reliably and efficiently, infrastructure can be operated more flexibly, and agencies can
respond more rapidly to changing conditions; and
WHEREAS, local water agencies like Western Municipal Water District play a
critical role in delivering safe and reliable water supplies and are essential partners in
implementing statewide solutions; and

Agenda Page 43

-2-

R-3395

WHEREAS, supporting the Vision recommendations demonstrates a unified
commitment to collaborative, science-based and practical policies that advance a secure
and resilient water future for California’s communities, farms, economy and environment;
and
WHEREAS, the priorities identified in ACWA’s Vision align closely with Western
Water’s overall legislative platform, and will be important not just to Western Water but to
the customers we serve as we plan for a water future that will need significant reforms,
investments, and meeting ambitious statewide water supply targets; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Western Municipal Water District
of Riverside County hereby expresses support for ACWA’s Vision for Our Water Future
recommendations and affirms its commitment to working collaboratively to advance
reliable, affordable, and resilient water supplies.
ADOPTED, this 19th day of August, 2026.

_____________________________________
LAURA ROUGHTON
President

August 19, 2026
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of Resolution 3395
adopted by the Board of Directors of Western Municipal Water District of Riverside County
at its regular meeting held August 19, 2026.

_____________________________________
BRENDA DENNSTEDT
Secretary-Treasurer

Agenda Page 44

Agenda Item: 6D
Date: July 28, 2026
TO: THE COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director Laura Roughton, Committee Member
Director Fauzia Rizvi, Committee Member
FROM: Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager

AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
WITH E SOURCE COMPANIES FOR REGIONAL WATER LOSS TECHNICAL
SUPPORT SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests the Community and Government Affairs Committee recommend the Board
of Directors:
1. Authorize the General Manager to execute a professional services contract with
E Source Companies for regional water loss technical support services for Western
Municipal Water District and its retail agencies for an amount not to exceed
$500,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Western Municipal Water District engages in and provides technical support services to
the retail agencies within its general service area to support compliance with the
objectives of the State Water Resources Control Board’s Making Conservation a
California Way of Life regulation and the requirements of Senate Bill 555 related to water
loss reporting and management. These State mandates established a framework to
improve water use efficiency and require urban retail water suppliers to complete and
submit validated annual water loss audits. If approved, E Source Companies will assist
local agencies with water loss audit preparation, data analysis, regulatory reporting, and
compliance efforts necessary to support State-required water conservation and water loss
management objectives.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 45

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6D
July 28, 2026
BUDGET IMPACT:
The cost of the proposed action is included in the Board-adopted Biennial Budget for
Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028 for the Customer Efficiency Program under the Water
Conservation Reserve (RES09) of the Wholesale Water Operating Fund 44. Of the total
project cost, $378,000 will be funded by regional property taxes used to benefit wholesale
activities, and $122,000 will be reimbursed through the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California Member Agency Administered Program (MAAP), a funding program
that provides financial assistance to member agencies for eligible water conservation and
water use efficiency projects, or by the retail agencies receiving the services if MAAP
funding is unavailable or ineligible.
DETAIL:
Effective July 3, 2024, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the Making
Conservation a California Way of Life regulation. This regulation aligns with Water Code
section 10608.34, mandating urban retail water suppliers account for water loss in their
annual water budgets and conduct annual water loss audits. The regulation aims to
enhance water conservation efforts across California.
Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) has identified an ongoing need among
the retail agencies with the general service area for administrative and technical support
related to water loss management and regulatory compliance efforts. Over the past two
years, Western Water has worked collaboratively with the retail agencies and technical
support consultants to implement a regional program focused on water loss audit
preparation, technical assistance, regulatory reporting support, and agency-specific
compliance planning. Through this collaborative effort, participating agencies have
worked to assess current practices, identify compliance needs, improve water loss
management processes, and develop agency-specific action plans to support State
regulatory requirements with economies of scale pricing through this master services
agreement.
Western Water conducted a formal competitive solicitation process through PlanetBids
and received one responsive bid from E Source Companies LLC (E Source). The limited
response is consistent with the highly specialized nature of the requested services, which
require technical expertise in water loss evaluation, retail agency coordination, data
review, and development of agency-specific implementation strategies. During the
previous contract period, E Source completed substantial preliminary work with Western
Water and participating retail agencies to assess individual agency needs and identify
targeted technical support tasks that would provide the greatest value to each agency.
This existing familiarity with Western Water’s wholesale service area, retail member

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 46

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6D
July 28, 2026
agency needs, and program objectives positions E Source to continue the work efficiently
and provide program continuity.
E Source will offer the following support and technical assistance to each participating
agency:
•

Comprehensive Water Loss Audits: Using advanced methodologies and
technologies to identify inefficiencies and potential leaks within water distribution
systems.

•

Data Analytics and Reporting Tools: Providing robust tools designed for
regulatory compliance and actionable insights to enhance water conservation
efforts.

•

Implementation of Best Practices for Water Management: Guiding agencies in
reducing water loss, optimizing system performance, and improving overall water
use efficiency.

•

Training and Capacity Building: Offering comprehensive training programs to
equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills for regulatory compliance and
improved water conservation practices.

Agency

Cost of
Services

MWD MAAP
Funding

Western Water
Wholesale Water
(Fund 44)

City of Corona
City of Norco
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Jurupa Community Services District
Rancho California Water District
Rubidoux Community Services District
Riverside Public Utilities
Temescal Valley Water District
Western Water (Retail)
Overall

$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$100,000
$500,000

$12,200
$12,200
$12,200
$12,200
$12,200
$12,200
$12,200
$12,200
$24,400
$122,000

$37,800
$37,800
$37,800
$37,800
$37,800
$37,800
$37,800
$37,800
$75,600
$378,000

A contract with E Source Companies will allow Western Water and regional retail
agencies to remain well-positioned to mitigate unbilled water loss and comply with the
new regulations, while we continue building upon the work completed to date by providing
ongoing technical expertise and support, further strengthening regional water loss

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 47

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6D
July 28, 2026
management practices, supporting regulatory compliance efforts, and advancing longterm water conservation objectives.
REASON FOR ACTION:
This action addresses the ongoing complexity of State water efficiency and water loss
requirements and the resource constraints faced by participating retail member agencies.
By continuing the regional support framework established over the past two years,
Western Water can leverage economies of scale and provide coordinated technical
assistance to support regulatory compliance, improve water loss management practices,
and advance long-term water conservation objectives.
SOLUTION:
Authorize the General Manager to execute a professional services contract with E Source
Companies for regional water loss technical support services for Western Water and its
retail agencies, not to exceed $500,000 over a two-year contract period.
WESTERN WATER’S ASPIRATION REFERENCE:
The action is in alignment with Western Water’s Aspirations of Excellence in Service and
Resource Management.
LEGAL COUNSEL REVIEW:
Staff has determined that legal review of this item is not warranted.
PROPOSED DATE OF ACTION:
If approved by the Committee, this item is scheduled for consideration by the full Board
of Directors at their meeting on August 19, 2026, or at a subsequent meeting, if
necessary.
Respectfully submitted by:
Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager
Attachment:
1. E Source Companies LLC Proposal

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 48

Attachment 1

Exhibit A
FY 2026-2027 – Water Loss Control Technical Assistance Task
Descriptions
TASK 1

PROJECT ADMINISTRATION

Project Administration: (Required unless only electing Task 2: Level 1 Validation):
● Communication
● Systems of data collection and management
● Invoicing
$2,200

TASK 2

Task 1: Project administration

WATER AUDIT LEVEL 1 VALIDATION

Task 2: Water Audit Level 1 Validation:
E Source will conduct level one validation for each of the participating agencies’ water audits. For each agency, the
level 1 validation process will entail:
•
•
•

Data transfer: E Source will request the water audit and supporting documentation necessary for level 1
validation from each agency.
Validation session: E Source will schedule and lead an interview with appropriate staff to confirm the inputs
and Data Validity Grades provided in the water audit.
Documentation: E Source will furnish all necessary documentation for compliance with the requirements set
forth by the Department of Water Resources, Title 23 CCR § 700.3.

$3,000

Task 2: Water Audit Level 1 Validation

3

Agenda Page 49

TASK 3

WATER AUDIT REVIEW

Task 3: Water Audit Review:
Summary
A review of baseline period (2017-2020) water audits and supporting documents previously validated and submitted to
the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
The SWRCB used 2017-2020 water audits to establish baseline metrics that feed into the SWRCB water loss model.
The water loss model determines a system-specific volumetric real loss target that each agency must meet by 2028.
Establishing an accurate baseline will ensure that water loss standards are appropriately calculated, and decisions
related to leakage reduction strategies are appropriately informed.
E Source Will:
• Schedule and facilitate kick-off meeting to discuss previous water audits.
• Collect, review, and summarize historic water audits and supporting documents (2017-2020).
• Review water audit input calculation methodology for potential improvements (where possible).
• Document potential improvements in a technical memo.
What is required of participating agency?
• Meeting(s) to discuss historical water audit compilation methods and relevant water audit data sources.
• Baseline period water audit files and supporting documentation.
Deliverable
Technical memo documenting potential improvements.
Outcome/Benefits
Documentation of audit preparation practices for each water audit input that identifies potential improvements.
Next Steps
Depending on the findings of the audit review, participating agencies may elect to change audit preparation practices
for future audits. Additionally, participating agencies may elect to resubmit validated water audits for the baseline
period (2017-2020).
$11,260

Task 3: Water Audit Review

4

Agenda Page 50

TASK 4

WATER AUDIT COMPILATION

Task 4: Water Audit Compilation:
Summary
A compilation of a water audit in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Free Water Audit Software and the
development of a supporting documents template.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
To assist with identifying and documenting the data sources and methodologies to calculate water audit inputs for
consistent and accurate water audits. Assess the volume and financial value of water loss. To meet state
requirements in locations where water audit preparation and submittal is required.
E Source Will
• Coordinate conference calls to learn about the system and identify unique considerations for compiling a
water audit of that system.
• Request raw data to derive water audit inputs.
• Derive water audit inputs in a standardized format that meets the requirements for level-1 water audit
validation.
• Complete the draft water audit for review with utility staff.
• Present results, including highlighting key performance indicators and their interpretation, in addition to
identifying remaining sources of uncertainty.
What is required of participating agency?
• Participation in introductory conference calls with E Source staff to understand system characteristics and
potential water audit input data sources.
• Provision of raw data for E Source to derive water audit inputs.
• Attendance at final presentations of audit input derivations and results.
Deliverables
• A spreadsheet containing the necessary documentation for level-1 validation, along with the detailed
derivation of each audit input based on the utility's data.
• A completed AWWA water audit in version 6.
Outcome/Benefits
Expert preparation of a water audit providing insight into the volume and financial value of water loss.
Water audit supporting documents template that can be used by participating agency to prepare future water audits in
a consistent and thorough manner.
$15,400

Task 4: Water Audit Compilation

5

Agenda Page 51

TASK 5

SOURCE METER VOLUMETRIC ACCURACY TESTING

Task 5: Source Meter Volumetric Accuracy Testing:
Summary
The design and implementation of a volumetric source meter accuracy test.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
To better understand the accuracy of source meters and to reduce the uncertainty of water supplied volumes in the
water audit. (A Source Meter Test Assessment and Procedure Development may be a more appropriate task to get
started. Contact E Source if interested.)
E Source Will
• Draft a test design.
• Conduct a volumetric accuracy test with participating agency's staff.
• Complete a data chain assessment, if relevant.
• Analyze test results.
• Document test procedure for future meter accuracy investigation.
What is required of participating agency?
• Prepare sites for testing which may include installing taps for insertion meters or testing valves to ensure they
seal completely, for example.
• Provide documents and data to help E Source plan testing methods before getting on-site.
• Support E Source staff on-site to complete the testing. This might involve operating valves or pump stations
and often requires detailed knowledge of how the site can be operated or even reconfigured.
Deliverable
A comprehensive report describing the test results and methods in addition to remaining sources of uncertainty.
Outcome/Benefits
A better understanding of source meter accuracy and improved water audit results.
$10,400
per meter

Task 5: Source Meter Volumetric Accuracy Testing, cost per meter tested (if testing multiple meters, discuss
pricing with E Source)

6

Agenda Page 52

TASK 6

BILLING DATA ANALYSIS

Task 6: Billing Data Analysis:
Summary
Evaluation and documentation of people, processes, hardware, and software that are used to collect, QC, report, and
bill water consumption. This analysis is focused on ensuring consumption values are consistently recorded and
archived and can be accessed through regular and repeated data queries.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
In water loss management, calculating an accurate volume of authorized consumption and identifying apparent losses
through investigation of billing data is an important task to improve the estimates of water loss volumes. Third-party
review of consumption and billing records is considered an industry best practice to ensure that a utility is eliminating
sources of error in the data chain of custody.
E Source Will
• Map the Meter Reading Data Collection Process: E Source will facilitate a conference call with agency staff
with a goal to review how customer meter readings are collected and recorded, focusing on any recent
changes.
• Request Relevant Data: After understanding the meter read to billing process, and reviewing any available
and relevant data schemas, E Source will generate a data analytical plan and formulate a data request to
support the analysis.
• Complete Raw Database Table Integrity Analyses: E Source will complete a suite of raw database table
analyses to identify internal inconsistencies that may affect accurate billing for water use or water loss
analysis. Analyses, where appropriate, may consist of the following: duplicate records, negative use,
suspiciously large readings, investigation of totalizer errors, completeness of records, prevalence of
potentially stuck meters, inaccurate meter sizing, and prorating to better align consumption with production.
• Report on findings: E Source will report on the results of all analyses completed including recommendations
to modify data and/or data collection practices as needed.
What is required of participating agency?
• Collaboration with relevant stakeholders during the scoping and project kickoff process.
• Identification of key stakeholders in the meter read to billing process and attendance at a 2-hour discovery
meeting to kick off the project effort.
• Multi-year export of raw billing data and data schemas (where available).
• Interim review and/or meetings to discuss data anomalies or to provide clarification of processes.
Deliverables
• Meter Read to Billing Graphic - depicting the people and processes involved for a meter reading to become a
bill.
• Final Report and PDF Slide Deck documenting key findings and recommendations for data query, collection,
and/or archiving improvements.
Outcome/Benefits
Graphical assets outlining the meter read to billing process can be used to clarify processes and support training of
new employees. Third-party review/audit of billing records to ensure accurate and reliable consumption and billing
records. Detailed investigation into anomalies in consumption data that may lead to improvements in data reporting
accuracies.
Next Steps
Depending on findings, agencies may benefit from updating practices and policies to ensure that water consumption
records are more accurately recorded and archived. Additionally, updates to data queries may be required to ensure
reliable and repeatable consumption queries can be made.
$ Varies,
Discuss
with E
Source

Task 6: Billing Data Analysis, cost depends on complexity of analysis and additional items or questions the utility
would like to investigate. (approx. $28,780)

7

Agenda Page 53

TASK 7

FIELD PRESSURE SURVEY

Task 7: Field Pressure Survey:
Summary
Strategic deployment of pressure loggers to evaluate opportunities for pressure optimization. Common goals guiding
pressure survey design include evaluating: the expected function of pressure regulating infrastructure like pressure
regulating valves, the presence and severity of pressure transients, opportunities for pressure increase or reduction,
opportunities to reduce excessive pressure variability through time, the overall system average pressure for other
modeling efforts.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
One potential strategy for proactively managing water losses and extending infrastructure life is to optimize the
management of system pressures. Before changing system pressures and operational practices, a utility must
thoroughly analyze existing pressure dynamics to:
• Identify and mitigate pressure transients. Pressure transients are devastating in part because of how fast they
occur – near instantaneous changes in pressure can weaken infrastructure and cause leaks.
• Confirm the expected function of existing pressure regulating valves.
• Identify opportunities to reduce pressure. Unnecessarily high system pressures increase failure frequency and
increase the flow rates of existing leaks.
• Identify areas that require additional pressure. Some areas might be exposed to critically low pressures that
cannot maintain minimum service requirements.
• Potentially better understand system average pressures for the AWWA water audit.
E Source Will
• Review system configuration using available spatial data and on conference calls with utility staff. The review
will focus on pressure regulating infrastructure such as reservoirs, pump stations, and pressure regulating
valves.
• Design the pressure survey by selecting locations to deploy pressure loggers. The number of sites selected
will determine how many rounds of logger deployment are required.
• Execute the pressure survey to collect data by deploying sets of data loggers.
• Analyze pressure data to explore opportunities for transient mitigation or pressure optimization.
• Summarize all findings and recommendations in a comprehensive report.
What is required of participating agency?
• Share detailed information about how the pressure regulating infrastructure in the system is expected to
function. For example, clear descriptions of how pump stations, reservoirs, and pressure regulating stations
interact to maintain pressures in each zone will be necessary.
• Provide transportation to E Source staff and help installing pressure loggers on system infrastructure by
operating hydrants or valves as needed.
Deliverable
A detailed report summarizing all results and recommendations from the pressure survey and subsequent analysis.
Depending on the logging locations selected, the report may include assessments of PRV function, identification of
pressure transients, estimation of system average pressure, and areas where it may be possible to strategically
increase or decrease pressure.
$ Varies,
Discuss
with E
Source

Task 7: Field Pressure Survey, cost depends on extent of pressure logging and analysis.

8

Agenda Page 54

TASK 8

COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF REAL LOSSES

Task 8: Component Analysis of Real Losses:
Summary
Industry standard analysis to break down the rate of real loss into more meaningful categories that can inform a more
efficient allocation of resources towards loss recovery.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
A real loss component analysis (RLCA) aims to summarize the rate of leakage quantified through an AWWA water
audit in meaningful categories (components) that help identify optimum strategies to reduce loss. The financial value
of recovered water can be balanced with the cost of recovery to highlight opportunities for leakage management.
E Source Will
• Review current leakage management strategies on conference calls with utility staff to understand what data
may be available and with an eye towards refinement opportunities.
• Request & analyze relevant data sources to model the components of real loss and derive selected model
inputs relevant to customize the SWRCB performance target model.
• Estimate the potential to recover each component of loss to identify optimum real loss management strategies
by balancing the cost of recovery with the value of savings.
What is required of participating agency?
• Participation in conference calls to help E Source appreciate past loss recovery efforts and data source that
might be used to inform the real loss component analysis.
• Provision of data sets for E Source to analyze and derive modeling inputs.
Deliverables
Final reports with recommendations for future loss recovery and data management activities in addition to stand-alone
documentation to submit directly to the SWRCB to substantiate changes to the real loss performance target.
Outcome/Benefits
• Develop Recommendations for Initial Cost-Effective Loss Recovery Efforts: E Source will help evaluate the
current business case for real loss recovery by highlighting activities that are most likely to save water and
money while simultaneously addressing regulatory requirements.
• Provide Recommendations for Data Collection and Management Improvements: By working directly with
available utility data, such as asset inventories and leak repair records, E Source will be well positioned to
provide recommendations to improve data collection and management practices to support future water loss
analysis and state reporting requirements.
• Derive Custom Inputs for the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Real Loss
Performance Target Model: E Source will derive modeling parameters for the RLCA that can also be used to
customize inputs in the SWRCB performance target model since both approaches use the same fundamental
concepts.
$ Varies,
Discuss
with E
Source

Task 8: Component Analysis of Real Losses, cost depends on quality and detail of repair records available (approx
$22,500)

9

Agenda Page 55

TASK 9

CUSTOMER METER TESTING DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

Task 9: Customer Meter Testing Design and Analysis:
Summary
Through consultation with utility staff, E Source will determine the priority motivations for meter accuracy testing and
analysis, develop a statistically robust sampling strategy, analyze test results, and document potential management
activities that can be employed to reduce apparent losses, inform meter replacement schedules, and document
potential return on investment for different intervention strategies.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
Customer metering inaccuracies is usually the largest contributor to apparent losses. Any under- or over-estimation of
customer metering inaccuracies will result in inaccurate billing of customers. Additionally, an inaccurate estimate of
apparent losses will result in an inaccurate estimate of real losses (physical leakage), as real losses are estimated by
subtracting apparent losses from total water losses. Customer meter testing and analysis is an important practice to
better understand meter performance. With a greater understanding of meter accuracies, utilities can develop meter
replacement strategies, evaluate ROI for metering upgrades, more accurately estimate apparent losses and physical
leakage, and develop a more informed leakage recovery strategy.
E Source Will
• Work with the agency to determine the appropriate sample and customer meter demographic to test (large,
small, or both).
• Design a testing plan to meet the individual goals of the agency - prioritizing testing samples to ensure a
robust and statistically relevant sample is chosen to answer the utility specific goals.
• Select a random representative sample of small customer meters and/or advise on a schedule to test the
large customer meters based on the desired outcomes of the utilities testing goals.
• Analyze the test results (it is up to the utility to either test themselves or work with a third-party vendor to test
meters). Present the results in a final memo and presentation.
What is required of participating agency?
For Large Meter Testing Plans: Annual consumption for all large customer meters (3" and above) and utility specific
economic values such as customer retail unit charge, cost of volumetric testing, and cost of repair/replacement of
failing meters - where applicable and available.
For Small Meter Testing Plans and Analysis: Annual consumption for all small meters and meter make, model, and
year of install information (if available).
Deliverables
• Final report with meter testing recommendations and applicable actions based on any test results analyzed.
• Meeting to discuss results and determine next steps.
Outcome/Benefits
Each utility is unique in their customer meter make up. Through a Customer Meter Testing Design and Analysis, we
will customize meter testing programs and analyze results from the testing campaigns and make recommendations on
how best to utilize the insight gained. By using data driven analysis, the recommendations can be used to better
inform water audit inputs and prioritize meters for replacement.
Next Steps
After a test plan is devised, it is up to the utility to test (or work with a third party to test) the meters and report the
results back to E Source for further analysis.
$5,180
$10,210
$5,180
$8,250

Task 9a: Small Customer Meter Test Design
Task 9b: Small Customer Meter Test Analysis
Task 9c: Large Customer Meter Test Design
Task 9d: Large Customer Meter Test Analysis

10

Agenda Page 56

TASK 10

LEAK SIMULATION MODEL

Task 10: Leak Simulation Model:
Summary
Leak simulation uses modeling techniques to evaluate optimal leakage control strategies under varying assumptions
for water distribution systems.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
To gain insight into three core elements of leakage management:
1. Estimate impact on loss rates
2. Anticipate level of effort
3. Evaluate cost effectiveness
E Source Will
• Lead discovery & modeling goals development conference calls so that E Source and the participating agency
are aligned on expected outcomes and methods.
• Intake data and complete exploratory analysis to understand the source material for simulation model
calibration.
• Calibrate the simulation model including assessing the probability of leak occurrence throughout the system.
• Run strategic experiments in the simulation model to answer key questions that will in turn help inform an
efficient loss management strategy.
• Analyze and summarize simulation model run outcome measures to guide the strategy selected for
implementation.
• Report on all findings and results including the estimated impact on system-wide loss rates, the anticipated
level of effort, and the cost effectiveness of various loss management programs.
What is required of participating agency?
• Participation in planning calls and discussions to understand the simulation model and its capabilities.
• Provide raw data that E Source may use to calibrate the simulation model – these data can include system
GIS data, leak repair records, and any data related to the accuracy of past leakage management strategies, if
available.
Deliverable
• For each intervention strategy assessed, estimates of the impact on system-wide loss rates, the anticipated
level of effort required, and cost-effectiveness.
• Recommended suite of real loss management strategies to effectively balance the cost of the loss,
resource management constraints, and the cost of loss management efforts.
• A comprehensive report detailing all findings and summarizing key outcome measures from model runs.
$ Varies,
Discuss
with E
Source

Task 10: Leak Simulation Model

11

Agenda Page 57

TASK 11

COMPREHENSIVE LEAK DETECTION - SURVEY

Task 11: Comprehensive Leak Detection - Survey:
Summary
A leak detection survey is a field investigation in which a technician, or group of technicians, uses specialized acoustic
equipment to listen to water infrastructure assets throughout the distribution system with a goal to identify and locate
subsurface leaks.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
All water distribution systems experience sub-surface leaking. Proactive surveying aids in early identification of leaks
and can reduce overall water loss and may potentially prevent larger, more disruptive leaks from forming over time.
Additionally, the State Water Resource Control Board's water loss performance targets are based, in part, on this
proactive leakage recovery method. Results from leak detection efforts can be used to demonstrate active
engagement in water loss intervention strategies and may be used to justify adjustments to leakage reduction
requirements when applicable.
E Source Will
• Schedule and facilitate both a preplanning meeting and an in-person kickoff to ensure that utility staff and the
leak detection team are aligned on priorities, communication strategies, and field safety protocols.
• Experienced leak detections will deploy on site and using acoustic leak sounding devices the team will survey
all available and accessible water distribution appurtenances (valves, meters, hydrants, etc.).
• Suspected leaks will be verified using secondary listening devices and locators and confirmed leaks will be
marked for utility excavation as necessary. All suspected leaks will be thoroughly documented and reported to
the utility on a schedule and cadence predetermined during the planning meetings.
• Upon completion of the survey effort, E Source will document all final findings in a report and hold a closeout
meeting with the utility to review the findings of the survey and discuss next steps
What is required of participating agency?
• At least two meetings will be required; (1) a preplanning meeting (virtual), and (2) an in-person kickoff meeting
to establish communication protocols and any special survey considerations.
• GIS layer or PDF map of all utility assets to be surveyed (meters, valves, hydrants, etc.).
• Support from O&M staff to turn valves and access assets behind locked gates or on private property (only as
requested and directed by the utility).
Deliverables
• Reports - weekly leak reports as well as a final report documenting the results of the survey effort and
outlining potential cost savings and next steps.
• GIS Layer - layer indicating the suspected leaks along with attributes about each leak.
• Close Out Meeting - to discuss the survey findings and review next steps.
Outcome/Benefits
Proactive surveying aids in early identification of leaks and can reduce overall water loss and may potentially prevent
larger, more disruptive leaks from forming over time. Additionally, the State Water Resource Control Board's water
loss performance targets are based, in part, on this proactive leakage recovery method. Results from leak detection
efforts can be used to demonstrate active engagement in water loss intervention strategies and may be used to justify
adjustments to leakage reduction requirements when applicable.
Next Steps
The utility is responsible for repairing all discovered leaks and documenting the final outcome of all leak investigations
in the SWRCB Leak Registry.

12

Agenda Page 58

Task 11: Comprehensive Leak Detection – Survey, cost depends on survey mileage
$ Varies,
Discuss
with E
Source

Leak Detection Survey Rates
Mileage Surveyed

$/mile

Mile 1 through Mile 50

TBD

Mile 51 through Mile 100

700

Miles 101 +

650

13

Agenda Page 59

TASK 12

SWRCB Water Loss Parameter Adjustment

Task 12: SWRCB Water Loss Parameter Adjustment:
Summary
Evaluation of agency collected data to update real loss standard by applying for system-specific parameter values in
the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) water loss model.
Why Should an Agency Select this Task?
Beginning in 2028, all California Urban Retail Water Suppliers (URWS's) will be required to comply with adopted water
loss performance standards. One component of the standards is a volumetric real loss target. The real loss target was
calculated for each unique public water system using the SWRCB water loss model. This model assumed a variety of
default parameters for all system in California. Some of these default parameters are extremely conservative, setting
unrealistically low targets for may systems. System-specific parameter adjustments allow agencies to provide
parameter values that better reflect their distribution system, resulting in more realistic and achievable real loss
standards.
E Source Will
• Request and compile relevant data (e.g., leak repair documentation, leak detection results, financial data,
infrastructure data, etc.)
• Review data collected to identify what custom inputs may be calculated
• Calculate custom parameter values, when the minimum data threshold is met for a parameter
• Evaluate the custom inputs impacts on the real loss standard
• Compile supporting documents for parameter adjustment application
• Assist with creating a memorandum to the SWRCB, requesting parameter adjustment
What is required of participating agency?
• Provide data requested, where available
• Attend and participate in discovery and final review call
• Review and provide input on parameter adjustments and SWRCB memo
• Send parameter adjustment request and supporting documents to SWRCB (and follow-up, if necessary)
Deliverables
• Memorandum requesting parameter adjustments to the SWRCB
• Supporting documents for parameter adjustment request
• Draft email language for request submittal
Outcome/Benefits
If parameter assessment recommends submitting parameter adjustments and they are approved by the SWRCB,
agency will increase their real loss standard, making compliance with the water loss regulation more realistic and
achievable.
Next Steps
• Submit parameter adjustment request to SWRCB
• Begin planning for compliance with updated real loss standard
$15,700

Task 12: SWRCB Water Loss Parameter Adjustment

14

Agenda Page 60

TASK 13

MISCELLANEOUS WATER LOSS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Task 13: Miscellaneous Water Loss Technical Assistance:
For tasks not covered in Tasks 1-12, provide agency technical assistance for water loss analysis and/or compliance
with California regulations.
Example tasks include: Water Loss Gap Assessment, Water Loss Timeline Development, Educational Workshops,
and Team Building
E Source and partner agency will:
● Assess level of support and associated costs through consultation with E Source
● E Source to provide cost proposal before proceeding
● Cost proposal shall be developed in accordance with hourly rates in the E Source Regional Water Loss Control
Program contract with Western Water
$ Varies,
Discuss
Task 13: Miscellaneous Water Loss Technical Assistance
with E
Source

15

Agenda Page 61

Agenda Item: 6E
Date: July 28, 2026
TO: THE COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director Laura Roughton, Committee Member
Director Fauzia Rizvi, Committee Member
FROM: Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager
APPROVE THE
UNCOLLECTIBLE

WRITE-OFF

OF

ACCOUNTS

RECEIVABLE

DEEMED

RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the Community and Government Affairs Committee recommend
the Board of Directors:
1. Approve the write-off of accounts receivable deemed uncollectible for three retail
customers totaling $11,705.55.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Staff has identified three retail customer accounts with balances over $1,000 that are
deemed uncollectible despite internal collection efforts and referral to a collection
company. Resolution 2587 sets policy for the write-off of accounts receivable deemed
uncollectible. In that Resolution, the General Manager has the authority to approve the
write-off of individual accounts up to $1,000, with the Board of Directors required to
approve those exceeding $1,000.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The proposed write-off totaling $11,705.55 will be applied against the Fiscal Year 20252026 operating budget allowance for anticipated write-offs. This amount combined with
previously approved write-offs brings the fiscal year, year-to-date total, to $51,059.93.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 62

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6E
July 28, 2026
DETAIL:
The proposed write off consists of three retail customer accounts, one for residential
services, and two for non-residential services.
The first account, a retail residential customer, was located at 12564 Bougainvillea Way
in Riverside. This customer generally paid their bills by the due date since the start of
service, and a deposit of $380.00 was held on the account. This customer began paying
their bills late after the due date in January 2025, and subsequently requested payment
arrangements beginning in May 2025, however, they did not commit to them, resulting in
the account remaining delinquent. The customer discontinued paying since August 2025,
and the account was shut off for non-payment in October 2025. Due to the account being
in a tenant’s name, a lien could not be placed, resulting in an outstanding balance of
$2,113.19.
The second account, a retail commercial customer, was located at 16964 McAllister
Street in Riverside. This customer generally paid their bills by the due date since the start
of service, and a deposit of $1,223.00 was held on the account. The customer
discontinued paying beginning in August 2025, and service was discontinued to the
account for non-payment in October 2025, resulting in an outstanding balance of
$5,504.35.
The third account, a retail commercial customer, was located at 41401 Kalmia Street in
Murrieta. This customer generally paid their bills by the due date since the start of service,
and a deposit of $4,180.00 was held on the account. This customer discontinued paying
beginning in August 2025, with their last payment being returned. Service to the account
was discontinued for non-payment in October 2025, resulting in an outstanding balance
of $4,088.01.
Although staff made comprehensive attempts to collect, payments were not received, and
the delinquent accounts were closed. With account closure, the deposits reduced the
balances left unpaid, which aligns with Western Municipal Water District’s (Western
Water) delinquency policy. The accounts were referred to the collection company used
by Western Water for further collection efforts without success.
REASON FOR ACTION:
In compliance with Western Water’s Resolution 2587, all write-offs of customer accounts
over $1,000 deemed uncollectible require Board approval.

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 63

Western Water | The Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Agenda Item: 6E
July 28, 2026
SOLUTION:
Approve the write-off of three retail customer accounts.
WESTERN WATER’S ASPIRATION REFERENCE:
This action is in alignment with Western Water’s Aspiration of Excellence in Fiscal
Stewardship.
LEGAL COUNSEL REVIEW:
Staff has determined that review by legal counsel is not warranted.
PROPOSED DATE OF ACTION:
If approved by the Committee, this item is scheduled for consideration by the full Board
of Directors at their meeting on August 19, 2026, or at a subsequent meeting, if
necessary.
Respectfully submitted by:
Sarah Macdonald, Assistant General Manager

Western Water | 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside | 951.571.7100 | WesternWaterCA.gov

Agenda Page 64