A September to Remember During a Dynamic 2026

Last January, I wrote that ACWA was entering what promised to be a dynamic year. Looking back, that was a bit of an understatement.

Former Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth has started as ACWA's newest Executive Director. Introducing her during our Spring Conference was among the most exciting experiences during my term as ACWA President. And what's even more exciting is how her role as a statewide water leader will continue through ACWA, directing our talented staff and engaging with ACWA member agencies.

At the same time, our Vision for Our Water Future initiative is progressing with meaningful work toward advancing long-term water reliability, affordability, infrastructure modernization and improved water management throughout California.

More than 80 allied organizations and ACWA member agencies have joined the coalition to make water a top priority for our next governor. This coalition equips participating organizations with ACWA-produced tools to elevate the importance of a reliable and affordable water future.

If your agency has not joined the Vision initiative, I urge you to learn more and consider doing so at acwa.com/vision. This member-driven process is developing detailed recommendations that will soon be presented to the ACWA Board of Directors. However, we need to keep this coalition growing to maximize its success in achieving a generational difference in how California manages its water.

We also entered September with several legislative wins. Two ACWA-sponsored bills passed the Legislature in August and, as of Sept. 15, are on the governor's desk. Member engagement proved critical in getting to this point, and I want to extend my deep appreciation for member agencies' willingness to join coalitions behind these bills.

One is SB 1153 (Caballero, D-Merced), which would strengthen wildfire preparedness by requiring public water systems to include wildfire response procedures in their emergency response plans. The bill would also clarify the limited role of public water systems during wildfires, reducing their exposure to costly lawsuits that can ultimately increase water rates and negatively affect affordability.

The second bill, AB 2180 (Ward, D-San Diego), would benefit public water agencies by bringing more common sense into the rate-setting process. ACWA has championed this cause in past legislation signed into law, which today helps minimize unnecessary legal disputes over water rates. This bill would build on that success, codifying a process where water system costs may be allocated using reasonable methodologies and available data without having to determine the exact costs for each parcel.

We are also paying close attention to the continuing threat from golden mussels. My agency, Contra Costa Water District, is among members hit hard by this persistent menace to water infrastructure and spearheading research to reduce golden mussels' propagation and impact. I deeply understand why this is an urgent priority for many fellow water agencies. ACWA is responding to that urgency by supporting funding, educating the public and elected officials, as well as constantly engaging with regulators to strengthen our state's response to this and all invasive species impacts.

We have accomplished a great deal this year, but there is much more ahead.

As we close out what truly has been a remarkable and dynamic year for ACWA, I want to thank ACWA members for your continued engagement, leadership and commitment to California water.