Board of Directors

Board Selects Appointment Process with April 22 Interviews to Replace Retiring Director Burgh

Board unanimously chose an appointment process over a special election to fill Director Burgh's Division 2 seat, selecting a schedule with candidate interviews on April 22.

Why it matters: Appointing a replacement ensures Division 2 residents have representation during critical FY2027-28 budget deliberations and canal replacement program decisions rather than waiting until November.

Board Adopts $1.7B Capital Plan Driven by $2.6B Canal Replacement Program

Board adopted a ten-year capital plan with $1.2 billion in funded projects, anchored by a multi-phase canal replacement program estimated at $2.6 billion in current dollars.

Why it matters: The canal replacement program will drive untreated water rate increases up to 9.5% annually for five years, the district's largest infrastructure investment since the original Los Vaqueros Reservoir project.

Revenues and Spending Both Track Under Budget as Cooler Weather Cuts Water Demand

CCWD's mid-year review shows operating revenues $5 million under the $204 million budget due to cooler temperatures and reduced industrial consumption, offset by lower expenses.

Why it matters: Despite revenue shortfalls from Marathon Renewable Fuels and Martinez Refining Co. slowing consumption, the district remains financially healthy with capital spending at 85% of budget.

Board Supports Three Bills Protecting Water Rate-Setting, CEQA Reviews, and Wildfire Liability

Board unanimously adopted support positions on state bills addressing water rate proportionality, CEQA water supply assessments, and wildfire liability protections for water agencies.

Why it matters: These bills would codify Prop 218 rate-setting protections, preserve development water supply reviews undermined by CEQA streamlining, and shield water utilities from liability during catastrophic wildfires.

ACWA Legislative Strategy, SB 72, and Water Policy Advocacy

President Avila reported extensively on ACWA regional board meetings and the ACWA Legislative Symposium. He expressed concern that the SB 72 implementation (California Water Plan targeting 9 million additional acre-feet) focuses too heavily on process rather than identifying specific projects with measurable metrics. He met with Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (vice chair of Water Parks and Wildlife Committee) who noted the absence of water champions in the legislature. Avila emphasized the need for water agencies to rebuild legislative relationships through in-person advocacy, not just letters. The ACWA strategic plan priorities are expected to be finalized by end of March.

Director John Burgh Retirement After 22 Years of Service

Director John Burgh announced his retirement from the board after 22 years of service, with March 18 as his final meeting and March 31 as his effective date. He reflected on being appointed from seven candidates and described his service as 'the pinnacle of my career' as a civil engineer in water utilities. He also spoke passionately about Meals on Wheels, noting over 1.6 million people in Contra Costa County rely on the program. Board members expressed gratitude, with President Avila calling Burgh his mentor and noting Burgh encouraged him to enter public service 20 years ago.

Yuba Water Agency Penstock Catastrophic Failure

Legal counsel Doug Cody reported on the catastrophic penstock failure at Yuba Water Agency's new Colgate powerhouse on Friday. The pipe feeding the powerhouse burst, causing tremendous damage to the electrical station. No loss of life occurred though one contract employee was missing for hours. Yuba Water Agency's primary income from power generation and water sales will be impacted for potentially years, affecting their ability to fund community grants (tens of millions annually). The incident occurred near the end of a multi-year rehabilitation project during the rewatering process.

Colorado River Basin Negotiations and Federal Intervention

General Manager Murphy reported that the seven Colorado River basin states failed to reach consensus on future water cuts before the February 14 deadline, triggering Department of Interior intervention to finalize post-2026 operating rules by October 1, 2026. Reduced Colorado River supply to Southern California would increase pressure to export water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, potentially impacting CCWD. Further discussion planned for the March board study session.