Board Honors Retiring 22-Year Director as Snowpack and Grant Funding Pressures Mount

The Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors said goodbye to one of its longest-serving members Wednesday, unanimously adopting a resolution honoring Director John Berg for 22 years of service — a farewell that drew commendations from Congress, the County Board of Supervisors, and the City of Concord. Beyond the tributes, the board received sobering updates: California's snowpack has cratered to 40% of average, and competition for the grant dollars that keep water bills down is only getting fiercer.

• Board unanimously honors Director John Berg's 22 years of service with Resolution 26-006 and commendations entered into the Congressional Record

• California snowpack plummets to 40% of average despite reservoirs remaining at least 80% full; Colorado River runoff projected at just 27%

• District managed $12 million in grant agreements in 2025, but board members warn that shrinking federal and state budgets threaten future funding

• Healthcare funding cuts flagged as a water affordability risk — more customers may need bill assistance

• Capitol Outreach Day set for next week to push Sacramento on canal replacement, Golden Mussel response, and infrastructure funding