CCWD Board Co-Sponsors Golden Mussel Bill, Reviews Earthquake and Cyber Readiness

The Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board of Directors moved on multiple fronts at its April 1 meeting, adopting positions on five state bills — including co-sponsoring legislation the district helped write — while receiving detailed briefings on how the agency would respond to a ransomware attack, a major earthquake, or a federal web accessibility mandate. A Division 2 board vacancy also forced the general manager to extend the application timeline after too few candidates came forward.

• Board co-sponsors AB 2032 on golden mussel management after CCWD staff helped draft the legislation, and opposes a wildfire water-supply bill that could create unfunded mandates for water agencies

• Emergency preparedness review reveals ransomware simulation, $100M+ in seismic upgrades and mutual aid that delivered 61.5 million gallons during a Martinez refinery fire

• President Avila warns EV mandates could hamper earthquake response, citing 600–800 potential main breaks in a major Bay Area quake

• DOJ digital accessibility deadline looms for April 2027; district budgets $100K for compliance assessment and training

• Division 2 board vacancy application period extended three weeks after insufficient applications; interviews pushed to May 13

• Avila to lead new ACWA task force on how the statewide association should handle projects of state significance like the Delta Conveyance Project

The board unanimously adopted amended positions on five state bills after a detailed legislative affairs presentation from Jennifer Allen, Director of Public Affairs.