Recent Member Highlights
CSDA is proud to help share the stories, milestones, and community moments happening across California’s special districts. Through our member submitted content portal, districts can share news, events, awards, leadership updates, and local accomplishments that reflect the essential work happening every day in communities throughout the state. Below are a few recent submissions from our members.
Young Artists Bring Water Conservation to Life at Rowland Water District
More than 500 local students turned their creativity toward water conservation through Rowland Water District’s annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. Nine students from seven area schools were honored for artwork that captured the importance of using water wisely, with their winning posters advancing to Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional competition. This longstanding outreach program helps connect water education with the next generation, bringing conservation lessons from the classroom into homes throughout the community.
Desert Water Agency: Statewide Recognition for Mission, Vision, and Values Video
Desert Water Agency received a 2026 EPIC Award from the California Association of Public Information Officials for its employee-focused Mission, Vision, and Values video project, The Roadmap Ahead, The Compass Within: Bringing Desert Water Agency’s Mission, Vision & Values to Life. The video featured employees from across the organization and was recognized in the Video Production, Marketing Video, Consultant Supported category during CAPIO’s annual conference in San Diego. (Desert Water Agency)
Alameda County Water District Recognized for Creative Community Engagement
Alameda County Water District earned statewide recognition for outreach that makes water education and emergency preparedness more engaging, accessible and relevant to the community. At the 2026 CAPIO Annual Conference, ACWD received three honors, including an EPIC Award for its Pints and Plants – An Evening in the Garden event and top recognition for innovative pet-focused emergency preparedness messaging. The awards highlight the district’s thoughtful approach to strengthening community connection while helping customers better understand and prepare for water-related needs.
San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency Strengthens Regional Water Resilience
San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency is turning additional imported water supplies into long-term regional resilience. Following an increase in the 2026 State Water Project allocation, the agency is using available water to expand groundwater recharge, strengthen local water security and prepare communities for future dry conditions. Through partnerships with local water providers, SGPWA is helping ensure every available drop supports a more reliable water future for the Pass area.
Desert Water Agency Launches New Website Updates: Focus on Accessibility, Customer Service, and Mobile Experience
The updated website is the result of a multi-month modernization effort aimed at improving customer experience and making information easier to access for the communities DWA serves. The redesign reflects the Agency’s continued commitment to transparency, accessibility, and engagement.
The new website features:
- Improved accessibility features to better serve all users, including enhanced ADA compliance
- A mobile-friendly experience optimized for smartphones and tablets
- Streamlined navigation and improved organization of information
- A modern design aligned with DWA’s recent brand refresh launched in 2025
- Easier access to customer resources, conservation programs, news and agency updates
(Desert Water Agency)
*Photos and information provided by Desert Water Agency
Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District: WaterFest Returned to Arcadia County Park
Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District hosted WaterFest on May 2, 2026, at Arcadia County Park. The free, family-friendly event brought the community together for hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, educational demonstrations, and resources focused on local water, conservation, and sustainability. WaterFest also featured local water agencies, environmental organizations, and community partners sharing information and activities for attendees of all ages. (Association of California Water Agencies)
South San Joaquin Irrigation District: Student Art Contest Celebrates Water Awareness
South San Joaquin Irrigation District recognized student creativity through its seventh annual Water Awareness Art Contest. The contest invited local students to explore the importance of water through art, helping connect young people with conservation, stewardship, and the role water plays in everyday life. SSJID also shared the grand prize winning artwork by Kadence J., a fifth-grade student from Ripon Elementary. (Instagram)
Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District: New Palm Desert Office Celebrated With Ribbon Cutting
Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District celebrated its new Palm Desert executive office with a ribbon cutting on March 24, 2026. The event, hosted with local chamber partners, marked a community moment for the District and welcomed attendees to celebrate the new office location in Palm Desert.
Orange County Water District: GWRS Brew Showcases Innovation in Recycled Water
Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District unveiled GWRS Brew, a commemorative limited-edition beer made with purified recycled water from the Groundwater Replenishment System. The beer debuted at the National Water Reuse Conference and was created to highlight the project’s legacy of innovation, public engagement, and leadership in water reuse. Since its launch, GWRS has produced more than 500 billion gallons of water. (ocwd.com)
SMUD: Shine Program Invests $524,000 in Local Nonprofit Projects
SMUD awarded 25 local nonprofits more than $524,000 through its annual Shine program, now in its ninth year. The 2026 awardees will support community-driven projects focused on zero carbon workforce development, STEM and energy education, affordability and community resiliency, economic development, healthier neighborhoods, and clean energy. Selected from 104 applicants, the funded nonprofits will help expand access to education, sustainable community spaces, and economic initiatives across SMUD’s service area. Shine awards range from $1,000 to $100,000 and are matched by recipients for greater community impact. (SMUD)
Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District: Federal Funding to Improve Cemetery Roads and Veterans Memorial Access
Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District secured $1 million in federal funding to rehabilitate aging internal cemetery roads and improve access to the Veterans Memorial. The investment, secured through Community Project Funding requested by Congressman Raul Ruiz and included in the FY 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, will support repairs to approximately one mile of roadways. The full project is expected to cost $1.4 million, with federal funding covering about 70 percent. Work could begin in late 2026 or early 2027 pending final agreements. (Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District)
Rowland Water District: More Than $30,000 Returned Through Statewide Insurance Program
Rowland Water District received a $30,287.28 equity refund from a statewide water agency insurance program that recently dissolved. The District participated in the program for many years, and the refund represents its share of remaining assets after obligations were settled. RWD shared that the funds will be put back to work in support of its customers. (rwd.org)
Moulton Niguel Water District: Orange County Agencies Launch First AI Course for Water Professionals
Moulton Niguel Water District joined California Data Collaborative, California Jobs First, CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County, Orange County Business Council, and UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education to launch an online course designed to help Orange County water professionals build artificial intelligence skills for water utility management. The program, AI for Water Management Professionals, includes live sessions with industry experts and focuses on real-world applications in operations, conservation, infrastructure planning, customer service, and workforce development. Funding from a California Jobs First grant will support training for 75 Orange County water professionals during the first half of 2026. (Moulton Niguel Water District)
Tahoe City Public Utility District: Financial Reporting Award Earned for Eighth Consecutive Year
Tahoe City Public Utility District received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the eighth consecutive year. The award recognizes TCPUD’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, and reflects the District’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in financial reporting. The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is considered the highest honor in governmental accounting and financial reporting. (Tahoe City Public Utility District)
Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District: Turf Transformation Program Advances Water Efficiency
Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District began construction on its Turnkey Turf Transformation Program, a regional effort to replace nonfunctional turf at public facilities with sustainable, climate-appropriate landscapes. Funded through an $8.4 million California Department of Water Resources grant led by Inland Empire Utilities Agency, the program provides site evaluation, professional design, construction, and high-efficiency irrigation systems. Several Baldwin Park Unified School District sites are participating, with some projects completed and others under construction. (Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District)
Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District: Regional Park Renamed in Honor of Larry Minor
Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District renamed its San Jacinto regional park as Larry Minor Regional Park in honor of the longtime board member and community leader. Minor served on the Valley-Wide Board for 22 years and was recognized for his dedication to expanding parks, ball fields, and recreation opportunities for local children. The 36-acre park, Valley-Wide’s first park dating back to 1977, includes the District Office, Sport Center, ballfields, soccer fields, tennis courts, play areas, and picnic areas. (Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District)
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