Staff presented CIP funding options: $950.9M and staff‑recommended $1.025B (core $875M + $150M Pure Water), plus an alternative of project‑by‑project appropriations; no vote and discussion moved to FAME. Ops reported blending down to 0% SWP at three blend plants; TDS may rise.
Cordero reported Colorado River runoff to Powell projected at 5 MAF (52% of average) and risk of Powell nearing 3,500 ft — 10 ft above minimum power pool. Staff briefed Bay-Delta risks (levees, sea level rise, climate, regs, aqueduct subsidence). Minutes were approved; item 3C moved to closed session.
A San Diego CWA–Western MWD water exchange milestone was highlighted; GM said an intrastate transfers MOU info item will come in April. Biennium budget alternatives will be presented later that day. The committee approved minutes and April agendas/schedule, added a Chavez holiday renaming item to April agendas, and discussed department-head evaluation updates returning in April for action.
Public urged full $150M for Pure Water SoCal and flagged budget options that could reduce it. A calendar-year 2027–2028 rate hearing opened and closed with no staff presentation or figures. GM Deshmukh said Met submitted Colorado River draft EIS comments by the March 3 deadline and an interstate transfer info item will come in April.
Golden mussels have spread into Metropolitan facilities; control measures are underway but some sites (e.g., Live Oak) may be 12–18 months from protection. Directors asked for Camp for Water portfolio clarity ahead of the April budget timeline. Staff outlined ICER to coordinate reliability efforts feeding into Camp for Water.
