Board is expected to appoint Shivaji Deshmukh as the new General Manager, with strong public support for his leadership experience. Public commenters urged prioritizing the Pure Water Southern California project over the Delta Conveyance Project, citing lack of state support and the need for reliable local water sources. Despite recent rainfall and early Sierra snowfall, the agency maintains record storage levels sufficient to cover another low rainfall year.
Water supply reliability projections show increased shortage risks, with probability rising from 5% to 18% by 2045 even under flat demand scenarios due to supply challenges. Staff presented preliminary assessments of two major projects: Pure Water Southern California ($2.7-9.6 billion for recycled water) and Sites Reservoir ($1.7 billion for additional storage capacity). The committee discussed developing themed project portfolios rather than evaluating individual investments separately.
Joint One Water & Adaptation Committee and Subcommittee on Imported Water: Colorado River supply cuts of 440,000 acre-feet are coming in 2027, requiring negotiations between water agencies and agricultural partners to share reductions through conservation programs. Stored water in Lake Mead may become inaccessible by 2028 if water levels drop below critical elevations, threatening drought reliability. A new stormwater pilot program is being developed with county partners to enhance turf...
Staff presented updated cost estimates for the Pure Water Southern California program, with Phase 1 now projected at $8.3 billion - a significant increase from previous $6.4 billion estimates due to inflation, supply chain issues, and scope refinements. The massive water recycling program would produce 150 million gallons per day through a 39-mile backbone pipeline system. Board expressed particular interest in direct potable reuse alternatives that eliminate expensive conveyance costs.
The Board approved a water service agreement with the Barona Band of Mission Indians to provide imported water to their reservation, which lacks surface water after their original lands were flooded for dam construction. Union representatives raised constitutional concerns about proposed employee housing policies requiring firearm registration and mandatory insurance for legally owned weapons. The Board also considered expanding helicopter fire protection infrastructure with new dip tank...
