Water Commissions in 12 California communities

There are 12 cities in California that have Water Commissions. Below are descriptions of 4 city's commissions.

Water utilities
1. San Jose - Santa Clara

Financing
  • The Authority is a joint exercise of powers agency formed in 1981 by the City of San José and the City of Santa Clara to finance the acquisition and construction of improvements to the San José–Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement, dated as of October 17, 1995. The Authority Board is responsible for reviewing and approving all financings undertaken by the Authority.
  • Membership: The Authority Board consists of five members, with three members of the board appointed by the City Council of San José and two members appointed by the City Council of Santa Clara.

2. San Francisco

To provide recommendations to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission General Manager, the Commission and the Board of Supervisors regarding the agency's long-term strategic, financial and capital improvement plans. With the formation of the CAC, the Wastewater Citizens' Advisory Committee (established by Resolution 19-73) was abolished.
  • Water: Reviewing water supply system reliability, water conservation, recycling, regional cooperation efforts and other relevant plans and policies.
  • Wastewater: Reviewing sewage and stormwater collection, treatment and disposal system replacement, recycling and other relevant plans, programs and policies.
  • Power: Reviewing power generation and transmission system reliability and improvement programs, including but not limited to facilities siting and alternative energy programs.
  • Environmental Justice: Ensure that Environmental Justice Policies are integrated and met by all SFPUC Divisions. The SFPUC will seek fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes. SFPUC program, policies and action shall not cause any segment of the population to bear disproportionately high or adverse health, environmental, social or economic impact. The SFPUC is responsible for ensuring this is carried out across all of the SFPUC through the development of environmental justice goals and objectives.

3. Long Beach

The Water Department has been governed by a Board of five Water Commissioners, each appointed to a five–year term by the Mayor, subject to approval of the City Council. The overlapping terms of the Board members provide necessary continuity and bring to the Department the combined expertise of the Commissioner's business and professional backgrounds.

The City Charter entrusts the Board with significant responsibility and authority. The Board is charged with full jurisdiction over all water works necessary to the acquisition, treatment, sale, and distribution of water served to the City and is responsible for the collection and disposal of the City's sanitary sewage. Among other duties, the Board has authority to acquire or sell real property, to construct and operate facilities, to purchase equipment and enter into contracts. The Board establishes LBWD's missions and goals, and adopts policies and strategies to meet these ends. The Board submits an annual budget to the City Council, fixes water and sewer rates, hires the General Manager and establishes compensation for all LBWD employees.

4. Riverside

The Board of Public Utilities is composed of nine citizens appointed to four–year terms by City Council to govern utility policies and represent the community. Citizens serve on a voluntary basis without compensation. Applications for new members are solicited annually by the City of Riverside. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and reside within the City of Riverside in order to be eligible to serve on the board.

The Riverside Board of Public Utilities meets on the first and third Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Public Utilities Board Room at 3901 Orange Street (Ninth and Orange Streets).

Time commitment may include 10-15 hours per month, including several committee meetings.

5. Fresno
6. Sacramento


Water districts
7. Los Angeles MWD
8. San Diego SDWA
9. Oakland EBMUD
10. Santa Ana OCWD
11. Anaheim OCWD
12. Bakersfield CWS