A Word from Our General Manager, Rebecca Guo

A key part of providing long‑term water resources planning for El Dorado County is collaborating with partners and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to increase coordination and raise visibility of the unique needs and challenges facing our mountain county. Over the past few months, our Board Chair Lori Parlin and I had the pleasure of participating in the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association’s Legislative Day at the State Capitol as well as representing El Dorado County on the Wildfire and Forest Health Team during this year’s Cap-to-Cap program put on by the Sacramento Metro Chamber. 

Our Board of Directors also approved a resolution supporting the Association of California Water Agency’s (ACWA) Vision for Our Water Future, which is a statewide framework focused on improving water reliability, affordability, and long-term resilience. At the local level, I spoke at the El Dorado County Farm Bureau’s 108th annual dinner about the interconnection between water resources, agriculture, and the region’s economy.

All of these initiatives are important to advance coordination on projects that are essential for ensuring our local communities have accessible and affordable water now and into the future. We also continue to work with our partners to advocate for policies that recognize the critical role that the headwaters in El Dorado County plays in supporting statewide water supplies and investments that are commensurate with the benefits and value our land provides.

New Plan Will Strengthen Water Access for Wildfire Suppression in Rural Communities

EDWA is helping to advance wildfire response capabilities across El Dorado County by identifying and mapping raw water sources that can be used for fire suppression. Over the past year, we have worked closely with the County Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience (OWPR), Cal Fire, and local fire agencies to identify locations where firefighters can quickly access water for suppression efforts. This effort is particularly important in rural and remote areas where traditional potable water systems are limited or unavailable.

To increase rural fire suppression efforts, locations with access to raw water (e.g., ponds, stream crossings, and lakes) need to be identified, and then site improvements can be planned with fire suppression agencies that are responsible for pre-fire planning and combating large-scale fires such as the Caldor and Mosquito Fires. We have completed the initial consultation and work plan and are in the process of developing a Raw Water Draft Points Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for expanding access to water supplies needed to support wildland firefighting.

Agencies Provides Financial Assistance for Urban Water Supply Reliability Planning

We are pleased to announce that EDWA is providing up to $20,000 in grant funding to each of the four urban water purveyors in the county - El Dorado Irrigation District, Georgetown Divide Public Utility District, South Tahoe Public Utility District, and Tahoe City Public Utility District - to help support their urban water supply reliability planning efforts. The funding will support the districts as they evaluate current and future water demands, assess water supply reliability, and identify strategies to improve long-term drought resilience and emergency preparedness. Urban Water Management Plans are required by the State of California and serve as critical planning tools to help water agencies sustainably manage water resources for their communities.

EDWA’s continued partnership with the urban water purveyors will help inform the work they are doing in the Tahoe Basin and West Slope. We are currently developing two long-term implementation roadmaps that facilitate a shared understanding of sequencing, triggers, dependencies, and conditions for adaptive water management. These roadmaps are intended to help local agencies and stakeholders coordinate investments, prioritize projects, and respond proactively to changing water conditions across the region. More information about EDWA’s regional water blueprint initiative is available here.

We are also providing grant funding to the American River Conservancy (ARC) for a project in Pilot Hill focused on long-term fuels reduction to protect water infrastructure by enabling cattle grazing on the land. The fuels reduction project will protect an aboveground water storage tank, raw water shortage pond, and canal lateral on the 153-acre ARC property.

Another Successful Farm Day Brings Water Education to Life for Local Students

More than 900 third-grade students from across El Dorado County explored the vital connection between water, agriculture, and their community at this year’s Farm Day. We partnered with the El Dorado Irrigation District to teach students about how water travels from the Sierra Nevada mountains to sustain local agriculture, including the iconic Apple Hill region. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, students discovered how water moves through the watershed and plays a critical role in supporting farms, ecosystems, and everyday life.

One of the highlights of the day was an engaging, student-led “water mystery” set on a farm. Participants took on roles in an interactive story that encouraged problem-solving and curiosity, helping them better understand the journey of water and its importance to agricultural lands. Students were also introduced to practical ways they can help conserve water in their daily lives, empowering the next generation to be thoughtful stewards of our natural resources. Organized by El Dorado County Ag in the Classroom, Farm Day continues to serve as a valuable educational experience, inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural systems that sustain the region.