Metropolitan Monthly News

Feb. 29, 2024

Metropolitan’s annual report highlights achievements in climate adaptation, conservation, recycling

Metropolitan’s latest Annual Achievement Report, highlighting the district’s ongoing investment in and commitment to conservation as a California way of life and our innovative approaches to groundwater storage and recovery across the region, was submitted to the state Legislature on Jan. 30.

The report also spotlights Metropolitan’s strategic efforts to adapt to climate whiplash and the unpredictability of water conditions from year to year through our Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water.

Community events in Carson advance Metropolitan’s commitment to equity in infrastructure

Continuing our commitment to improve access to construction contracts and career opportunities for communities within our service area, Metropolitan is co-hosting two business and career networking events at the Carson Event Center (801 E. Carson Street) on March 7.

Beginning at 8 a.m., a MetWorks event for small, local and disabled veteran business enterprises will focus on future contracting opportunities for the Pure Water Southern California program. It will be followed at 2 p.m. by a construction career and apprenticeship fair for those learning about career pathways into the industry.

Read Pure Water Southern California’s quarterly update for more event details, including how to register.

Metropolitan’s Heather Collins selected as AWWA president-elect

Members of Metropolitan’s Women at Metropolitan employee resource group joined Heather Collins to celebrate her selection as the next president-elect of the American Water Works Association. Collins is pictured in the middle wearing a blue blouse.

Congratulations to Heather Collins, assistant group manager in Water System Operations, who begins her term as president-elect of the American Water Works Association in June. A registered civil engineer and licensed water treatment operator, Collins leads Metropolitan’s regulatory and permitting efforts for Pure Water Southern California. She also serves on the AWWA’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Water Utility Council. She previously served as AWWA’s vice president.

Read AWWA’s press release.

Perspectives on leadership highlight Metropolitan’s celebration of Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, Metropolitan celebrated and recognized the leadership and achievements of Black employees throughout February.

“We should never forget as we celebrate, Black history isn’t a separate history,” said Director Garry Bryant, Foothill Municipal Water District’s Metropolitan board representative, during his invocation at the Feb. 13 board meeting. “This is all our history, which should reflect the tapestry of the cultures that helped shape it. As Black Americans, we are deeply woven into the tapestry of this country."

Metropolitan collaborated with its Black Employees' Association resource group to spotlight on social media the perspectives and thoughts about leadership of team managers in departments ranging from finance and planning to sustainability, resilience and innovation.

“The Black Employees' Association at Metropolitan was the first employee resource group recognized. The BEA's legacy has resulted in 10 additional employee resource groups being formed. This is an example of the continuing contributions to Metropolitan's culture."

Metropolitan board Director Garry Bryant

Metropolitan welcomes Michael Gualtieri to board of directors

With nearly 40 years of water industry experience, La Habra Heights County Water District General Manager Michael Gualtieri was seated as Central Basin Municipal Water District’s representative on Metropolitan’s board on Feb. 13. Gualtieri, who currently serves as president of Central Basin’s board, succeeds Arturo Chacon.

Throughout his career, Gualtieri has been active in the California/Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association and has served as president of the Southern California Water Utilities Association, where he received the Doctor of Water designation.

“Director Gualtieri’s experience in water management and dedication will make him an asset to the board," said Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. "I look forward to working together to ensure a more reliable and resilient water supply for Southern California.”

Read the press release.

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