East Valley Water District (District) was awarded the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) 2015 Spotlight on Excellence Award. The honor was presented to the District at the CalPERS Educational Forum in San Jose on October 26, 2015.
“The District has achieved several milestones that encourage a high level of professionalism and teamwork,” said John Mura, General Manager/CEO. “Our customers have an increased sense of trust that their drinking water supply is protected by an organization committed to the overall enhancement and protection of their quality of life. This award exemplifies that commitment.”
Each year, CalPERS recognizes only one recipient among its 3,100 member agencies to receive the Spotlight on Excellence award. Nominees must exhibit the spirit of what it means to be of service to the public, have a proven record of building community success, and serving as a model that other agencies can follow.
EVWD was selected for the award based on their work in maintaining the District during these trying times of drought, specifically in the areas of:
• Encouraging water efficiency while maintaining a fair and equitable structure by being the first water agency to receive a grant award from the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority to assist with the implementation of a budget based rate billing program;
• Expanding a surface water treatment plant;
• Pledging a commitment to leadership, partnership and stewardship; and
• Understanding the need to educate the community on the efforts involved in maintaining a reliable water system.
CalPERS is the nation’s largest public pension fund, managing pension and health benefits for more than 1.7 million California public employees, retirees and their families. The Spotlight on Excellence award was created to recognize exemplary public agencies, schools, programs, groups, or individuals for their innovation and excellence in public service.