Equity Survey of Water and Flood
Management Agencies and
Districts in California for
California Water Plan Update 2023
July 2024
3
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management
Agencies and Districts in California for
California Water Plan Update 2023
July 2024
California Department of Water Resources
ii
Acknowledgements
The California Water Plan Team is grateful to the many who contributed to
developing, reviewing, and distributing the equity survey as part of the California
Water Plan Update 2023 process.
DWR Team that Developed and Reviewed the Equity Survey
Jose Alarcon
Megan Fidell
Kamyar Guivetchi
Francisco Guzman
Hoa Ly
Paul Massera
Lewis Moeller
Bianca Sievers
Jordi Vasquez
DWR Team that Distributed the Equity Survey
Jose Alarcon
Ryan Bailey
Nikki Blomquist
Megan Fidell
Francisco Guzman
Hoa Ly
Keith Wallace
Equity Survey Workgroup Members
Special Thanks to Equity Survey Workgroup members for participating and
contributing to the California Water Plan Equity Survey.
Association of California Water Agencies
Soren Nelson
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Rae Vander Werf
California Forward
Patrick Atwater
July 2024
iii
California Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Clarissa Maloney
Elea Becker Lowe
Ernest Echeveste
Ryan Silber
California Tahoe Conservancy
Erin Ernst
California Water Commission
Laura Jensen
Chicken Ranch Rancheria Me-Wuk Indians of California
Stephanie Suess
Council for Watershed Health
Carlos Moran
Madera County
Stephanie Anagnoson
Marin County Parks
Kevin Wright
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Liji Thomas
San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
Laura Torres
Shavonne Turner
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
Rachel Gray
Sierra Resource Conservation District
Steve Haze
California Department of Water Resources
iv
State Water Resources Control Board
James Nachbaur
Trinity County Resource Conservation District
Annyssa Interrante
Tulare Irrigation District
Aaron Fukuda
Water Education for Latino Leaders
Victor Griego
Watersheds Coalition of Ventura County
Lynn Rodriguez
Western Municipal Water District
Melissa Matlock
University of California, Berkeley
Kristin Dobbin
University of California, Los Angeles
Greg Pierce
July 2024
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Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations viii
Executive Summary ES-1
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies and Districts 1
Introduction 1
Equity Survey Workgroup 1
Equity Survey Development and Distribution 3
Summary of Equity Survey Results 4
How the Equity Survey informed California Water Plan Update 2023 11
Improving Participation in Future Equity Surveys 12
Appendix A. Notice of Equity Survey to Regional and Local Water and Flood
Management Agencies and Districts in California A-1
Appendix B. Blank Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies and
Districts in California B-1
General Description of Your Agency/District B-2
Agency and District Efforts to Advance Equity B-8
Feedback on State Assistance to Advance Equity Locally B-12
Agency and District Representation and Participation C-13
Appendix C. Results of the Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management
Agencies and Districts in California C-1
General Agency and District Information C-1
(Questions 1-7) C-1
Agency/District Efforts to Advance Equity C-6
(Questions 8-16) C-6
Feedback on State Assistance to Advance Equity Locally C-19
(Questions 17-18) C-19
Agency/District Representation Participation C-22
(Questions 19–27) C-22
Useful Web Links UWL-1
California Department of Water Resources
vi
Tables
Table 1 Equity Survey Workgroup Members 2
Table 2 Timeline of Major Equity Survey Development and Distribution Activities 3
Table 3 Intended Equity Survey Recipients and Associated Email Lists 4
Table 4 Summary of General Agency/District Information (Questions 1–7) 5
Table 5 Summary of Agency/District Efforts to Advance Equity (Questions 8–16) 6
Table 6 Summary of Feedback on State Assistance to Advance Equity Locally
(Questions 17–18) 8
Table 7 Agency/District Representation Participation (Questions 19–27) 9
Table C-3a Water Management Sectors Identified C-1
Table C-3b Number of Water Management Sectors Identified C-2
Table C-4a Entity Types Identified C-2
Table C-4b Number of Entity Types Identified C-3
Table C-5 Number of Employees C-3
Table C-6 Number of Agencies and Districts Reporting They Are in a Single
Hydrologic Region C-4
Table C-7 Number of Permanent Residents C-5
Table C-8 External Equity Related Practices Implemented C-6
Table C-9 Internal Equity Related Practices Implemented C-7
Table C-10 Barriers Faced to Implement Equity Practices C-8
Table C-11 Language Translation Services C-10
Table C-12 Staff Used for Equity-Related Work C-10
Table C-13 Examples of Assistance to Frontline or Tribal Communities C-11
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Table C-14 Examples of Engaging with Frontline or Tribal Communities C-13
Table C-15 Examples of Activities Benefitting Frontline or Tribal Communities C-15
Table C-16 Challenges to Implementing Activities that Benefit Frontline or
Tribal Communities C-17
Table C-17 Ranking and Selection of Needed State Actions to Support
Advancing Equity C-19
Table C-18 State Actions Needed to Support Advancing Equity C-20
Table C-19 Sizes of Governing Boards C-22
Table C-20 Selection of Governing Boards C-22
Table C-21 Gender Diversity of Governing Board C-23
Table C-22 BIPOC Diversity of Governing Board C-23
Table C-23 Age Distribution of Board Compared to Population Being Served C-24
Table C-24 Economic Diversity of Governing Board C-24
Table C-25 Advertising for Public Meetings C-25
Table C-26 How Public Meetings are Conducted C-26
California Department of Water Resources
viii
Acronyms and Abbreviations
BIPOC Black, indigenous, and people of color
DEI diversity, equity, and inclusion
DWR California Department of Water Resources
HR hydrologic region
State Water Board State Water Resources Control Board
Update 2023 California Water Plan Update 2023
Water Plan Team California Water Plan Team
Workgroup Equity Survey Workgroup
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
ES-1
Executive Summary
As part of California Water Plan Update 2023 (Update 2023), the California
Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted a voluntary survey of water and
flood management agencies and districts in 2023 to assess local efforts to advance
equity in their communities and to receive feedback on how the State can assist them
in advancing equity. A 27-question survey was developed with input from a public
workgroup that included representatives from water management agencies and
districts and non-governmental organizations. The equity survey questions were
grouped under four major areas: (1) general agency or district information,
(2) agency or district efforts to advance equity, (3) feedback on State assistance to
advance equity locally, and (4) agency or district representation participation. The
survey was intended for all regional and local water and flood management agencies
and districts in California. Water managers had the option to complete the survey
anonymously.
The survey was distributed to approximately 1,000 water and flood management
agencies and districts and was open over a three-week period in June 2023. In total,
59 responses were received from water and flood management agencies and
districts. The summarized and detailed responses are included in this report. The
survey results were used to inform Update 2023’s Chapter 6, “Understanding and
Addressing Equity in the Management of California’s Water Resources.” This chapter
noted the following top equity actions that were reported by local agencies that
completed the survey:
•
Equity as part of agency or district mission statement and strategic plan.
•
Formal equity policy or plan.
•
Hire staff with expertise in equity.
•
Have outreach representative(s) engage with frontline communities.
•
Partner with local and community-based organizations to enhance outreach to
frontline and Tribal communities.
•
Provide equity-oriented staff training.
Overall, as stated in Update 2023 Chapter 6, it was challenging to infer a baseline of
equity-related business practices across water and flood management agencies.
Establishing a baseline is critical to assess gaps in understanding and to inform how
the State can support the collective needs of water and flood agencies. Additional
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California Department of Water Resources
ES-2
work is needed to determine effective metrics for measuring meaningful outreach
and engagement, representation, and technical and financial assistance.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
1
Equity Survey of Water and Flood
Management Agencies and Districts
Introduction
As part of California Water Plan Update 2023 (Update 2023), the California
Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted a voluntary survey of water and
flood management agencies and districts in 2023 to assess local efforts to advance
equity in their communities and to receive feedback on how the State can assist them
in advancing equity. A 27-question survey was developed with input from a public
workgroup that included representatives from water management agencies and
districts and from non-governmental organizations. The survey was intended for all
regional and local water and flood management agencies and districts in California.
The survey results were used to inform Update 2023’s Chapter 6, “Understanding and
Addressing Equity in the Management of California’s Water Resources.” This report
includes suggestions to improve participation in future equity surveys along with
three appendices: (1) equity survey notice, (2) blank equity survey, and (3) results of
the equity survey.
Equity Survey Workgroup
The California Water Plan Team (Water Plan Team) formed an Equity Survey
Workgroup (Workgroup) with the primary task of developing a survey to collect
equity information from regional and local water agencies and districts. The
Workgroup consisted of 26 participants from organizations that included local and
regional water agencies and districts, academia, non-governmental organizations,
watershed groups, resource conservation districts, State agencies, Tribes, and
counties. The names and affiliations of those who participated in the Workgroup are
shown in Table 1.
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Table 1 Equity Survey Workgroup Members
Name
Organization
Aaron Fukuda
Tulare Irrigation District
Annyssa Interrante
Trinity County Resource Conservation District
Carlos Moran
Council for Watershed Health
Clarissa Maloney
California Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Elea Becker Lowe
California Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Erin Ernst
California Tahoe Conservancy
Ernest Echeveste
California Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Greg Pierce
University of California, Los Angeles
James Nachbaur
State Water Resources Control Board
Kevin Wright
Marin County Parks
Kristin Dobbin
University of California, Berkeley
Laura Jensen
California Water Commission
Laura Torres
San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
Liji Thomas
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Lynn Rodriguez
Watersheds Coalition of Ventura County
Melissa Matlock
Western Municipal Water District
Patrick Atwater
California Forward
Rachel Gray
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
Rae Vander Werf
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Ryan Silber
California Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Shavonne Turner
San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
Soren Nelson
Association of California Water Agencies
Stephanie Anagnoson
Madera County
Stephanie Suess
Chicken Ranch Rancheria Me-Wuk Indians of California
Steve Haze
Sierra Resource Conservation District
Victor Griego
Water Education for Latino Leaders
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Equity Survey Development and Distribution
The equity survey included 27 questions and was intended to take 20–30 minutes to
complete. The equity survey questions were grouped into four categories:
•
General Agency or District Information.
•
Agency or District Efforts to Advance Equity.
•
Feedback on State Assistance to Advance Equity Locally.
•
Agency or District Representation Participation.
The Workgroup members assisted the Water Plan Team over a five-month period to
develop and finalize the equity survey. The survey was distributed in June 2023 to
approximately 1,000 water and flood management agencies. Their voluntary
response was requested over a three-week period. The schedule for developing and
distributing the equity survey is shown in Table 2.
Table 2 Timeline of Major Equity Survey Development and Distribution
Activities
Date
Activity
January 12, 2023
First Workgroup meeting held. Draft equity survey presented.
Workgroup members provided feedback and suggestions to
improve the survey.
March 23, 2023
Second Workgroup meeting held. Revised draft equity survey
presented. Workgroup members provided feedback to help
further refine and improve the survey.
May 2, 2023
Email sent to Workgroup members with latest revised draft equity
survey for final review and comment.
June 8, 2023
Final version of equity survey and notice completed.
June 12, 2023
Equity survey distributed to water agencies and districts.
June 30, 2023
Equity survey voluntary responses due.
The goal was to distribute the equity survey to all water and flood management
agencies in the State using mailing lists from DWR and the State Water Resources
Control Board (State Water Board), as shown in Table 3. A distribution plan was
prepared that included identification of the appropriate DWR and State Water
Board’s contact persons that oversee these email lists and could assist with
distribution of the survey. All DWR programs listed in Table 3 participated in
distribution of the equity survey and sent emails to water and flood management
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agencies that they work with. The State Water Board was unable to distribute the
equity survey as planned.
Table 3 Intended Equity Survey Recipients and Associated Email Lists
Intended Equity Survey Recipients
State Programs with Associated Email List
Urban Water Suppliers
DWR – Water Use Efficiency Program
State Water Board – Drinking Water Program
Small Community Water Suppliers
DWR – Small Community Drought Relief
Program
State Water Board – Drinking Water Program
Agricultural Water Suppliers
DWR – Water Use Efficiency Program
Groundwater Sustainability Agencies
DWR – Sustainable Groundwater
Management Office
Flood Management
Agencies/Districts
DWR – Flood Management Program
Wastewater Agencies/Districts
State Water Board
Water Recycling Agencies/Districts
State Water Board
Stormwater Management
Agencies/Districts
State Water Board
Summary of Equity Survey Results
The summary of survey results is organized around the four survey categories:
(1) general agency or district information, (2) agency or district efforts to advance
equity, (3) feedback on State assistance to advance equity locally, and (4) agency or
district representation participation. A total of 59 responses were received from water
and flood management agencies and districts, which represents a low response rate
from all the agencies, districts, cities, counties, and private water companies that
manage water in the state. More detailed survey results are presented in Appendix A.
The first major survey category focused on general agency or district information and
included seven questions. Most respondents provided responses to this set of
questions. A summary of responses for each question is presented in Table 4.
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Table 4 Summary of General Agency/District Information (Questions 1–7)
Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
1. Agency/District name
45 respondents provided their agency or district
name.
14 respondents did not provide their agency or
district name.
2. Name/Title
41 respondents provided their name and/or title.
18 respondents did not provide their name and/or
title.
3. Water management sector(s)
Water management sectors most often identified
were urban water supply, wastewater management,
groundwater management, and municipal water
recycling/reuse. Many agencies and districts
identified more than one water management sector.
4. Entity type
Entity types most often identified were city, water
district, public utility district, and sanitation/sewer
agency/district. Many agencies and districts
identified only one entity type, but some identified
more than one entity type.
5. Number of employees
Approximately half the respondents indicated they
have 25 or fewer employees.
6. Hydrologic region (HR)
Highest number of responses were received from
agencies and districts in the South Coast HR, North
Coast HR, Tulare Lake Basin HR, San Francisco
Bay HR, and Sacramento River HR.
7. Number of permanent
residents in the community you
serve:
Many of the respondents indicated their agency or
district serves more than 10,000 permanent
residents.
The second survey category included nine questions that focused on agency and
district efforts to advance equity. In general, for those that responded, equity-related
internal practices appear to be further along than equity-related external practices.
Questions with multiple-choice responses received a higher level of completion than
questions that required text entry responses. Table 5 presents a summary of
responses for each survey question.
In Table 5 and throughout this report, the term frontline communities refers to
communities that experience the “first and worst” of environmental consequences. In
other words, frontline communities are already living with the negative impacts of
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6
inequities in water management and thus are most susceptible to future negative
changes. Residents are more exposed to existing water sector vulnerabilities (e.g.,
water shortages, water quality issues, or affordability challenges) and future ones,
such as the impacts of climate change.
Table 5 Summary of Agency and District Efforts to Advance Equity
(Questions 8–16)
Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
8. Equity related external
practices (multiple choice
response)
The following external practices were selected most
often:
•
Have outreach representative(s) to engage
with frontline communities.
•
Partner with local organizations in their area
to enhance outreach to frontline and Tribal
communities.
•
Provide low-income financial assistance
(drinking water and/or wastewater systems).
Some respondents indicated there were no external
practices.
47 of the 59 agencies and districts responded to this
question.
9. Equity related internal
practices (multiple choice
response)
Close to half of the respondents indicated they
consider equity in the decision-making process. Some
have implemented equity-oriented staff training and/or
equity as part of agency/district strategic plan. A few
have a formal equity policy/plan, include equity as part
of agency/district mission statement, include equity as
part of job descriptions, and/or hire staff with expertise
in equity. Some respondents indicated there were no
internal practices. 58 of the 59 agencies/districts
responded to this question.
10. Barriers faced
implementing equity related
internal and/or external
practices (text entry
response)
Some common responses included lack of funding,
lack of training, lack of capacity, and unclear State
policy requirements. All detailed responses are
available in the appendix.
41 of the 59 agencies/districts responded to this
question.
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Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
11. Language translation
services provided for non-
English speaking residents
(multiple choice response)
Most respondents have staff that serve the public in
language(s) other than English. Many respondents
communicate in language(s) other than English and/or
have outreach/education materials in languages other
than English. Some respondents provide emergency
alerts in language(s) other than English or have a
website in language(s) other than English. A few
respondents indicated there were no language
translation services provided. All 59 agencies/districts
responded to this question.
12. Type of staff used for
equity-related internal
practices, external practices
and/or language translation
services (multiple choice
response)
Most respondents have staff that serve the public in
language(s) other than English. Many respondents
communicate in language(s) other than English and/or
have outreach/education materials in languages other
than English. Some respondents provide emergency
alerts in language(s) other than English and/or have a
website in language(s) other than English. A few
respondents indicated there were no language
translation services provided. All 59 agencies/districts
responded to this question.
13. Technical assistance and
other services provided to
frontline and Tribal
communities (text entry
response)
Most respondents have full-time employee(s) for
equity related work. Some respondents have part-time
and/or contract employee(s) for equity related work. A
few respondents indicated they did not use staff for
equity-related work. All 59 agencies/districts
responded to this question.
14. Examples of partnering
with, engaging with, and
including frontline and Tribal
communities in water
management planning efforts
(text entry response)
Some common responses included translation,
outreach, and education services. All detailed
responses are available in the appendix. 18 of the 59
agencies/districts responded to this question.
15. Examples of programs,
planning activities, and
projects (completed or
currently working on) that
specifically benefit frontline
and Tribal communities (text
entry response)
Some common responses included outreach and
meeting with Tribal and local communities. All detailed
responses are available in the appendix. 22 of the 59
agencies/districts responded to this question.
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Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
16. Challenges that hinder or
impede implementation of
programs, planning activities,
and projects that would
benefit frontline and Tribal
communities. (text entry
response)
Some common responses included lack of funding
and lack of staff capacity. All detailed responses are
available in the appendix.
20 of the 59 agencies/districts responded to this
question.
The third survey category included two questions that focused on agency or district
feedback on State assistance needed to advance equity locally. In general, the
respondents ranked funding and technical assistance as the highest State actions
needed to advance equity at the local level. Table 6 provides a summary of responses
for each question.
Table 6 Summary of Feedback on State Assistance to Advance Equity Locally
(Questions 17–18)
Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
17. Ranking of State actions
that can best support
agency/district efforts to
advance equity (ranking of
multiple-choice actions)
Five multiple choice State actions were provided for
respondents to rank. The following is the ranking order
based on the respondent’s selection results. Additional
details are in Appendix C.
1. State funding (such as long-term grant funding to
support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
positions/staff time).
2. State offering technical assistance/technical support
(e.g., translation and interpretation services, meeting
facilitation or virtual platform access services, water
resource or water quality data interpretation).
3. State offering best practices, trainings, and other
resource toolkits.
4. State support for coordination among state and
local agencies, Tribes, non- governmental
organizations (NGOs), community-based
organizations (CBOs), and community members.
5. State policy changes to support equity.
Rankings were provided by 50 of the 59 agencies and
districts.
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Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
18. Additional details on
State actions needed to
support agency/district
efforts to advance equity
(text entry response)
Some common responses included the need for State
funding, training, and education. All detailed
responses are available in Appendix C.
15 of the 59 agencies and districts responded to this
question.
The last survey category included nine questions focused on agency or district
representation participation. Questions with multiple choice responses received a
high level of completion compared to the one question that required a text entry
response. Table 7 provides a summary of responses for each question.
Table 7 Agency/District Representation Participation (Questions 19–27)
Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
19. Size of Governing Board
(multiple choice response)
Most respondents indicated they have five board
members. Some respondents indicated they have
more than five board members. All 59 agencies
and districts responded to this question.
20. Selection of governing board
members (multiple choice
response)
Most respondents indicated they have a general
public election. A few respondents indicated board
members are either (1) appointed, (2) selected
through a shareholder election, or (3) selected
through a landowner election. All 59 agencies and
districts responded to this question.
21. Gender diversity of governing
board (multiple choice response)
Many respondents indicated their board
composition closely represents the gender
diversity of the people they affect or serve. Some
respondents indicated either (1) their board
composition does not represent the gender
diversity of the people they affect or serve, or (2)
they preferred not to answer. A few respondents
were unable to answer because they did not know
the gender diversity of the people they affect or
serve. All 59 agencies and districts responded to
this question.
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Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
22. Black, indigenous, and
people of color (BIPOC) diversity
of governing board (multiple
choice response)
Many respondents indicated their board
composition closely represents the BIPOC
diversity of the people they affect or serve. Some
respondents indicated either (1) their board
composition under-represents the BIPOC diversity
of the people they affect or serve, (2) were unable
to answer because they did not know the BIPOC
diversity of the people they affect or serve, or (3)
preferred not to answer. A few respondents
indicated their board composition over-represents
the BIPOC diversity of the people they affect or
serve. All 59 agencies and districts responded to
this question.
23. Age distribution of governing
board (multiple choice response)
Some respondents indicated either (1) their board
composition closely represents the age
distribution of the people they affect or serve, (2)
their board composition does not represent the
age distribution of the people they affect or serve,
(3) were unable to answer because they did not
know the age distribution of the people they affect
or serve, or (4) they preferred not to answer. All
59 agencies and districts responded to this
question.
24. Economic diversity of
governing board (multiple choice
response)
Many respondents indicated their board
composition closely represents the economic
diversity of the people they affect or serve. Some
respondents indicated either (1) their board
composition does not represent the economic
diversity of the people they affect or serve, (2)
were unable to answer because they did not know
the economic diversity of the people they affect or
serve, or (3) they preferred not to answer. 58 of
the 59 agencies and districts responded to this
question.
25. Advertisement of public
meetings (multiple choice
response)
Many respondents indicated public meetings are
advertised on (1) their agency or district website,
(2) notification posted at meeting location, and (3)
by emailing those on their agency’s or district’s
email list. Some respondents indicated public
meetings are advertised on social media and on
community centers' websites and message
boards. 58 of the 59 agencies and districts
responded to this question.
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Question Summary
Summary of Survey Responses
26. How public meetings are
conducted (multiple choice
response)
Many respondents indicated public meetings
include virtual and hybrid options and are held
during business hours, evening hours, or
weekends. Some respondents indicated public
meetings are (1) held in frontline communities,
(2) include outreach representative(s) to engage
with frontline communities, and (3) include options
for translators in languages other than English. All
59 agencies and districts responded to this
question.
27. Recruitment and
development of people from
frontline communities to become
agency/district leaders (text entry
response)
Some of the responses included general
recruitment and outreach for jobs within their
organization. All detailed responses are available
in Appendix C. 9 of the 59 agencies and districts
responded to this question.
How the Equity Survey informed California Water Plan
Update 2023
The information collected in the equity survey helped inform Update 2023’s
Chapter 6, “Understanding and Addressing Equity in the Management of California’s
Water Resources.” Specifically, the information in the “Local Efforts to Advance Water
Equity” section (page 6–24) was derived from the survey results, which highlighted
the top equity actions reported by local agencies and included information related to
planning, programs, projects, demographics, language translation, interpretation
services, and public meetings.
The top equity actions reported by local agencies that completed the survey
included:
•
Equity as part of agency or district mission statement and strategic plan.
•
Formal equity policy or plan.
•
Hire staff with expertise in equity.
•
Have outreach representative(s) engage with frontline communities.
•
Partner with local and community-based organizations to enhance outreach to
frontline and Tribal communities.
•
Provide equity-oriented staff training.
Overall, as stated in Update 2023 Chapter 6, it was challenging to infer a baseline of
equity-related business practices across water and flood management agencies.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
12
Establishing a baseline is critical to assess gaps in understanding and to inform how
the State can support the collective needs of water and flood agencies. Additional
work is needed to determine effective metrics for measuring meaningful outreach
and engagement, representation, and technical and financial assistance.
Improving Participation in Future Equity Surveys
Update 2023, Chapter 8, “Roadmap to Resilience,” includes Action 4.2.7, “Survey
Water Agencies and Districts on Their Progress in Advancing Environmental Justice
and Equity.” It recommends an equity survey for California Water Plan Update 2028,
and the results to be used to inform resource and policy needs. Because participation
by water agencies and districts to complete the survey was low, the following are a
few suggestions on how the Water Plan Team can improve future survey
participation.
•
Engage the environmental justice and equity advisory group described in
Update 2023 Action 4.1.2 to discuss and develop a plan to improve
participation in the Update 2028 equity survey.
•
Work with the State Water Board at the start of each California Water Plan
update cycle to obtain email contact lists for water management sectors such
as small community water suppliers (those not required to submit an urban
water management plan), wastewater agencies, water recycling agencies, and
stormwater management agencies. DWR does not have complete or current
email contact lists for these sectors.
•
Consider obtaining all water agency and district email contact lists and use the
Water Plan Team email address to send out the survey. For this survey, some
DWR programs distributed the survey on behalf of the Water Plan Team. In this
way, recipients can directly respond to the Water Plan Team email if they have
questions and any duplicate email addresses can be removed.
•
Send out a courtesy reminder during the final week of the survey. The Update
2023 equity survey was available for a three-week period and after the first two
weeks, 22 responses were received. A courtesy reminder notice was sent
during the last week, and an additional 37 responses were received after the
reminder notice was sent.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
A-1
Appendix A. Notice of Equity Survey to
Regional and Local Water and Flood
Management Agencies and Districts in
California
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for updating the
California Water Plan every five years. In California Water Plan Update 2023, DWR is
seeking information and ideas from regional and local water and flood management
agencies and districts to advance equity in water management. DWR is collecting
feedback on how State government can assist water agencies/districts in these
efforts.
In collaboration with representatives from regional and local water and flood
management agencies/districts and non-governmental organizations, an equity
survey was developed to gather important best practices, understand resource gaps,
and highlight equity actions underway. DWR will use the information collected from
this survey to inform Water Plan Update 2023 that is scheduled to be released later
this year for public comment.
Please complete this online survey by Friday, June 30, 2023, close of business. If
necessary, please forward this email to the appropriate person within your
organization. Your participation will help DWR and the State understand how water
and flood managers are advancing equity in their communities and how State
government can support their efforts.
The Equity Survey can be accessed online or by scanning the following QR code with
your phone.
For additional information about this survey, please contact the California Water Plan
Team.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
A-2
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
B-1
Appendix B. Blank Equity Survey of
Water and Flood Management
Agencies and Districts in California
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is inviting you to complete this
voluntary survey that will be used to inform the California Water Plan Update 2023.
Information provided in this survey will improve DWR's and the State's understanding
of how regional and local water managers are advancing equity in their communities.
The survey also provides an opportunity for water managers to communicate on how
State government can assist them in advancing equity.
This 27-question survey should take approximately 20–30 minutes to complete. It was
developed with input from a public workgroup that included representatives from
water management agencies/districts and non-governmental organizations.
This survey uses the following key terms. Please refer to these definitions when
providing responses.
Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people,
while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented
the full participation of some groups.
Frontline communities are communities that experience the “first and worst” of
environmental consequences. These communities are more exposed to existing and
future water sector vulnerabilities (e.g., water shortages, poor water quality, and/or
affordability challenges).
Technical assistance is the process of providing targeted support to an agency,
organization, or community with a development need or resource gap. Technical
Assistance may be delivered in many ways, such as one-on-one consultation, small
group facilitation, technical resources and analysis, or through a web-based
clearinghouse. Technical Assistance is one of the most effective methods for building
the capacity of an organization (as defined by the California Strategic Growth
Council).
For any questions about this survey, please email the California Water Plan Team.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
B-2
Please note:
•
This survey is intended for all regional and local water and flood management
agencies/districts in California.
•
Survey respondents should be authorized to submit a response on behalf of
their organization.
•
All data gathered for this survey will be aggregated to inform broader policy
recommendations in the California Water Plan Update 2023.
•
The term Agency/District is used throughout the survey and is intended to
represent any entity as described in Question #4.
•
Water and flood management agencies/districts have the option to complete
this survey anonymously by leaving the first two questions blank.
General Description of Your Agency/District
1. Agency/District name:
(Please note: You may leave this question blank if you wish to remain anonymous.)
2. Name and title of person completing this survey:
(Please note: You may leave this question blank if you wish to remain anonymous.)
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July 2024
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3. Identify the water management sector(s) your agency/district is involved in:
(Please select all that apply)
Urban Water Supply (those required to submit urban water management
plans)
Small Community Water Supply (those not required to submit urban water
management plans)
Agricultural Water Supply
Groundwater Management
Flood Management
Stormwater Management
Wastewater Management
Municipal Water Recycling/Reuse
Other
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California Department of Water Resources
B-4
4. Identify your entity type (Please select all that apply)
Water Agency
Water District
Public Utility District
Investor-Owned Utility
Mutual Water Company
Community Service District
Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Flood Management or Reclamation Agency/District
Sanitation or Sewer Agency/District
Joint Powers Authority
Irrigation District
Water Conservation District
City
County
Other
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B-5
5. Number of employees
Fewer than 5 employees
6 to 25 employees
25 to 50 employees
51 to 100 employees
101 to 500 employees
501 to 1,000 employees
More than 1,000 employees
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California Department of Water Resources
B-6
6. Which Hydrologic Region (HR) are you located in? (Please select all that apply)
Information on identifying your HR can be found on the California State Geoportal
website.
North Coast HR
San Francisco Bay HR
Central Coast HR
South Coast HR
Sacramento River HR
San Joaquin River HR
Tulare Lake Basin HR
North Lahontan HR
South Lahontan HR
Colorado River HR
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7. Number of permanent residents (including seasonal workers) in the community
you serve:
Fewer than 100
101 to 1,000
1,001 to 5,000
5,001 to 10,000
10,001 to 100,000
Greater than 100,000
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California Department of Water Resources
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Agency and District Efforts to Advance Equity
Collecting data on equity actions by water management agencies/districts will help
establish a base- line to measure local outreach and engagement, technical
assistance, and other best practices that agencies/districts provide to their
community members.
8. Which of these external practices related to equity does your agency/district
implement? (Please select all that apply.)
Provide technical assistance/grant writing to frontline communities
Partner with local organizations in your area to enhance outreach to frontline
and/or Tribal communities
Have outreach representative(s) to engage with frontline communities
Have outreach representative(s) to engage with Tribal communities
No-shutoff policy for non-payment (intended for drinking water systems)
Provide water to people experiencing homelessness (intended for drinking
water systems)
Provide low-income financial assistance (intended for drinking water and
wastewater systems)
None
Other
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July 2024
B-9
9. Which of these internal practices related to equity does your agency/district
implement? (Please select all that apply.)
Equity as part of agency/district mission statement
Equity as part of agency/district strategic plan
Formal equity policy and/or plan
Equity is considered in decision-making process
Equity-oriented staff training
Hire staff with expertise in equity
Equity as part of job descriptions
None
Other
10. Please briefly explain any barriers faced to implement any Internal and/or
External practices related to equity (e.g., lack of capacity, lack of training, unclear
State policy requirements).
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California Department of Water Resources
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11. Which of these language translation services does your agency/district provide
for non-English speaking residents? (Please select all that apply.)
Staff that serves the public in language(s) other than English
Communication in language(s) other than English
Website in language(s) other than English
Emergency alerts in language(s) other than English
Outreach/education materials in languages other than English
None
Other
12. What type of staff do you use for equity related to internal practices, external
practices and/or language translation services described earlier? (Please select all
that apply.)
Full-time employee(s)
Part-time employee(s)
Contract employee(s)
Volunteer(s)
None
Other
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July 2024
B-11
13. Please give examples of technical assistance and/or other services your
agency/district provides to frontline and/or Tribal communities (include weblinks
where appropriate). If none, leave blank.
14. Please give examples of how your agency/district partners with, engages with
and/or includes frontline and/or Tribal communities in your water management
planning efforts (include weblinks where appropriate). If none, leave blank.
15. Please give examples of programs, planning activities, and/or projects your
agency/district has completed or is currently working on that specifically benefit
frontline and/or Tribal communities (include weblinks where appropriate). If none,
leave blank.
16. Please list challenges that hinder or impede your agency's/district's ability to
implement programs, planning activities, and/or projects that would benefit frontline
and/or Tribal communities. If none, leave blank.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
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Feedback on State Assistance to Advance Equity Locally
Please provide detailed information on how State government can assist your
agency/district to advance equity.
17. Please rank the following State actions that can best support your
agency/district in advancing equity. (rank most important first)
____ State offering technical assistance/technical support (e.g., translation and
interpretation services, meeting facilitation or virtual platform access services,
water resource or water quality data interpretation)
____ State policy changes to support equity
____ State funding (such as long-term grant funding to support diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI) positions/staff time)
____ State support for coordination among state and local agencies, Tribes, non-
governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs),
and community members
____ State offering best practices, trainings, and other resource toolkits.
18. Please provide additional details on State actions needed to support your
agency/district in advancing equity.
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July 2024
B-13
Agency and District Representation and Participation
Water management decisions are largely made at the local level. With hundreds of
water management agencies/districts in California, there is great variation in services
delivered, governance structures, and financing mechanisms that determine their
level of influence on their community. The following questions are intended to gather
important context to the various management approaches and organizational
structures of water management agencies/districts.
19. Size of Governing Board
Fewer than five board members
Five board members
More than five board members
Does not apply
20. How are governing board members selected?
General public election
Landowner election
Shareholder election
Agency/District-appointed
Court-appointed
Does not apply
Other
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California Department of Water Resources
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21. How well does the composition of your agency/district board match the
gender diversity of the people affected or served by your agency/district?
The board composition closely represents the gender diversity of the people
we affect or serve.
The board composition does not represent the gender diversity of the people
we affect or serve.
Unable to answer, we do not know the gender diversity of the people we affect
or serve.
Does not apply, we do not have a governing board
Prefer not to answer
22. How well does the composition of your agency/district board match the black,
indigenous, & people of color (BIPOC) diversity of the people affected or served by
your agency/district?
The board composition closely represents the BIPOC diversity of the people
we affect or serve.
The board composition under-represents the BIPOC diversity of the people we
affect or serve.
The board composition over-represents the BIPOC diversity of the people we
affect or serve.
Unable to answer, we do not know the BIPOC diversity of the people we affect
or serve.
Does not apply, we do not have a governing board.
Prefer not to answer
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July 2024
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23. How well does the composition of your agency/district board match the age
distribution of the people affected or served by your agency/district?
The board composition closely represents the age distribution of the people
we affect or serve.
The board composition does not represent the age distribution of the people
we affect or serve.
Unable to answer, we do not know the age distribution of the people we affect
or serve.
Does not apply, we do not have a governing board.
Prefer not to answer
24. How well does the composition of your agency/district board match the
economic diversity of the people affected or served by your agency/district?
The board composition closely represents the economic diversity of the
people we affect or serve.
The board composition does not represent the economic diversity of the
people we affect or serve.
Unable to answer, we do not know the economic diversity of the people we
affect or serve.
Does not apply, we do not have a governing board.
Prefer not to answer
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
B-16
25. How are agency/district public meetings advertised? (Please select all that
apply.)
Notification posted at meeting location
Agency/District website
Social media
Physical flyers
Radio
Community Centers' websites/message boards
Email sent to agency/district email list
Advertise meetings in multiple languages
Not advertised
Do not hold public meetings
Other
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July 2024
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26. How does your agency/district conduct agency/district public meetings?
(Please select all that apply.)
During business hours
During evening hours and/or weekends
Include options for virtual/hybrid meetings
Hold meetings in frontline communities
Have outreach representative(s) to engage with frontline communities
Have outreach representative(s) to engage with Tribal communities
Include options for translators in languages other than English
Include options for translators in American Sign Language
Provide food
Provide childcare
Other
27. Please give examples of how your agency/district recruits and develops
people from frontline communities to become agency/district leaders (include
weblinks where appropriate). If none, leave blank.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
B-18
The California Water Plan Team thanks you for taking
the time to complete this survey!
This content is neither created nor endorsed by Microsoft. The data you submit will
be sent to the form owner.
Microsoft Forms
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-1
Appendix C. Results of the Equity
Survey of Water and Flood
Management Agencies and Districts in
California
General Agency and District Information
(Questions 1-7)
Questions 1 and 2. Agency/District Name and Name/Title of persons completing
survey
Of those who responded, 45 provided their agency or district name, and 41 provided
their name and/or title. Fourteen did not provide their agency or district name, and
18 did not provide their name or title.
Question 3. Identify the water management sector(s) your agency/district is involved
in: (Please select all that apply)
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response.
Table C-3a Water Management Sectors Identified
Identified Sectors
Number of Agencies/Districts
Urban Water Supply
38
Small Community Water Supply
9
Agricultural Water Supply
6
Groundwater Management
18
Flood Management
10
Stormwater Management
14
Wastewater Management
33
Municipal Water Recycling/Reuse
16
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-2
Table C-3b Number of Water Management Sectors Identified
Number of Identified Sectors
Number of Agencies/Districts
One Water Management Sector Identified
21
Two Water Management Sectors Identified
13
Three Water Management Sectors identified
13
Four Water Management Sectors Identified
6
Five Water Management Sectors Identified
2
Six Water Management Sectors Identified
4
Total Water Agencies/Districts Responding
59
Question 4. Identify your entity type: (Please select all that apply)
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 58 provided a
response to Question 4.
Table C-4a Entity Types Identified
Entity Type
Number of Agencies/Districts
Water Agency
6
Water District
18
Public Utility District
10
Investor-Owned Utility
0
Mutual Water Company
2
Community Service District
7
Groundwater Sustainability Agency
3
Flood Management or Reclamation
Agency/District
2
Sanitation or Sewer Agency/District
10
Joint Powers Authority
3
Irrigation District
1
Water Conservation District
1
City
19
County
1
Other
0
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-3
Table C-4b Number of Entity Types Identified
Number of Identity Types
Number of Agencies/Districts
One Entity Identified
43
Two Entities Identified
8
Three Entities Identified
4
Four Entities Identified
3
Total Water Agencies/Districts Responding
58
Question 5. Number of Employees
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 58 provided a
response to Question 5.
Table C-5 Number of Employees
Number of Employees
Number of Agencies/Districts
Fewer than 5 employees
10
6 to 25 employees
20
26 to 50 employees
6
51 to 100 employees
8
101 to 500 employees
13
501 to 1,000 employees
0
More than 1,000 employees
1
Total Water Agencies/ Districts Responding
58
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-4
Question 6. Which Hydrologic Region (HR) are you located in? (Please select all that
apply)
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 6.
Table C-6 Number of Agencies and Districts Reporting They Are in a Single
Hydrologic Region
Hydrologic Region
Number of Agencies/Districts
North Coast
7
San Francisco Bay
6
Central Coast
4
South Coast
18
Sacramento River
6
San Joaquin River
4
Tulare Lake Basin
7
North Lahontan
0
South Lahontan
3
Colorado River
2
Total Water Agencies/
Districts Responding
57
Table C-6 Note: In addition, two agencies/districts reported they are located in two
hydrologic regions. One is in the South Coast and Central Coast hydrologic regions.
The other is in the Tulare Lake and San Joaquin River hydrologic regions.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-5
Question 7. Number of permanent residents (including seasonal workers) in the
community you serve:
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 7.
Table C-7 Number of Permanent Residents
Number of Permanent Residents
Number of Agencies/Districts
Fewer than 100
2
101 to 1,000
4
1,001 to 5,000
3
5,001 to 10,000
6
10,001 to 100,000
32
Greater than 100,000
12
Total Water Agencies/Districts
Responding
59
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-6
Agency/District Efforts to Advance Equity
(Questions 8-16)
Question 8. Which of these external practices related to equity does your
agency/district implement? (Please select all that apply.)
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 47 provided a
response to Question 8.
Table C-8 External Equity Related Practices Implemented
External Practices
Number of Agencies/Districts
Provide technical assistance/grant writing to
frontline communities
1
Partner with local organizations in your area to
enhance outreach to frontline and/or Tribal
communities
19
Have outreach representative(s) to engage with
frontline communities
17
Have outreach representative(s) to engage with
Tribal communities
4
No-shutoff policy for non-payment (intended for
drinking water systems)
4
Provide water to people experiencing
homelessness (intended for drinking water
systems)
0
Provide low-income financial assistance (intended
for drinking water and wastewater systems)
18
Other – Low Income Household Water Assistance
Program (LIHWAP)
1
Other - Customers may contact Agency
representative to discuss options for averting
termination of residential service for nonpayment.
Options include a deferred or reduced payment
plan, an alternative payment schedule, or an
agreement to amortize the delinquent amounts.
1
Other - Many on this list do not apply because the
Inland Empire Utilities Agency is a wholesale
water/wastewater agency. Please note there are
no Tribes in our service area.
1
None
16
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July 2024
C-7
Question 9. Which of these internal practices related to equity does your
agency/district implement? (Please select all that apply.)
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 58 provided a
response to Question 9.
Table C-9 Internal Equity Related Practices Implemented
Internal Practices
Number of Agencies/Districts
Equity as part of agency/district mission statement
8
Equity as part of agency/district strategic plan
14
Formal equity policy and/or plan
12
Equity is considered in decision-making process
26
Equity-oriented staff training
16
Hire staff with expertise in equity
8
Equity as part of job descriptions
12
Other - We are all volunteer agency
1
Other - Interview questions
1
Other - Some of the item indicated as yes are
pending implementation
1
Other - We are hiring a consultant to analyze and
recommend how Inland Empire Utilities Agency
can best promote equity
1
None
17
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-8
Question 10. Please briefly explain any barriers faced to implement any Internal
and/or External practices related to equity (e.g., lack of capacity, lack of training,
unclear State policy requirements).
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 41 provided a
response to Question 6.
Table C-10 Barriers Faced to Implement Equity Practices
Common Responses
Number of Agencies/Districts
Lack of Training
9
Lack of Capacity
9
Lack of Funding
9
Unclear on State Policy Requirements
6
Lack of Qualified Applicants
3
Need for Board Direction/Priorities
3
Potential Conflicts with Prop 218
3
None or NA
6
Not sure or unclear
2
Additional detailed responses to Question 10:
•
Lack of qualified candidate pool, especially for engineering and hydrology. I
suggest a strategy to prioritizes education from an early age, especially related
to math/science/water-treatment/utilities.
•
Knowledge of the industry as a career choice in minority communities.
•
Clearly identifying equity issues, as systemic problems. Taking the time to not
just problem solve identified issues, but to engage most impacted
communities or audiences to find meaningful ways to engage them in
identifying and implementing solutions, especially when those audiences do
not have technical expertise in complex projects.
•
Lack of political support for such initiatives
•
Lack of precedent and lack of technical advisory
•
West Basin does not currently have equity included in its district mission
statement, although the Board of Directors is considering doing so in the
future. Likewise, the Board is expected to discuss and put new policies into
place with regard to equity issues as part of the next iteration of its strategic
plan.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-9
o
While staff has undergone some DEI training in recent years, additional
opportunities to have further training and engagement at the internal level
would benefit the organization.
o
Being a small agency, West Basin does not currently have a dedicated DEI
specialist, however the district does have a staff-led DEI committee that
meets somewhat regularly to discuss DEI issues and plan out equity-
focused events.
o
In general, at this time, there is limited funding for equity-based
opportunities, but again, this could change once the new strategic plan is
considered and implemented.
•
Hasn't been a priority but upcoming master plan will include equity issues
•
External: We are a (joint powers authority) and don't directly interact with
customers.
•
District has no employees/staff. Total purpose is to supply ag water to 18
landowners - none would be considered a frontline community
•
Very small agency that is supported by portions of Tehama County staff as a
whole including translation. Most policies are taken from County policies set by
the larger Government. Internally a staff of just 2 does not allow any significant
effort put towards equity.
•
Who is claiming that there is an equity issue facing our community?
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California Department of Water Resources
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Question 11. Which of these language translation services does your agency/district
provide for non-English speaking residents? (Please select all that apply.)
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 11.
Table C-11 Language Translation Services
Language Translation Service Offered
Number of Agencies/Districts
Staff that serves the public in language(s) other
than English
50
Communication in language(s) other than English
39
Website in language(s) other than English
19
Emergency alerts in language(s) other than
English
23
Outreach/education materials in languages other
than English
38
Other - All press releases are in English and
Spanish. Spanish is a threshold language in the
City of San Luis Obispo.
1
None
5
Question 12. What type of staff do you use for equity related to internal practices,
external practices and/or language translation services described earlier? (Please
select all that apply.)
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 12.
Table C-12 Staff Used for Equity-Related Work
Staff Used for Equity-Related Work
Number of Agencies/Districts
Full-time employee(s)
48
Part-time employee(s)
12
Contract employee(s)
11
Volunteer(s)
2
Other - Consultants
1
Other - Companies that offer translation services
1
Other - Obtain outreach materials translated from
regional agency
1
None
8
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-11
Question 13. Please give examples of technical assistance and/or other services your
agency/district provides to frontline and/or Tribal communities (include weblinks
where appropriate). If none, leave blank.
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 18 provided a
response to Question 13.
Table C-13 Examples of Assistance to Frontline or Tribal Communities
Common Responses
Number of Agencies/Districts
Translation Services
6
Outreach and Education Services
7
Applied for Financial Assistance
1
Internship Program
1
None
1
Additional detailed responses to Question 13:
•
An elected supervisor is the liaison with Tribal governance including attending
meetings and bringing forth desired interactions.
•
We contract for programs like (Low Income Household Water Assistance
Program) and help customers make contact with the resources that can help
them keep access to drinking water when it is not affordable for them.
•
Committee United for Racial Equity Committee
•
West Basin has several employees who are bilingual, and who provide
technical assistance to frontline communities.
o
West Basin's website has a feature on the home page where visitors can
select any language they prefer, and which the website will convert to that
language.
o
West Basin has Program Managers that can assist frontline communities in
Spanish, and can work with outside agencies to provide translation into
other languages, including Tagalog.
o
West Basin partners with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, a
local JPIA, who helps promote West Basin's programs to frontline
communities.
o
West Basin has an ongoing budget to produce collateral pieces in other
languages (primarily Spanish, but also Tagalog and Mandarin).
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-12
o
For several of the district's conservation programs, staff provides
concierge-level service to frontline communities to help them overcome
barriers to participation in district programs.
•
Roundtables/task forces.
•
Inland Empire Brine Line.
•
Historically we address water use issues in predominately Spanish-speaking
neighborhoods with similar levels of service and with Spanish speaking staff
when available. We have also done tabling/outreach for City services at public
events within those Spanish-speaking neighborhoods. It's not much, but
something given that we are not a large City and have limited resources
ourselves.
•
Responding 24/7/365 to sewer emergency calls made by residents of our
service area, public outreach presentations at public community events (street
fairs, farmers markets etc.) and local high school internship programs.
•
The City provides services to its customers without bias.
•
AB 52 and Cultural Resources studies
•
As a wholesale water agency, we provide turnkey water use efficiency
programs via local retail water agencies to help frontline communities with
saving water, including funding a low-income leak detection and repair pilot
program. We also work with community programs such as IE Works for talent
acquisition and workforce development. Again, there are no tribes in our
service area.
•
Only as mandated consultation per (California Environmental Quality Act)
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-13
Question 14. Please give examples of how your agency/district partners with, engages
with and/or includes frontline and/or Tribal communities in your water management
planning efforts (include weblinks where appropriate). If none, leave blank.
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 22 provided a
response to Question 14.
Table C-14 Examples of Engaging with Frontline or Tribal Communities
Common Responses
Number of Agencies/Districts
AB 52 Tribal Consultation
3
Outreach and meeting with Tribal
communities
6
Outreach and meeting with local community
7
Secure grants to keep water affordable
2
Additional detailed responses to Question 14:
•
We are planning to provide more local sources of water in these communities
where possible.
•
We reach out to tribal communities as part of the (California Environmental
Quality Act) process with project implementation; we have also begun the
process to include the tribal communities as our stakeholders in the
development of our Drought Contingency Plan and Climate Action Plan.
•
The Board of Supervisors has government-to-government meetings with all
local Tribes on a regular basis. They are referred to as 2 by 2 meetings with two
members representing the Board/Council of each entity. The County also has a
Natural Resources and Environmental Coordination Technical Advisory
Committee which has frequent participation by one local Tribe.
•
Local GSA and Water Resources Association meetings include Tribes in the
process.
•
Regular meetings held in tribal areas.
•
We communicate with local non-profits trying to make a better community.
•
Equity, Diversity, and Including Update: City Council Presentation — June 20,
2023.
•
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority: One Water One Watershed.
•
Daily contact with communities
•
We secure grants as a severely disadvantaged community for planning
projects so that we can help keep the cost of water service affordable for our
low income customers
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-14
•
Approximately 40% of West Basin's service area includes communities that are
considered disadvantaged or underserved. West Basin engages these
communities directly and through its customer agencies that includes cities
and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Residents from all of West
Basin's communities are able to attend and provide input at the district's
various committee and board meetings where water management planning
issues are discussed. These meetings are free and open to the public.
o
In addition, as part of its Urban Water Management Plan update process,
West Basin sends draft copies to all of its cities and other community
stakeholders. Again, West Basin hosts public hearings prior to adoption of
these planning documents, where all community input and feedback is
welcomed, including from residents in frontline communities.
o
Demand management continues to be a significant priority for West Basin
as part of its overall water supply portfolio. To achieve its demand
management goals, West Basin has invested in programs that specifically
cater to underserved areas, and has plans to offer even more programs of
this nature in the future.
•
As a wholesale water agency/regional sewer provider, it is incumbent on our
retail water/sewer agencies to engage with frontline communities (there are no
tribes in our service area) and integrate their interests into a synthesized
representation of community planning priorities.
•
The district partners with its wholesaler to offer rebates on water conserving
devices indoors and outdoors. We also offer landscaping water audits.
•
Incorporated in IRWM planning on regionwide scale.
•
The City provides services and conducts management planning efforts to its
customers without bias.
•
Only as mandated consultation per (California Environmental Quality Act).
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-15
Question 15. Please give examples of programs, planning activities, and/or projects
your agency/district has completed or is currently working on that specifically benefit
frontline and/or Tribal communities (include weblinks where appropriate). If none,
leave blank.
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 21 provided a
response to Question 15.
Table C-15 Examples of Activities Benefitting Frontline or Tribal Communities
Common Responses
Number of Agencies/Districts
Work with frontline communities on water
management projects
3
Work with Tribes on water management projects
2
Low-income assistance program
5
Drought Planning
2
Equity indicators report
1
Turf replacement and other rebates
2
Solar project to provide energy savings
1
High School Internship Program
1
Public education campaign
1
Participated in Together Bay Area's Right
Relations Program to build alliances with local
Tribal communities
1
Additional detailed responses to Question 15:
•
We are attempting to upgrade the water system in a frontline community that
has been plagued with natural and manmade disasters but we are having
challenges getting feedback from the community.
•
initial work on joint groundwater recharge project on Nomalaki Tribal lands.
•
Within the last 10 years, we partnered with one local Tribe to make
improvements to the wastewater collection system within the boundary of the
Rancheria and in other areas of the County with Tribe membership. Currently,
we are in preliminary conversations with another local Tribe to partner on grant
applications to make improvements to a levee that protects a community
within the Reservation.
•
West Basin has a program called, Grass Replacement + that targets the priority
underserved areas of the service area. West Basin utilizes the EPA’s
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-16
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 tool to identify priority communities. West Basin’s Project
Manager and the project consultant offer bilingual English/Spanish technical
assistance to the frontline communities. Translated program materials are
considered in the outreach for this program. www.westbasin.org/grass-plus
o
West Basin also partners with the Southern California Gas Company
(SoCalGas) to provide residents in underserved areas with free installations
of water and energy saving devices. To participate, residents contact
SoCalGas’s program vendor, which provides bilingual technical assistance.
The program is also promoted utilizing English/Spanish marketing
collateral.
o
Previously, West Basin offered a "Change & Save" program, which provided
frontline communities with access to in-house water use surveys and free
water-efficient device installation at their homes.
o
In 2020, West Basin conducted a study on potential programs that would
be targeted to disadvantaged communities. A report was produced that
provided a ranked list of program alternatives. These alternatives have and
will continue to help inform West Basin efforts to provide programs that
benefit frontline communities.
•
The District just completed the Arsenic Mitigation Project Phase II giving clean
drinking water to the community of Arvin and surrounding areas. The District is
working on a solar project that would free up about $500k in energy savings
allowing the District to provide safe and affordable drinking water.
•
Local high school student internship program and public information on
keeping their sewer free of grease, wipes and other items that may cause
service interruption.
•
City of San Luis Obispo — Customer Assistance Programs.. Other partnerships
and funding with nonprofit organizations that help unserved and
underrepresented communities, spanning utilities assistance and other
ancillary services.
•
In addition to the response to Question 14, WCW operates a Public Incentive
Program for Efficiency of Sewers (PIPES) to provide rebates to residential and
commercial property owners who repair or replace damaged sewer laterals.
•
Some of our DEI and Natural Resources staff participated in a nine-month
experiential cohort with Together Bay Area's Right Relations Program. The
program was designed to take the cohort through a series of field trips, online
trainings, and expert conversations with local native and tribal leaders to
discuss their work to strengthen sovereignty, culture, and shared ecosystems.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-17
•
The City provides services and conducts management planning efforts to its
customers without bias.
•
The projects undertaken by our agency offer regional benefits.
•
Only as mandated consultation per (California Environmental Quality Act).
Question 16. Please list challenges that hinder or impede your agency's/district's
ability to implement programs, planning activities, and/or projects that would benefit
frontline and/or Tribal communities. If none, leave blank.
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 20 provided a
response to Question 16.
Table C-16 Challenges to Implementing Activities that Benefit
Frontline or Tribal Communities
Common Responses
Number of Agencies/Districts
Lack of funding
6
Lack of staff capacity
5
Unfunded mandates from state
1
Lack of executive interest/support or
training to prioritize equity
1
Distrust of government by disadvantaged
communities
1
No nearby Tribal communities
2
Conflict with Prop 218 requirements
2
Lack of Strategic Planning
1
Understanding the desires and needs of
tribal communities while balancing our
organizational mission.
1
Additional detailed responses to Question 16:
•
Engagement is difficult because our disadvantaged communities don't trust
government agencies.
•
Limited funding and resources due to restrictions on use of water rate
revenues
•
Our District, especially our watershed lands, are former lands of multiple tribal
communities. Our challenge is most significant with understanding the desires
and needs of those unique communities and finding the most meaningful
methods for engagement, while balancing our organizational mission.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-18
•
We are required to treat all of our customers equally under Proposition 218
and do not have the means to fully subsidize frontline communities specifically
since this requires use of non-sewer-service charge revenues.
•
Lack of management training in equity practices; lack of political support for
such initiatives; potential conflict with other state requirements, e.g. Prop 218
water rate establishment process.
•
Staff. We are a small district with a large service area, public outreach is one of
multiple tasks staff has to deal with. If we have a public health emergency
public outreach will be put on the back burner until fixed.
•
Our customers can't afford to pay current rates, and all of the efforts to
implement more programs and reports costs staff time which equates to $$
that the district can't afford to pay while trying to avoid increasing our water
rates
•
Communication avenues with customers/public. We are working through
some trial and error to find best practices for communicating information.
•
Strategic planning would help provide direction and prioritization to staff on
what kinds of actions and programs could be utilized to help West Basin make
further progress on DEI priorities. Other challenges include the need for
internal and external funding for program planning (e.g., market research to
identify who and what is needed), and program implementation (including
support services to outreach and maintain customer support considering
limited staff size). Without funding, West Basin's efforts to achieve goals that
are set forth in a strategic plan will be impeded.
•
Our water agency doesn't really have any tribal grounds within it.
•
There are not nearby tribal communities with which we may engage.
•
We are a (joint powers authority) and do not engage directly with
residents/customers.
•
The City provides services and conducts management planning efforts to its
customers without bias. What exactly is your definition of a frontline
community?
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-19
Feedback on State Assistance to Advance Equity Locally
(Questions 17-18)
Question 17. Please rank the following State actions that can best support your
agency/district in advancing equity. (rank most important first)
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 50 provided a
response to Question 17.
Table C-17 Ranking and Selection of Needed State Actions to Support
Advancing Equity
State Actions Needed
1st
Choice
2nd
Choice
3rd
Choice
4th
Choice
5th
Choice
State funding (such as long-term
grant funding to support diversity,
equity, and inclusion (DEI)
positions/staff time)
22
12
4
9
3
State offering technical
assistance/technical support (e.g.,
translation and interpretation
services, meeting facilitation or
virtual platform access services,
water resource or water quality data
interpretation)
12
18
14
4
2
State offering best practices,
trainings, and other resource
toolkits.
7
10
13
11
9
State support for coordination
among state and local agencies,
Tribes, non- governmental
organizations (NGOs), community-
based organizations (CBOs), and
community members
6
5
11
14
14
State policy changes to support
equity
3
5
8
12
22
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-20
Question 18. Please provide additional details on State actions needed to support
your agency/district in advancing equity.
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 15 provided a
response to Question 18.
Table C-18 State Actions Needed to Support Advancing Equity
Common Response
Number of Agencies/Districts
Funding
5
Training & Education
4
Translation Services
1
Technical support and BMPs/case studies
1
Updated Policies
1
Consolidate Data Reporting
1
Additional detailed responses to Question 18:
•
Translating and providing web links in various languages would assist in
getting program information to more residents in our County.
•
Public education, especially for low-income neighborhoods, in math and
science.
•
Additional low/no interest infrastructure financing options or grant
opportunities for areas inhabited by frontline communities, tribal communities,
or other unserved or underrepresented groups.
•
For us the answer is to consolidate reporting so that we don't spend dozens of
hours every month creating data to put into a website that provides NO benefit
to our customers or to provide monthly or annual funding to agencies
providing services in small disadvantaged communities to augment staffing
needed to prepare and manage the data and reporting required by the State
•
We, as a special district, have conducted ourselves to be professional in that
we attract talented, local employees who want to enjoy their work and want to
work closely as a team. We've found that the applicant pools are limited so
we've adjusted some job descriptions to recruit equitably and in the best
interest of the customers of which we serve. State funding would allow us to
offer competitive salaries and benefits for such diverse and talented
individuals.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-21
•
District must treat all customers equally, which in a sense is equity in the
community. No group of customers, seniors, low income, or handicapped
class of customer can be treated different than any other class of custom when
it comes to services or the cost of services in the current environment.
•
Dedicated state funding, ongoing technical support, and open sharing of
ideas/resources all would help West Basin to further advance DEI objectives in
the region. Organizations benefit from learning from other organizations, so
offering case studies and/or best practices would also provide good ideas
from which to take and adapt into an equity-focused program or policy.
•
Wastewater is a very niche field of training. Students and the public need to
know this is a career that is an option. We can only hire staff with licenses due
to our SWRCB permit, this is a problem at all wastewater agencies. Some
colleges offer water classes and we try to reach out to as many students as
possible. This industry desperately needs trained professionals, especially in
the next 5 years when most senior staff will be retiring.
•
As a wastewater-only District, we are dependent upon water supply agencies
to advance equity initiatives. We would like to advance water equity issues and
provide recycled water to help support overall water supply, but need
assistance in coordination and incentives to use recycled water for those
purposes.
•
In a diverse community as ours, I am struggling to see where we fit into this, so
called, inequity/equity battle that is being perpetuated. We provide services to
our customers in a non-bias fashion and comply with applicable State law and
regulations to provide safe quality water to all our customer base without bias
or prejudice. Question #17 above is non-applicable.
•
We are currently an all volunteer agency.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-22
Agency/District Representation Participation
(Questions 19–27)
Question 19. Size of Governing Board?
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 19.
Table C-19 Sizes of Governing Boards
Number of Board Members
Number of Agencies/Districts
Fewer than five board members
1
Five board members
50
More than five board members
7
Does not apply
1
Question 20. How are governing board members selected?
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 20.
Table C-20 Selection of Governing Boards
Selection Process
Number of Agencies/Districts
General public election
46
General public election and agency/district
appointed
3
General public election and those elected to city
council serve on district board
1
Landowner election
2
Landowner election and agency/district appointed
1
Shareholder election
2
Agency/district-appointed
2
Court-appointed
0
Other: Cities in service area appoint a board
member. Usually, the mayor or person selected by
mayor.
1
Other: City council appointed
1
Does not apply
0
Total agencies/districts responding
59
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-23
Question 21. How well does the composition of your agency/district board match the
gender diversity of the people affected or served by your agency/district?
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 21.
Table C-21 Gender Diversity of Governing Board
Board Diversity
Number of Agencies/Districts
The board composition closely represents the
gender diversity of the people we affect or serve.
31
The board composition does not represent the
gender diversity of the people we affect or serve.
15
Unable to answer, we do not know the gender
diversity of the people we affect or serve.
5
Does not apply, we do not have a governing board
0
Prefer not to answer
8
Total water agencies/districts responding
59
Question 22. How well does the composition of your agency/district board match the
black, indigenous, & people of color (BIPOC) diversity of the people affected or served
by your agency/district?
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 22.
Table C-22 BIPOC Diversity of Governing Board
BIPOC Diversity
Number of Agencies/Districts
The board composition closely represents the
BIPOC diversity of the people we affect or serve.
24
The board composition under-represents the
BIPOC diversity of the people we affect or serve.
12
The board composition over-represents the BIPOC
diversity of the people we affect or serve.
2
Unable to answer, we do not know the BIPOC
diversity of the people we affect or serve.
10
Does not apply, we do not have a governing board
2
Prefer not to answer
9
Total Water Agencies/Districts Responding
59
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-24
Question 23. How well does the composition of your agency/district board match the
age distribution of the people affected or served by your agency/district?
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 23.
Table C-23 Age Distribution of Board Compared to Population Being Served
Age Distribution of Board
Number of Agencies/Districts
The board composition closely represents the age
distribution of the people we affect or serve.
22
The board composition does not represent the
age distribution of the people we affect or serve.
14
Unable to answer, we do not know the age
distribution of the people we affect or serve.
15
Does not apply, we do not have a governing
board
0
Prefer not to answer
8
Total Water Agencies/Districts Responding
59
Question 24. How well does the composition of your agency/district board match the
economic diversity of the people affected or served by your agency/district?
Of 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 58 provided a response to
Question 24.
Table C-24 Economic Diversity of Governing Board
Economic Diversity
Number of Agencies/Districts
The board composition closely represents the
economic diversity of the people we affect or
serve.
22
The board composition does not represent the
economic diversity of the people we affect or
serve.
8
Unable to answer, we do not know the economic
diversity of the people we affect or serve.
16
Does not apply, we do not have a governing board
0
Prefer not to answer
12
Total Water Agencies/Districts Responding
58
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-25
Question 25. How are agency/district public meetings advertised?
Of 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, 58 provided a response to
Question 25.
Table C-25 Advertising for Public Meetings
Type of Advertising
Number of Agencies/Districts
Notification posted at meeting location
49
Agency/District website
52
Social media
22
Physical flyers
6
Radio
3
Community Centers' websites/message boards
10
Email sent to agency/district email list
30
Advertise meetings in multiple languages
5
Not advertised
0
Do not hold public meetings
0
Other: Newspaper
1
Other: Word of mouth
1
Other: Public Hearings are advertised in
multiple languages and expanded media lists
1
Other: Posted at district office
1
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-26
Question 26. How does your agency/district conduct agency/district public meetings?
All 59 agencies and districts provided a response to Question 26.
Table C-26 How Public Meetings are Conducted
How Public Meetings are Conducted
Number of Agencies/Districts
During business hours
26
During evening hours and/or weekends
37
Include options for virtual/hybrid meetings
32
Hold meetings in frontline communities
8
Have outreach representative(s) to engage with
frontline communities
8
Have outreach representative(s) to engage with
Tribal communities
2
Include options for translators in languages other
than English
13
Include options for translators in American Sign
Language
2
Provide food
3
Provide childcare
0
Other: Assistive listening system
1
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
C-27
Question 27. Please give examples of how your agency/district recruits and develops
people from frontline communities to become agency/district leaders (include
weblinks where appropriate). If none, leave blank.
Of the 59 agencies and districts that responded to the survey, nine provided a
response to Question 27.
Detailed responses for Question 27:
•
Community job fairs
•
Most of our job applicants are from front line communities
•
We encourage anyone that is interested in serving their community as a Board
member to come in and take a tour of our office and/or facilities and to
engage in a discussion of what the duties of a board member are. We have
had staff participate in radio interviews to get information out to the
community regarding board openings. We have difficulty in keeping a full 5
person board.
•
The District recruits by posting jobs on a variety of websites i.e. BC water jobs,
Government Jobs, Water District Jobs, Diversity Jobs, and Handshake (a
website for various local colleges in our area), some of which target frontline
community residents.
o
West Basin also partners with local high schools, colleges, career centers,
and other entities within local frontline communities to educate future
members of the workforce about career opportunities within the water
industry.
o
Another example is West Basin's construction grant management projects,
which require training and hires from frontline communities.
•
We have Community Relations staff that represent each of our seven wards.
Those individuals seek out key community leaders in those communities and
seeks to engage them in both our Customer Assistance Program, public
participation processes (construction and capital projects), internship/training
programs , and public education programs like our Community Water
Academy and our Water Conservation programs.
•
Intentional advertisement of openings in City advisory bodies.
•
(Jurupa Community Services District) has a robust recruitment process and
places a high priority on developing the skills of its staff. JCSD incentivizes
training and education for staff in conjunction with internal development
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
C-28
programs. While these programs are available to all, they are not explicitly
oriented toward frontline communities.
•
Jobs are advertised on the City's website and through the use of other
headhunter establishments. This is opened to the entire public.
•
It is the mission of (Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s) Human Resources
Department to serve as a strategic and collaborative partner in the
development, implementation and support of initiatives that maximize
individual and organizational potential. The Human Resources Department is
committed to delivering human resources programs that are equitable,
informed, efficient and compliant and that positively contribute to the
workplace experience of the Agency’s most valued asset – it’s employees. We
work closely with IEWorks to implement this mission.
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
July 2024
UWL-1
Useful Web Links
California State Geoportal
https://gis.data.ca.gov/datasets/2a572a181e094020bdaeb5203162de15_0/explore?
location=30.770983%2C-115.144121%2C5.66
California Water Plan Update 2023
https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/California-Water-
Plan/Docs/Update2023/Final/California-Water-Plan-Update-2023.pdf
City of San Luis Obispo — Customer Assistance Programs
https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/utilities-
department/utility-billing/customer-assistance-programs
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Update
https://legistarweb-
production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/2025034/Equity_Diversity_a
nd_Inclusion_Update.pdf
East Bay Municipal Utility District Customer Assistance Program
https://www.ebmud.com/customers/customer-assistance-program
East Bay Municipal Utility District Internship and Training programs
https://www.ebmud.com/jobs/internship-and-training-programs
East Bay Municipal Utility District public education programs
https://www.ebmud.com/about-us/education-resources
Equity Survey – California Water Plan Update 2023
https://forms.office.com/g/0v6nrkGeHE
IEWorks
https://ieworks.org/
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority: Inland Empire Brine Line
https://sawpa.org/inland-empire-brine-line/
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority: One Water, One Watershed
https://sawpa.gov/owow/
Equity Survey of Water and Flood Management Agencies
California Department of Water Resources
UWL-2
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority: Roundtables/Task Forces
https://sawpa.org/task-forces/
Together Bay Area Right Relations Program
https://togetherbayarea.org/right-relations/
West Basin Municipal Water District
www.westbasin.org
Email Address
California Water Plan Team
cwpcom@water.ca.gov
