June 24, 2021
Metropolitan Board Confirms Adel Hagekhalil as New General Manager


National water and infrastructure leader Adel Hagekhalil has been named Metropolitan's new general manager. He succeeds long-time General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger, who led Metropolitan since 2006 and was the longest-tenured general manager. "Mr. Hagekhalil is a highly respected leader on wastewater and water reuse who will help Metropolitan continue on its path to invest in sustainable water supplies," said Chairwoman Gloria D. Gray.
50th Anniversary of San Fernando Tunnel Blast Commemorated
Today (June 24), marks the 50th anniversary of the San Fernando tunnel disaster which killed 17 workers who were drilling a Metropolitan tunnel to bring water to our service area from Lake Castaic. This tragedy was California's worst tunnel disaster and spurred the creation of the toughest mining and tunnel regulations in the nation. It led businesses and agencies to strengthen their resolve and focus on continuous improvement for worker safety.
Metropolitan Recognized for Best Tasting Drinking Water
Metropolitan has the best-tasting municipal tap water in the nation, according to a panel of judges at the 31st annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition. The award-winning water was sourced from Jensen Water Treatment Plant, where staff works hard to ensure high-quality, safe and great-tasting water. Jensen staff recently completed work to optimize the plant’s sedimentation and filter performance, contributing to the winning water’s great taste. The competition featured water sourced from 14 countries and 19 states.
Virtual Solar Cup Culminates with Celebration of Student Winners
Though the pandemic kept Southern California students from competing in person, more than 300 students from 16 high schools throughout the region participated in the virtual 2021 Solar Cup. The competition, which featured challenges testing students’ technical, engineering and creative skills, culminated in a virtual awards ceremony on June 10. Students were recognized for first, second and third place honors in each of 10 challenges conducted over the last five months.
Regional Recycled Water Program Goes to Capitol Hill
Next Tuesday, June 29, Metropolitan’s Chief Operating Officer & Assistant General Manager Deven Upadhyay will testify before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife. Upadhyay will discuss the Regional Recycled Water Program and its benefits to water reliability in the Southwest. Watch live on Tuesday.
Metropolitan Helps Advance Stormwater Capture
At its June meeting, Metropolitan's board voted on agreements to advance two local supply projects that will further diversify and strengthen the region’s water reliability. The board approved an agreement with the Municipal Water District of Orange County and the Santa Margarita Water District to provide funding for a recycled water project. A separate agreement with the Inland Empire Utilities Agencies will fund a stormwater capture project as part of a Metropolitan pilot program that helps measure the potential benefits of such projects for the region. Read more
New Director Representing Western Municipal Water District Appointed
Experienced water advocate Brenda Dennstedt has been appointed to Metropolitan's board to represent the Western Municipal Water District, which serves both wholesale and retail customers in western Riverside County. Dennstedt fills the vacancy left by former Western director Don Galleano, who passed away on June 2. Galleano had served on the board since 2015.