The search for a new general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is underway as the district grapples with significant leadership transitions. This pivotal role, which oversees the nation’s largest water wholesaler, has seen three individuals in the position over the past five years, with the current general manager, Deven Upadhyay, set to retire at the end of this year. Board chairman Adán Ortega emphasized the need for stability, stating, “The job is obviously important. Stability is important.”
The Metropolitan Water District serves approximately 19 million people across six Southern California counties, importing water from the Colorado River and Northern California. The district operates on an annual budget of around $2.4 billion, largely funded through property taxes and water fees. As part of its financial strategy, it is currently implementing a two-step rate increase of 11% this year and 10% in 2026, while managing a debt of $3.1 billion from bond issuances.
Key Decisions Ahead for the New General Manager
The next general manager will face critical challenges, notably the upcoming decisions regarding the Delta Conveyance Project. This ambitious, proposed $20 billion pipeline aims to enhance Southern California’s access to Northern California’s water resources, potentially streamlining the current supply process. The project has long been supported by various California governors, yet it has faced staunch opposition from environmental groups and local communities. A definitive decision on the project’s future is anticipated within the next three years.
While the Metropolitan Water District has conducted feasibility studies for the Delta project, Ortega clarified that no final commitment has been made regarding its construction. If approved, the district would be responsible for financing at least 60% of the project’s costs. Ortega stated that the new general manager’s support for the Delta project is not a prerequisite for the position, highlighting the complexity of upcoming decisions that could shape the region’s water strategy.
Concerns Over Hiring Transparency
The district’s hiring process has come under scrutiny for its perceived lack of transparency. Recent meetings in Los Angeles aimed at vetting potential candidates have resulted in no hires, leaving many stakeholders uncertain about the direction of the search. Ortega indicated that an announcement regarding the new general manager might be made in late September, but specific details about the candidates and discussions have not been disclosed.
On August 11, Alan Shanahan, president of the district’s Employees Association, expressed concerns about the secrecy surrounding the hiring process in a public letter to the board. Shanahan criticized the process as lacking collaboration and transparency, warning that such practices could erode trust among employees and the public.
Some critics argue that contractors working with the district may have undue influence in the hiring of a public employee responsible for significant spending decisions. While Ortega denied these allegations, the ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about the future of water management in Southern California.
As the Metropolitan Water District seeks a new leader, the implications extend beyond personnel changes, representing a pivotal moment in the approach to water sustainability in the region. With climate change affecting water sources and demands growing, the new general manager will need to navigate these challenges while considering innovative strategies, such as the Pure Water project. This initiative aims to convert wastewater into drinking water, potentially replacing reliance on imported water and promoting local resource management.
The outcome of this search is not only vital for the district but also for the millions who depend on its services. The decisions made in the coming months will likely set the course for Southern California’s water future, underscoring the importance of a transparent and collaborative hiring process for the next general manager.
