East County Water Management Association

ECWMA Future Role in Funding Opportunities

As the East County Water Management Association (ECWMA) transitions away from its initial requirement to manage California Department of Water Resources’ Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) funds, the organization has made a strategic decision to continue its collaborative efforts in pursuing future federal and state funding opportunities.

Understanding the Continued Role of ECWMA

Although the California DWR IRWM funding requirements have been fulfilled, the ECWMA remains committed to fostering partnerships and advocating for the region's water management needs. This decision underscores our dedication to ensuring that our communities continue to benefit from funding that supports water supply, quality, and sustainability initiatives.

Meetings

Approximately twice a year, the East County Water Managers (Executive Staff) meet with the ECWMA Governing Board group to update them on recent activities and other relevant issues of interest to the ECWMA. These biannual meetings of the ECWMA are open to the public, properly noticed, and conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54950 et seq.

Consequently, the ECWMA meetings offer a forum for non-ECWMA member agencies, participants, stakeholders, and members of the public to provide feedback.  The ECWMA Governing Body may take action on agendized items.

Meeting minutes and agendas can be found here. To be added to the agenda distribution list, please email Administrator Shelby Plowman at splowman@diablowater.org.

Key Responsibilities for Governing Board Members

1. Collaboration: Board members should actively engage with other agencies and stakeholders to identify funding opportunities that align with regional water management goals.

2. Advocacy: Representatives are expected to advocate for the interests of their respective agencies while contributing to a unified approach in securing future funding.

3. Participation: Board members will play a crucial role in hosting discussions and meetings to keep the broader ECWMA group informed about potential funding sources and related initiatives.

4. Public Engagement: It's essential to continue welcoming feedback from non-ECWMA member agencies, stakeholders, and the public to ensure transparent communication and collective success.

By maintaining its collaborative role, the ECWMA aims to enhance regional efforts in water resource management and ensure sustainable practices for the future. Governing board members are encouraged to remain proactive in learning about upcoming funding opportunities and fostering partnerships that will benefit our region.

The ECCC region encompasses all facets of water management, including drinking water supply and quality, wastewater, recycled water, flood control and stormwater, as well as watershed and habitat management.

Participating Agencies of the ECWMA

  • The City of Antioch distributes water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the San Joaquin River to over 103,000 residents, while also maintaining a wastewater collection system that flows to the Delta Diablo’s wastewater treatment plant. The City also operates and maintains a stormwater system within its jurisdiction.

  • The City of Brentwood provides water from local groundwater wells and surface water through the East Contra Costa Irrigation District’s entitlements to serve more than 52,000 residents. The City also collects and treats wastewater to meet recycled water standards. A portion of this recycled water is used for irrigation.

  • Byron Bethany Irrigation District BBID operates and maintains the wastewater collection system and treatment facility for the residents of Byron and provides agricultural water to southeast Contra Costa County. BBID water supplies come from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Central Valley Project.

  • Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (CCCFCWCD) maintains the major storm drainage and flood protection facilities and the Contra Costa County watershed area while protecting its environmental resources.

  • Contra Costa Water District supplies water to over half a million residents of Contra Costa County; the cities of Antioch and Pittsburg and the Diablo Water District all purchase untreated water from CCWD in order to serve their local populations.

  • Delta Diablo collects and treats the wastewater for 215,000 residents of the cities of Antioch and Pittsburg and the unincorporated community of Bay Point. Delta Diablo supplies recycled water to two local industrial power plants, as well as irrigation users, and manages the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.

  • Diablo Water District (DWD) serves water from local groundwater wells and surface water from the Contra Costa Water District to the 45,000 residents of the City of Oakley, Cypress Corridor, Hotchkiss Tract, Summer Lakes, and portions of Bethel Island and Knightsen.

  • Discovery Bay Community Services District  provides water and wastewater services to the residents of Discovery Bay, including distribution, collection, treatment, and storage. Local groundwater wells supply all the District’s water.

  • East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy is a collaborative effort by the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley, and Pittsburg and Contra Costa County to protect the natural resources and endangered species of East Contra Costa County through implementation of the Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan.

  • East Contra Costa Irrigation District (ECCID) delivers irrigation water for agricultural, landscaping, and recreational uses, as well as raw water for treatment and delivery to the Cities of Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley and the unincorporated community of Knightsen. ECCID supplies come from surface water and groundwater.

  • Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) provides wastewater collection, treatment, storage, and disposal to over 45,000 residents of the City of Oakley, the unincorporated area of Bethel Island and other unincorporated areas, including the East Cypress Corridor Specific Plan Area. The District also supplies recycled water for irrigation.

  • The City of Pittsburg supplies water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta through the Contra Costa Water District and from local groundwater wells to its 60,000 residents. The City also maintains a wastewater collection system that flows to Delta Diablo’s wastewater treatment plant.