Metropolitan Water District General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh has called for a renewed effort to forge a long-term agreement on Colorado River operations following the release of the 2027-2028 Operating Guidelines.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released the guidelines, the Record of Decision for the Post-2026 Colorado River Operations Final EIS, and the August 24-month study. The new framework mandates 3.2 million acre-feet in contributions from the Lower Basin through 2028.

Operational Framework

Deshmukh stated that the guidelines are a necessary first step to manage immediate challenges arising from record-low snowpack. However, he emphasized that critical work remains to prevent shared reservoirs from reaching levels that could jeopardize water and power supplies.

Key provisions include:

• Allowing water users like Metropolitan to store water in Lake Mead as Intentionally Created Surplus.
• Creating a pathway for interstate exchanges to build cross-state partnerships.
• Enabling pooled funding for large-scale water supply projects, such as Pure Water Southern California.

Regional Impact

California agricultural and urban water users must develop agreements on how reductions will be shared within the state in the coming months. Deshmukh warned that renegotiating issues annually leaves the system vulnerable to crisis during dry years or legal battles.

Historical Context

Metropolitan has invested in storage, conservation, recycled water, and groundwater recovery for over two decades. These efforts have allowed Southern California to cut its use of imported water in half, from 2.5 million acre-feet a year to about 1.2 million acre-feet. The district remains prepared to make additional reductions alongside agricultural partners.

Cesar E. Barrera, Santa Ana Deputy Public Works Director, was seated today as the City of Santa Ana’s new representative on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Barrera succeeds Thai Viet Phan, who served on the 38-member board since 2021.

Barrera also serves as Santa Ana’s acting city engineer. He brings nearly 30 years of service to the city, with extensive experience in water resources, operations and maintenance, and infrastructure management.

Board Perspective

Board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. noted that Barrera is already a familiar face at Metropolitan due to his work in Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division. Ortega stated that Barrera has been a valued partner and provided important perspective during the development of the Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water as part of the Member Agency Managers Task Force.

"I look forward to working closely with him for the benefit of the region’s nearly 19 million residents," Ortega said.

Professional Background

Barrera holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California State University, Fullerton, and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Loyola Marymount University. He is a licensed professional civil engineer in California and holds advanced certifications in water treatment, distribution and wastewater operations.

Barrera is a lifelong Southern California resident. He and his wife Lupe have one daughter.