ACWA Mourns Arant by ACWA Staff Jul 21, 2026 Water News Past ACWA Board member and longtime California water leader, Gary Arant, has passed away. In a July 16 announcement, San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) Board Chair Nick Serrano described Arant as a giant within the water community. “Gary’s contributions were far-reaching – shaping policy, strengthening collaboration, advocating for farmers, and mentoring many who now carry forward the work he cared for so deeply,” Serrano stated in SDCWA news release. “He brought not only technical knowledge and thoughtful perspectives, but also genuine respect for those around him.” Arant represented Valley Center Municipal Water District on the SDCWA Board, where he continued serving following his January 2026 retirement from the district after 52 years, having led the district as General Manager for nearly 37 years. His involvement within ACWA stretched back to 1973, including multiple terms on the association’s Board of Directors over a span of 20 years, as well volunteering his time to chair ACWA’s Energy, Local Government and Communications committees while actively serving on ACWA’s Region 10 Board. ACWA recognized Arant’s extensive contributions to the association during the 2024 Fall Conference for his invaluable contributions to the association’s Board of Directors, regions and committees. He also received ACWA’s Emissary Award in 2007, among many recognitions within the ACWA community.
