Commitment to Transparency Earns Statewide Recognition by Rowland Water District Sep 11, 2025 Member Submitted News ROWLAND HEIGHTS – Rowland Water District has received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). The recognition highlights the District’s continued efforts to ensure open government, public accountability, and accessible communication with the communities it serves. Valid for two years, the certificate follows a detailed review of governance practices, financial reporting, ethics training, and public outreach. It reflects RWD’s steady commitment to making information about its operations and decision-making clear and available to the public. The award was formally presented on September 9 during RWD’s regular board meeting by Chris Palmer, Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator of the California Special Districts Association, on behalf of SDLF. “Receiving this recognition is an honor, and belongs to our entire team,” said RWD General Manager Tom Coleman. “Transparency is one of the ways we care for our community, and we remain dedicated to earning the trust placed in us every day.” The SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts. The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) provides advocacy, professional development, and resources to special districts across the state, supporting their mission to deliver essential services to local communities. “Guided by the principle of Caring for Our Neighbors, this acknowledgement is a tribute to our continued work with humility, stewardship, and dedication to the community,” said RWD Board President John Bellah. “Our focus will always be on serving our customers with commitment and respect.” For more information about Rowland Water District, visit www.rwd.org. About Rowland Water District Rowland Water District was formed more than 70 years ago to provide water service to 200 ranchers and farmers in a rural, agricultural community. Over the years, the District has evolved to meet the changing needs of a dynamic and rapidly growing customer base. Rowland Water currently delivers 14 million gallons of safe drinking water to about 55,000 people every day. The District maintains 150 miles of potable water pipeline and 25 miles of recycled water pipeline to serve 13,800 customer connections across 17.2 square miles in southeast Los Angeles County, including portions of Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, and the cities of Industry and West Covina.
