Nelson retires from CVWD Board of Directors after 26 years by Coachella Valley Water District Apr 15, 2026 Member Submitted News Longtime Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) Board Director Peter Nelson has retired after 26 years of public service to pursue other opportunities and plans to remain active in local and statewide water and agricultural issues. The CVWD Board of Directors honored Nelson at today’s public board meeting with a resolution to thank him for his longstanding dedication, thoughtful stewardship, and contributions to the district and the residents of the Coachella Valley throughout his tenure. “It’s been an honor to serve CVWD and represent the interests of the entire Coachella Valley to protect and preserve our water resources for the long-term, and I have had the privilege to work alongside outstanding general managers and board directors,” said Nelson. “And thank you to all the staff who are truly exceptional and remain CVWD’s greatest strength.” Nelson was elected to the CVWD Board in 2000 and served on various committees and boards representing CVWD and its customers for over two decades. He served on the Salton Sea Authority from 2000 to 2014, the California Farm Water Coalition from 2008 to the present, and on the Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District for six years. In addition, Nelson was appointed by the Governor in 2015 to the Colorado River Board of California, representing CVWD in protecting its water rights and advancing the long‑term reliability of Colorado River supplies for the Coachella Valley. He served an 11-year term and served as Chair from 2018 to 2023, representing CVWD and California’s collective interests while collaborating closely with fellow Lower Basin states, including Arizona and Nevada. “Peter has been a strong asset to California and this valley, representing us on the Colorado River Board, State Water Project issues, the Sites storage project, and so much more,” said John Powell Jr, CVWD Board President. “His advocacy, knowledge, and relationships have been instrumental in statewide and in Western water issues, but he has also been part of major capital improvement decisions locally that have enhanced long-term water reliability for current and future generations.” CVWD will publicly post information about the vacancy and outline the process to fill the Board seat. ### Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of directors. CVWD serves the community with domestic water, agricultural irrigation and drainage, wastewater collection and treatment, nonpotable and recycled water, regional stormwater protection, groundwater management, and water conservation programs. It serves approximately 270,000 people across 1,000 square miles, primarily in Riverside County.
