SMWD Earns Statewide MISAC Excellence in IT Practices Award by Santa Margarita Water District Mar 3, 2026 Member Submitted News Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) has received an Excellence in Information Technology Practices Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC)—a statewide recognition of strong governance and day-to-day IT operations in local government. While “information technology” may sound behind-the-scenes, it plays a direct role in how SMWD serves customers every day. The technology SMWD uses helps protect critical infrastructure, supports efficient operations, and strengthens the District’s ability to be responsive in delivering high-quality drinking water, wastewater, and recycled water services. What the award recognizes MISAC’s Excellence in IT Practices Award recognizes agencies whose IT governance and operational practices meet or exceed local government standards. The evaluation examines IT practices across multiple subject areas, such as planning, budgeting, operations, cybersecurity, and disaster preparation and recovery. More than a single project, this recognition reflects how an organization plans, protects, maintains, and improves the technology that supports essential public services. Why it matters to customers For customers, reliable water and wastewater service depends on a vast system of infrastructure—and the technology that supports it. IT helps SMWD monitor and manage systems, protect digital tools against evolving threats, and keep key services running during disruptions. Strong IT practices also support practical improvements that customers can feel: Faster response and service continuity when issues arise Better protection of systems that support operations and customer services Smarter planning and coordination for upgrades and improvements over time A recognition of strong operations According to Dustin Navarro, SMWD’s IT Manager: “The recognition affirms the strength of SMWD’s IT program and day-to-day operations, highlighting our resilient technology practices that help protect critical infrastructure and support reliable customer service across MISAC’s evaluation areas.” This distinction matters because it highlights consistent performance—how the IT team supports the District every day, across many systems and responsibilities, rather than one isolated initiative. Culture of Continuous Improvement Technology changes fast—so maintaining high standards requires an approach that’s steady, agile, and always evolving. Navarro describes SMWD’s mindset as continuous improvement: “We focus on getting better every day. Because technology and the business processes it supports are constantly changing, we stay agile so we can meet the District’s needs and adopt improvements quickly.” That continuous-improvement approach aligns with what MISAC is designed to promote: agencies learning from peers, strengthening practices, and using technology strategically to enhance public service. What it takes to earn recognition like this MISAC’s award process is intentionally rigorous. Agencies provide detailed documentation and responses that reflect how they run technology services—often including strategic planning, operational standards, security, training, and continuity planning. For SMWD, those practices translate into stronger support for the systems that keep essential services running day in and day out. Photo: Santa Margarita Water District’s Information Technology team, headed by Dustin Navarro (pictured second from the right) Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at https://smwd.com/259/News.
