Spotlight Feb. 2026: Valley County Water District Celebrates 100 Years by ACWA Staff Feb 13, 2026 Newsletters VCWD leadership celebrates the opening of its new headquarters during a 2023 ribbon cutting with (l-r) General Manager Jose Martinez and Board Directors Javier E. Vargas, President David L. Muse, Vice President Jazmin Leos, Lenet Pacheco and Ralph Galvan. What began in 1926 as the Baldwin Park County Water District, originally formed to meet the growing needs of a small agricultural community, has evolved into Valley County Water District (VCWD) – a modern, full-service public water provider known for its innovation, transparency and commitment to stewardship. From its original handful of wells and pipelines, the district’s water system has expanded to serve nearly 70,000 residents across a 10-square-mile service area that includes portions of Baldwin Park, Irwindale, West Covina and Azusa. VCWD continues to draw its primary water supply from the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin, which is an essential regional source that the district helps protect through responsible management and collaboration with neighboring agencies. Building for the Future “Every improvement we have made is an investment in a future, where the district continues to deliver safe and reliable water,” said General Manager Jose Martinez. The district faced major challenges in the 1980s when industrial contamination affected local groundwater supplies. Multiple water treatment plants built as a result remain critical to regional remediation efforts. VCWD’s connection to the community includes robust outreach and educational programs. They have been honored for exemplary workforce safety standards, and are frequent presenters at regional, national and international water conferences. The district has a deep appreciation for its history, dedicated leadership, management team and employees who uphold the values of innovation and stewardship. “Our next century begins now with a strong foundation built on trust, expertise and a shared commitment to the community we serve,” said Board President David Muse.
