Western Water’s General Manager Appointed to SB 72 Implementation Advisory Committee by Western Municipal Water District Mar 3, 2026 Member Submitted News RIVERSIDE COUNTY — The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has appointed Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) General Manager Craig Miller to serve on the Senate Bill (SB) 72 Implementation Advisory Committee, a statewide body responsible for helping shape how California delivers on its first-ever long-term water supply target. The appointment positions Western Water — and the rapidly growing Inland Southern California region — at the forefront of statewide water supply planning as California works to secure reliable water supplies for future generations. As Governor Gavin Newsom stated in announcing the California Water Plan update, “We will capture, store, and conserve more water to build a more resilient future for California.” The SB 72 Implementation Advisory Committee plays a critical role in turning that vision into measurable, regionally informed action. “Our customers depend on us to plan ahead and advocate for solutions that protect their water reliability,” said Laura Roughton, President of Western Water’s Board of Directors. “Craig’s appointment reflects the value of regional leadership and partnerships in shaping a statewide water supply strategy that works for all Californians, especially communities like ours that are experiencing rapid growth.” SB 72 establishes a long-term, statewide goal to ensure California has sufficient water supplies to meet the needs of communities, agriculture, the economy, and the environment. The Advisory Committee will help guide how the state turns that policy into actionable, regionally informed solutions. “The California Water Plan provides a critical framework for aligning statewide goals with regional realities,” said Joel Metzger, Deputy Director at DWR. “The strength of SB 72 implementation will depend on meaningful engagement from all members of the Advisory Committee. Their diverse perspectives and regional expertise are essential to developing durable, actionable solutions that support reliable water supplies for all Californians.” Western Water has played a leadership role in advancing SB 72, working in partnership with water agencies, local governments, business leaders, environmental interests, and statewide associations to elevate water supply reliability as a shared California priority. For Western Water customers and the southwest Riverside region, this appointment means their water provider has a direct seat at the table as California determines how to secure reliable water supplies for the future, helping ensure investments, policies, and timelines reflect real-world regional conditions and customer needs. “I’m honored to serve on the SB 72 Implementation Advisory Committee and to work alongside DWR and partners from across the state,” said Craig Miller, General Manager of Western Water. “Under DWR’s leadership, California is moving beyond siloed planning toward a more coordinated approach that aligns people, priorities, and process. That spirit of partnership is essential to delivering reliable water supplies for communities throughout California.” The SB 72 Implementation Advisory Committee will work closely with DWR, planning caucuses, and stakeholders across the state to support data-driven planning, coordinated investment, and long-term water supply resilience. To learn more about DWR’s water supply planning efforts and read Governor Newsom’s announcement, visit CaliforniaWaterPlan.com. For more information about Western Water, visit WesternWaterCA.gov.
