Press Releases
Media Inquiries:
Victoria Llort, Director of Public Affairs and Conservation, 760-323-4971, ext. 273
Xochitl Peña, Public Affairs Manager, 760-323-4971, ext. 272
Nisha Ajmani, Senior Public Affairs Specialist , 760-323-4971, ext. 184
Desert Water Agency Honored for Safety Program Effectiveness
Desert Water Agency was recognized for its outstanding commitment to safety as a recipient of an H.R. LaBounty Safety Award for its Joint Confined Space Rescue Training. The award was presented by the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance...
Desert Water Agency Continues Commitment to Critical Water Supply Project
At its meeting today, the Desert Water Agency (DWA) Board of Directors voted to continue funding the next phase of pre-construction work for the Delta Conveyance Project. The project, a single below-ground tunnel through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, is vital to...
Desert Water Agency Announces Esther Saenz as Next General Manager
Desert Water Agency is pleased to announce the appointment of Esther Saenz as its General Manager effective July 2025, following the upcoming retirement of Steve Johnson. Saenz will become the first female General Manager in the Agency’s history, marking a significant...
Desert Water Agency welcomes Victoria Llort
Desert Water Agency is pleased to announce Victoria Llort as its new Director of Public Affairs and Conservation. Llort started on April 22, 2024, and will oversee public awareness, conservation, legislative and community involvement programs. “Victoria is well-versed...
Desert Water Agency General Manager Mark Krause Retires
After 29 years at Desert Water Agency – the last eight as General Manager and Chief Engineer – Mark Krause will retire on Feb. 22, 2024. Steve Johnson, current Assistant General Manager, will replace Krause upon his retirement. “It has been a privilege to serve the...
More funds available – up to $4 per square foot – for grass removal
Palm Springs residents and businesses can now get more money to remove their grass and replace it with drought-tolerant landscape. In addition to DWA’s $3 per square foot incentive, the City of Palm Springs will contribute an additional $1 for conversions, for a total...
DWA Board of Directors approves rate increase
At a public hearing on June 28, Desert Water Agency’s Board of Directors approved rate increases as the first step in a five-year rate plan for water, recycled water and wastewater. Most of the will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024...
DWA adds $2 million to grass removal rebate program
Desert Water Agency augmented its grass removal program budget by $2 million so more customers can apply for the incentive and help save water. The DWA Board of Directors unanimously approved the additional funding at its regular meeting Tuesday morning. The program...