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 Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan
Desert Water Agency adopted its first Five-Year Strategic Plan in November that sets a clear path for the future, and formalizes its mission, vision, and values. The plan focuses on four strategic goals: sustainability, operational, modernization and engagement. Each...
DWA Welcomes International Delegates
Desert Water Agency hosted 12 delegates of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program at its headquarters Monday, Sept. 22, to discuss water delivery in the desert. The meeting was arranged by the International Citizen Diplomacy of Los...
DWA General Manager Steve Johnson Retires; Esther M. Saenz succeeds as new GM
After an impressive 30 years at Desert Water Agency, with the last 16 months as General Manager, Steve Johnson retired on July 4. The Board of Directors recognized Johnson for his outstanding commitment and contributions with a resolution at its Board meeting on July...
Tribe, Water Districts Reach Water Rights Settlement
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and Desert Water Agency (DWA) have reached an agreement to settle two long-standing water rights lawsuits that enhances certainty and stability over the future of water management and...
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...