A San Diego CWA–Western MWD water exchange milestone was highlighted; GM said an intrastate transfers MOU info item will come in April. Biennium budget alternatives will be presented later that day. The committee approved minutes and April agendas/schedule, added a Chavez holiday renaming item to April agendas, and discussed department-head evaluation updates returning in April for action.
Public urged full $150M for Pure Water SoCal and flagged budget options that could reduce it. A calendar-year 2027–2028 rate hearing opened and closed with no staff presentation or figures. GM Deshmukh said Met submitted Colorado River draft EIS comments by the March 3 deadline and an interstate transfer info item will come in April.
The committee discussed Item 8-1 and heard a motion and second to defer authorization of the pilot, requesting more detail on equity, scalability, and barriers to MET running direct-install programs. Staff gave a CAMP for Water quarterly update and directors emphasized reliability and affordability.
Golden mussels have spread into Metropolitan facilities; control measures are underway but some sites (e.g., Live Oak) may be 12–18 months from protection. Directors asked for Camp for Water portfolio clarity ahead of the April budget timeline. Staff outlined ICER to coordinate reliability efforts feeding into Camp for Water.
Legislative outreach in Sacramento is underway to build support for SB 872, seeking greenhouse gas funds for subsidence and levee stabilization. A new Bay Delta vulnerabilities item was added to the March 24, 2026 Subcommittee on Imported Water agenda. March agendas include proposed committee restructuring and a $250,000 increase in Colorado River legal counsel contracts.
