1000th Community Leader Graduates from Citizens Water Academy

The San Diego County Water Authority’s award-winning Citizens Water Academy celebrated the graduation of its 1,000th community leader last Saturday at the conclusion of this year’s fall class.

During the popular and long-running academy program, civic leaders learn about how the Water Authority has built the safe and reliable water supply San Diego County depends on over the past 80 years. Additionally, attendees visit vital Water Authority sites like the Olivenhain Dam, hear from staff about a wide range of topics from physical infrastructure that makes the system work to the future of the Colorado River, all while building relationships with staff and each other.

“The Citizens Water Academy is a valuable and effective way to help community leaders better understand how the Water Authority manages our most important natural resource,” Board Chair Nick Serrano said. “With more than 1,000 graduates, this academy has helped increase transparency about who we are and what we do to guarantee water reliability and security for the region.”

The Citizens Water Academy launched in fall 2014 and produced a diverse inaugural class of 49 graduates. Over the years, 99 percent of participants said they would recommend the Water Academy to a colleague.

Participants said the class series helped them understand the physical movement of water into and around the region, the importance of the region’s water supply diversification strategy, how large-scale water projects are built and maintained, and how water managers are preparing for future water supply needs.

The Water Authority typically hosts two academies of roughly 50 participants each year. This year’s class included representatives from several state and local elected offices, leading companies in the region, and an array of non-profits, universities and public agencies.

In addition, the Water Authority maintains an active network of Water Academy graduates who participate in specialized tours, lectures and other events, like the recent “Future of the Colorado River” panel held in conjunction with the San Diego Global Affairs Council and the Burnam Center for Community Advancement. They also stay connected through an alumni newsletter – part of the Water Authority’s commitment to supporting engaged and knowledgeable regional leaders.

The Water Authority will host its next academy in the spring of 2026. For more information about how to take part in this unique experience, visit www.sdcwa.org/in-the-community/citizens-water-academy/.