District News

West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) has been elected to serve as the At-Large Member of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission (SMBRC), continuing this longstanding partnership and leadership role since its original election to SMBRC’s governing board in 2013. 

West Basin currently serves as Vice Chair of the Commission, represented by Board Director Gloria Gray with General Manager EJ Caldwell serving as alternate. As the elected At-Large agency, West Basin helps guide regional collaboration among state agencies, local governments, environmental organizations and community stakeholders working to collectively protect and restore Santa Monica Bay.

“For more than a decade, West Basin has proudly represented the interests of our communities on the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission,” said Director Gloria Gray. “Protecting Santa Monica Bay starts upstream. Everything we do at West Basin — from expanding recycled water use to promoting conservation and stormwater capture — helps keep pollutants and wastewater discharge out of the Bay while simultaneously strengthening our region’s water future. We’re proud to partner with the Commission to safeguard this treasured coastal resource.”

Since its formation in 1985, the SMBRC has advanced water quality improvements, habitat restoration efforts, pollution prevention initiatives and public engagement programs that have helped improve marine ecosystems and coastal access throughout the region. This vital work has resulted in cleaner beaches, healthier ecosystems and stronger collaboration among state and local partners.

West Basin’s commitment to water recycling, conservation and stormwater diversion directly supports SMBRC’s goals. The District’s award-winning recycled water program reduces the amount of treated wastewater discharged into the ocean by providing a drought-resilient supply for irrigation, industry and groundwater replenishment. Its water conservation programs reduce dry-weather runoff that can carry pollutants to local waterways, while initiatives such as the free rain barrel distribution promote stormwater diversion and capture at the source.

By aligning water supply reliability with environmental stewardship, West Basin’s integrated water management approach supports both the communities it serves and the long-term health of Santa Monica Bay. As Vice Chair and At-Large representative, West Basin will continue to collaborate with regional partners to advance sustainable water practices, improve coastal water quality and strengthen climate resilience across the watershed.