At the 2026 ACWA JPIA Spring Membership Summit in Sacramento, member agencies came together to discuss a growing challenge facing California water systems: strengthening the resilience of critical facilities and infrastructure by reducing hazard impacts, improving system reliability, optimizing the use of ratepayer funds, and proactively positioning agencies for state and federal funding opportunities.

During the session, “Hazard Mitigation & Federal Funding Pathways,” ACWA JPIA Risk Control Manager Robin Flint facilitated a practical conversation featuring:

•Michael Winkler, Calaveras County Water District

•Caroline Abellar, MPA, Alameda County Water District

•Bobby Young, East Orange County Water District

While each agency faces unique operational realities, the panel shared a common message:

Pre-disaster mitigation planning is no longer optional. It is becoming a critical component of long-term infrastructure improvements and funding strategy.

Here are three key takeaways for member agencies:

1. Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMPs) Open the Door to Federal Funding

One of the clearest themes from the discussion was the importance of maintaining a current FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) or formally participating in a multi-jurisdictional plan.

Under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, agencies must have an approved LHMP in place to remain eligible for many state and federal pre-disaster mitigation grant opportunities.

For California agencies, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services serves as the primary coordination bridge between local agencies and FEMA funding pathways.

Panelists also emphasized that mitigation planning is not about solving every vulnerability within a single hazard mitigation plan’s five-year cycle. Instead, agencies should focus on demonstrating steady, measurable progress toward resiliency and system preparedness over time.

2. Every Agency’s Risk Profile Looks Different

The session highlighted the wide range of risks facing public California water agencies and the importance of tailoring mitigation planning to local conditions.

For rural and alpine agencies, concerns may include:

  • Wildfire exposure
  • Severe snow events
  • Remote infrastructure access challenges
  • Backup power reliability during emergencies

For urban and coastal agencies, risks may center around:

  • Earthquakes and seismic resiliency
  • Sea-level rise
  • Water quality concerns, such as PFAS
  • Complex regional infrastructure interdependencies

For central valley agencies, concerns may include:

  • Severe weather events
  • Land subsidence and erosion
  • Wildfire exposure

The takeaway was clear: effective mitigation planning must reflect each agency’s geography, infrastructure, and operational environment.

3. Regional Collaboration Can Reduce the Planning Burden

The panel also shared valuable examples of how agencies can reduce costs and administrative strain through regional partnerships.

Alameda County Water District discussed its participation in a Tri-City Multi-Jurisdictional LHMP update completed in partnership with neighboring agencies and local emergency management organizations.

Through this collaborative model:

  • FEMA funding covered 75% of consultant planning costs
  • Remaining costs were shared among participating agencies
  • Agencies gained access to a more comprehensive and coordinated mitigation strategy

For smaller districts in particular, collaboration can provide a practical pathway to developing compliant, high-quality plans without carrying the full burden independently.

Next Steps for ACWA JPIA Members:

As agencies continue planning for infrastructure resiliency and long-term operational continuity, several practical actions emerged from the discussion:

  • Review your LHMP expiration timeline and begin updates early
  • Explore opportunities to participate in multi-jurisdictional plans
  • Coordinate with local emergency management partners
  • Learn from peer agencies that have successfully navigated California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and FEMA funding processes

As Michael Winkler of Calaveras County Water District shared during the session, “Prevention saves a lot of money. It is a lot cheaper to prevent disasters than it is to recover from them.”

To hear the full conversation and additional insights from the panel, listen to the latest episode of the ACWA JPIA 5 podcast.