Our Mission Statement

To provide a safe and reliable water supply and wastewater reclamation system
for the customers of the Hi-Desert Water District in an
efficient and financially responsible manner.

January Plant of the Month photo Desert Agave with link

Photo of the Hi-Desert Water District Board of Directors

New President & Vice President

At their December 2025 reorganization meeting, the Hi-Desert Water District Board of Directors selected Sue Tsuda as the new President and Bob Stadum as Vice President for 2026.

New President: Sue Tsuda

Sue Tsuda, who represents District 1, was elected to the Hi-Desert Water District Board for the 2022–2026 term. She has served as a board member in recent years and, prior to her appointment as President, contributed to policymaking alongside fellow directors. Tsuda’s elevation to the presidency reflects the board’s confidence in her leadership as the district advances critical infrastructure and service goals.

New Vice President: Bob Stadum

Bob Stadum, representing District 4 through a current term running from 2024 to 2028, was chosen as Vice President. Stadum brings experience from prior years on the Hi-Desert board. His long-term experience on the board will serve the community well in the next year as the district continues to deliver critical water and wastewater services to its customers.

Tony Culver, General Manager

Hi-Desert Water District Wraps Up a Year of Progress and Looks Ahead to 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, the Hi-Desert Water District (HDWD) reflects on a year marked by significant progress, strategic investment, and strengthened connections with the community. Through strong leadership, operational excellence, historic infrastructure funding, and expanded public engagement, the District continued to advance its mission of providing reliable water and wastewater services while maintaining transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Operational Excellence, Leadership, and Accountability

Throughout the year, HDWD demonstrated strong operational effectiveness and leadership by prioritizing training, clear procedures, and regulatory compliance across all departments. Through ongoing staff development, standardized policies, and strong internal controls, the District ensured its operations remained efficient, consistent, and aligned with industry best practices.

This proactive approach to governance and oversight supports transparency and accountability in decision-making while ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations. As a result, HDWD continues to deliver reliable services, responsibly manage public resources, and strengthen trust with the community it serves.

Strong Financial Stewardship and Statewide Recognition

In 2025, HDWD successfully passed a balanced budget, reflecting careful financial planning and responsible stewardship of public funds. This fiscal discipline positions the District to maintain essential services, invest in critical infrastructure, and plan responsibly for the future - maintaining emergency financial reserves.

The District’s commitment to transparency, sound governance, and excellence in financial reporting was recognized through multiple statewide honors. HDWD earned designation as a District of Distinction, received the Certificate of Transparency from the California Special Districts Association, and was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). These recognitions underscore the District’s dedication to accountability, best practices, and open communication with the public.

Advancing Water Education and Community Awareness

Education and outreach remained a cornerstone of HDWD’s efforts in 2025. The District proudly organized and hosted the Water Education Festival at La Contenta Junior High School, engaging students in hands-on learning about water conservation, sustainability, and the importance of local water resources.

HDWD also expanded its presence at community events throughout the year, including Earth Day, National Night Out, Help Yourself Help Your Neighbor, and the Phase 2 Sewer Project Open House. These events provided valuable opportunities for residents to ask questions, learn about District projects, and connect directly with staff.

Historic Investment in Sewer Infrastructure

One of the most significant milestones of the year was securing a $103 million grant to expand the sewer collection system through the Phase 2 Sewer Project. This historic investment represents a major step forward in protecting environmental health, improving infrastructure resilience, and supporting long-term community growth.

Throughout the year, HDWD advanced Phase 2 planning and public outreach, including hosting a dedicated Open House to share project updates, timelines, and connection information. The District also negotiated a western Joshua tree permit approach that helps reduce sewer connection costs, demonstrating a strong commitment to affordability and customer advocacy.

Infrastructure Improvements and System Reliability

HDWD made significant progress on critical infrastructure improvements in 2025. Repairs to Well 20 and Well 18 East were completed, enhancing system reliability and operational efficiency. In addition, the District completed important pipeline replacement projects, helping safeguard water quality, reduce system losses, and ensure dependable service for customers.

Strengthening Communication and Public Engagement

Throughout the year, HDWD increased communication efforts to keep customers informed and engaged. The District expanded outreach through monthly newsletters, public meetings, community events, and project-specific communications, ensuring residents had access to timely and accurate information about District activities and initiatives.

Looking Ahead to 2026

These accomplishments reflect the dedication of HDWD’s Board of Directors, staff, and community partners. As the District looks ahead to 2026, the focus remains on continuing infrastructure investments, maintaining financial stability, strengthening operational excellence, and expanding public engagement. HDWD is committed to building on this momentum to deliver high-quality services that support the health, safety, and future of the Hi-Desert community.

Infographic explaining the pipeline replacement progress by Hi-Desert Water District in 2025

green bush and plants around red stairs (jpg)

2026 CALENDARS NOW AVAILABLE
Get your FREE 2026 water wise landscaping calendar
from our District lobby.

Photo collage of the water district's light parade float and employees.

Celebrating Excellence

Customers Recognize Employees

woman in black shirt standing in front of a tree (jpg)

Karen Ontiveros, Customer Service Representative

"Regarding your representative, she broke the mold. She was courteous, respectful, made several attempts to help me. I consider her a sterling model of your Company...one who went above and beyond."

Mary Chappell, Billing Technician II

"Thank you, Mary for being on top of the problem & seeing it through until resolved."

Jesus Ramirez-Robledo, Field Service Technician II

"Thank you for sending your "A" game tech, Jesus, out to assist me. He was talented, kind, articulate, professional and on time."

Photo of large excavator working to install Phase 2 Sewer collection system.

Phase 2 Sewer Project Construction

The Phase 2 Sewer Project construction is complete in the Country Club neighborhood.

Construction is full swing in south of Onaga between Sage and Acoma. Alta Loma Estates, Copper Hills Homes & Sky Harbor neighborhoods will be next.

Residents and travelers may experience road closures, limited access and detours. Properties in the active construction zone will have limited access.

The Project hotline to reach Sukut Construction is (714) 957-2021 or email sewerinfo@sukut.com.

For general questions about the sewer project call (760) 365-8333, email info@hdwd.com or visit www.hdwd.com/phase2sewer.

Graphic image with Phase 2 Sewer Project timeline information 2025-2026

MAP OF PHASE 2 SEWER KA COUNTRY CLUB AREA

Map of Country Club Neighborhood with area that will receive sewer lines (Areas 1, 2, 3).

Image of map for Phase 2 Sewer Project in Paxton, Storey Park, Copper Hills, Alta Loma Estates areas

Map of Storey Park, Alta Loma Estates, and Copper Hills Homes (Paxton area) with link.

Image of Phase 2 Sewer Project Construction areas 2025-26 with link

Map of Phase 2 Sewer Project Construction areas 2025/2026 with link

Image of sewer system and message not to drain pool or rain to the sewer

Our Water Heroes: Dedicated Professionals and Community Volunteers

Every day, we turn on our faucets and clean, safe water flows out—something so routine we often take it for granted. But behind that simple act lies an extraordinary group of people—our water district employees—whose dedication, skill, and care ensure that one of life’s most essential resources is always available. These men and women are more than just employees; they are the hidden heroes who sustain our community’s wellbeing and vitality.

By day, they are water guardians—working tirelessly to maintain systems, monitor quality, and respond to emergencies that can happen at any hour. Whether it’s fixing a main break in the pouring rain, testing water to meet the highest safety standards, or managing complex infrastructure unseen beneath our streets, they do so with expertise and pride. Their focus and commitment ensure that every family, business, and school in our community can trust in the water that sustains us.

But their contributions don’t stop when their shifts end. When the workday is over, many of these same individuals step into other roles—volunteering at local non-profits, coaching youth sports, mentoring students, and helping those in need. They bring the same care and integrity that defines their professional work into every part of their community life. They are the coaches guiding young athletes, the neighbors organizing food drives, and the friends who quietly lend a hand when someone needs it most.

Their efforts often go unnoticed, but their impact is everywhere. They are the threads woven into the fabric of our community, strengthening it with compassion, service, and selflessness.

To all our water district employees: thank you. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence, for your compassion, and for the countless ways you give back. You are true public servants in every sense—guardians of our most precious resource and cornerstones of our community spirit.

Every drop of clean water and every act of kindness reminds us just how deep your dedication to our community runs. You are our water heroes—by day and by heart.

CUSTOMER PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME!

You can call, email, mail a letter, or message us on social media or
attend one of our board meetings and provide your feedback.

Our Board meetings are scheduled at 4:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays
of each month and are open to the public.

Public participation in meetings is welcome on Zoom or in person.
Meetings are livestreamed and recorded on our website for viewing.

Upcoming Meetings:
January 7, 2026 at 4 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting Canceled
January 21, 2026 at 4 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting Canceled
Next Regular Board Meeting - February 4, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Board of Directors
Left to right: Director Roger Mayes, Director Sheldon Hough, Vice President Sue Tsuda, President Scot McKone, Director Bob Stadum

Visit our website at www.hdwd.com

Emergencies call 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
Phone 760.365.8333
Email info@hdwd.com

Hours: Mon - Thu 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Friday - Sunday and holidays
Closed January 1st for New Year's Day
Closed Monday, January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday