News & Press

Citrus Heights Water District
Takes Legal Action to Protect Customers

The Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) has filed a lawsuit against its wholesale water provider, the San Juan Water District (SJWD), after SJWD approved an agreement to sell and transfer up to 6,000 acre-feet of water between April 2026 and February 2027 to Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) — without conducting the environmental review required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

This is the second legal enforcement action CHWD has taken to hold SJWD accountable for violating CEQA, as will be highlighted below.

“This water was originally secured on behalf of our customers — it is a critical part of our water supply, especially during drought years when other sources are cut back,” said Board President Caryl Sheehan.

Read the full press release.

Citrus Heights Water Welcomes New Board Leadership
and Builds on 2025 Progress in 2026

This year at Citrus Heights Water began with a handoff in Board leadership. 2025 finished strong for Citrus Heights Water, marking several accomplishments under Board President Ray Riehle. In 2026, Caryl Sheehan is serving as Board President, and progress continues.

“I’m grateful to our outgoing President Ray Riehle for his steadfast leadership,” said Board President Caryl Sheehan. “We made incredible progress in 2025. This year, we continue our long-term planning, strengthening local partnerships, reinvesting in the water system, and maintaining our responsive customer service.”

Read the full press release.

Local Water Providers Warn Residents About Unauthorized In-Home Solicitations

Citrus Heights Water District has received reports of individuals posing as water officials, claiming tap water may be unsafe and offering unsolicited in-home water testing. These visits often lead to high-pressure sales tactics for unnecessary and costly water treatment systems.

• Citrus Heights Water District does not conduct in-home water testing. We do not have any programs where employees request to enter your home.
• District employees are always identifiable. Staff wear official uniforms, drive marked Citrus Heights Water District vehicles, and carry District-issued identification.
• Protect yourself. If you are ever unsure whether someone is a Citrus Heights Water District employee, call our office at (916) 725-6873 before engaging.

Stay alert and help share this information with friends and neighbors. Your safety and confidence in your water are our top priorities.

Read the full press release.

CHWD Breaks Ground on Two New Wells to Secure Community's Water Future

Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) recently began constructing two new groundwater wells to improve water reliability for the community and reduce reliance on Folsom Lake during dry years.

The project is supported by more than $6.6 million in external funding, including over $2 million in Community Project Funding championed by Congressman Ami Bera, as well as grant funding through the Regional Water Authority and the State.

The wells will include aquifer storage and recovery technology, a forward-thinking approach that allows CHWD to inject water underground during wet years and pump it out when needed. This flexibility not only supports CHWD customers—it contributes to the health of the region’s shared water supply and increases resilience across the Sacramento region.

Read the full press release.

CHWD Recognizes Young Artists in Poster Contest

Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) is proud to announce the winners of its annual Water Awareness Poster Contest, which encourages local students to explore the water cycle through art. This year’s theme, “The Traveling Water Droplet,” sparked 273 creative submissions from four local schools. The winning entries will be featured in CHWD’s 2026 calendar, available to customers at the District office.

Read the full press release.

The Ella Well project has been awarded $1.1 million in the Integrated Regional Water Management Grant funds for construction!

We are always looking for non-ratepayer funding and grant opportunities for our projects even though they are rare.

Read the full article here to learn more about the Ella Well project and how this well and other wells of CHWD's Groundwater Wells Program will increase water supply reliability in our service area.

On December 15, 2024, Citrus Heights Water District received two President's Special Recognition Awards from the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority.

Click here to view the award.