MAGSA Team Receives Association of California Water Agency Outreach and Emissary Awards

Each year, the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) recognizes the most active ACWA member agencies in each of its regions throughout the state when it comes to advocacy at the state and federal level. MAGSA is honored to announce that we have received the 2025 Outreach Award for our region at this year’s ACWA Fall Conference and Expo in San Diego, California. This award recognizes outstanding efforts to support sustainable water policy and regional collaboration. 

MAGSA staff actively monitor legislative activities and, when necessary, engage with local, state, and federal elected officials to influence outcomes of bills as they move through the legislative process. In 2025, one of several of MAGSA’s efforts contributing to this recognition included working alongside a statewide coalition of water agencies on the successful passage of Senate Bill 72 which among other things, establishes water supply targets for the State.

This new law establishes an interim target of developing 9 million acre-feet of additional water supply, conservation, or storage capacity by 2040 and directs the Department of Water Resources to create a long-term water supply target for 2050. 

ACWA also presented its 20th annual Emissary Award to MAGSA’s Deputy General Manager Cristel Tufenkjian. The award honors individuals who go above and beyond in voluntary service to ACWA and statewide water leadership. 

ACWA President Cathy Green highlighted Cristel’s “dedication, creativity, and innovative approach to advancing ACWA’s mission.” Cristel has contributed to ACWA for more than two decades, including leadership roles on the Communications Committee and the Outreach Task Force. Her work has supported numerous award-winning outreach and education programs.