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DPMWD/SSWD Combination

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Pictured Left to Right: SSWD GM, Dan York; SSWD Board: J. Boatwright, C. Locke, K. Thomas, D. Jones, R., Wichert; DMP Board: C. Dolk, T. Harrington, C. Mensch, D. Ross; DPM GM A. Coyan

Del Paso Manor Website Discontinued (09/30/2025) 

As of September 30, 2025, the former Del Paso Manor Water District website, www.delpasomanorwd.org, has been decommissioned. The domain URL will now redirect to www.sswd.org. Del Paso Manor Service Area customers will be able to access the SSWD Customer Portal to make payments on our Payment Options page.

Del Paso Manor Service Area Pipeline Project; Grant Application Submitted (08/25/2025)

Design work for the Del Paso Manor Service Area (DPMSA) Pipeline Project Area 2D is moving forward on schedule. The project will replace aging backyard water mains with new pipelines in the public right-of-way and include meter-ready service connections to improve reliability and access.

The design has reached the 90% milestone. A recent joint field review by Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) staff the design consultant helped finalize alignment options. Updated plans are now underway, with 90% design and final construction documents expected by late 2025.

To help fund the project, SSWD submitted a $16 million grant application to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in June 2025. The application is currently under review, a process expected to take 12 to 18 months.

New Board Representation for Del Paso Manor Service Area (8/22/2025)

Following the reorganization of the former Del Paso Manor Water District into Sacramento Suburban SSWD, residents of the Del Paso Manor Service Area now have designated representation on the SSWD Board of Directors.DPMSA Division 4/5 map

Customers are represented by:

  • Craig M. Locke, Vice President, Division 5
  • Kevin M. Thomas, Director, Division 4

Each Director is reaching out to their new constituents via letter to introduce themselves and share more about their role.

Division boundaries were established with input from the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters to ensure fair and balanced representation. Customers in Divisions 4 and 5 will vote in the next Board election in November 2026.

Del Paso Manor Water District Officially Reorganized into Sacramento Suburban Water District (7/1/2025)

Customers invited to July 31 Welcome Event to connect with SSWD and explore new services

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As of June 30, 2025, the reorganization of the former Del Paso Manor Water District (DPMWD) into SSWD is complete. This marks the official transition of DPMWD into the newly designated Del Paso Manor Service Area (DPMSA) within SSWD.

The reorganization marks the conclusion of a multi-year effort to improve long-term financial stability and reliable water service for DPMWD’s ratepayers without burdening current SSWD customers with the costs associated with necessary improvements to the DPMSA facilities.

“We’re proud to welcome Del Paso Manor customers into the SSWD community,” said Dan York, SSWD General Manager. “Our top priority is strengthening the area’s water infrastructure to support safe, reliable water service at an affordable rate. As we move forward, we’re committed to providing the DPMSA customers with new tools, additional resources, and responsive support throughout the transition and into the future.”

What Del Paso Manor Customers Can Expect Next

  • Billing System Integration: Starting in July, DPMSA customers should mail payments to P.O. Box 1420, Suisun City, CA 94585-4420. Checks should be made payable to SSWD. Online billing and new SSWD account numbers will go into effect in September.
  • Preventive Maintenance Work: SSWD’s Preventive Maintenance Team has already begun inspecting infrastructure in the DPMSA, including fire hydrants and valves, and is collecting GIS data to improve long-term system reliability and emergency response.
  • Governance and Representation: The DPMSA will continue to have local input through a newly formed Advisory Committee, composed of former DPMWD Board Members.
  • Office Transition: The former DPMWD office at 1817 Maryal Drive remains open with limited hours (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Starting on August 1, 2025, the DPM office hours will transition to 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until September 12, 2025, when it will permanently close. Customers are invited to begin using the SSWD Customer Service Department at 3701 Marconi Avenue for billing assistance and any other questions related to the operations of SSWD or DPMSA.
  • Access to SSWD Programs: DPMSA customers are now eligible for a variety of SSWD services, including rebates for high-efficiency toilets, sprinkler timers, and irrigation upgrades, and free Water-Wise House Calls to help save water at home.
  • Ongoing Communication and Transparency: SSWD is committed to keeping DPMSA customers informed throughout the transition and beyond. Customers will continue to receive regular updates through bill inserts, social media, and other outreach avenues, and can find the latest information at sswd.org.

Del Paso Manor Welcome Event – July 31

To celebrate this new chapter, SSWD invites customers to a special Welcome Event on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Del Paso Manor Elementary School, located at 2700 Maryal Drive, Sacramento.

This casual, open-house-style event is an opportunity for customers to meet SSWD staff and Board members, ask questions, and learn more about services and upcoming projects in the DPMSA. The evening will include:

  • A brief welcome video and remarks from SSWD leadership
  • Informational stations on customer service, billing, conservation programs, water meters, finance, and Capital Improvement Projects
  • A chance to meet the new Advisory Committee
  • Raffle entry for a free smart sprinkler timer

All community members are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, visit sswd.org.

 

Sacramento Suburban Water District Honors Del Paso Manor Board Members (06/25/2025)

On June 25, 2025, at the Joint Board Meeting between Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) and Del Paso Manor Water District (DPMWD), SSWD's Board of Directors honored the service of the DPMWD Board of Directors via Resolution No. 25-10. The Resolution honors the dedicated service of the DPMWD Board of Directors, whose leadership ensured the reliable delivery of water and responsible governance throughout their tenure. 

This recognition also marks their transition into the newly established Del Paso Manor Advisory Board, where they will continue to represent and advocate for the interests of the Del Paso Manor community within the larger SSWD framework.

Del Paso Manor Water District Office Transition (6/16/2025)

As part of the transition into SSWD, the DPMWD administrative office at 1817 Maryal Drive will be adjusting its office hours. Starting June 1, 2025, the office will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office hours will transition on August 1, 2025, to 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The office is scheduled to close permanently on September 15, 2025.

Customers are encouraged to begin using SSWD’s main office at 3701 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821. SSWD’s Customer Service Department is ready to assist with:

  • Water bill payments
  • Emergency assistance
  • Water quality questions
  • Conservation programs

Thank you for your patience during this transition. We look forward to continuing to serve the Del Paso Manor community with responsive, reliable customer support.

Preventive Maintenance Program Update (6/2/2025)

The SSWD Preventive Maintenance Program Team (PM) inspected more than 48 fire hydrants and over 81 valves in May and made numerous repairs and improvements. The PM Team discovered a number of inoperable valves and fire hydrants, which are being scheduled for repair/replacement.

The PM Team will continue their work in June, updating infrastructure maps, expanding to large meter testing at well sites, and capturing Geographic Information System (GIS) Data for each asset in the DPMSA. GIS is an integrated hardware and software system that allows for the layering of different data sets. It is a vital tool for mapping water system infrastructure, and helps staff quickly locate assets in an emergency.

Reorganization Date Set (Updated 05/12/2025)

The Local Area Formation Commission has set the official date of the reorganization of DPMWD into SSWD as June 30, 2025. After June 30, 2025, DPMWD will cease to exist and SSWD will officially integrate all aspects of operations of the Del Paso Manor Service Area (DPMSA). SSWD will be hosting a Meet and Greet event to welcome new DPMSA customers to the District on July 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at Del Paso Manor Elementary School. More details will be sent out prior to the event.

Del Paso Manor Advisory Committee Approved (Updated 05/08/2025)

As part of the transition from DPMWD to SSWD, a new Del Paso Manor Advisory Committee is been created to help keep the community informed and involved.

This Advisory Committee will be a standing committee of the SSWD Board of Directors and will focus on issues important to customers in the Del Paso Manor Service Area. Their key tasks will include:

  • Reviewing and recommending capital improvement projects to upgrade the water system in DPMSA.
  • Bringing customer concerns and questions to the SSWD Board and staff.
  • Advising the SSWD Board on other matters that affect the DPMSA.

The five members of the Committee will be the former DPMWD Board members who were serving at the time the reorganization was approved by the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission.

All Committee meetings will be open to the public. For more information, visit sswd.org or delpasomanorwd.org.

Work Underway to Develop Financial Model for Del Paso Manor Service Area (3/19/2025)

Efforts are underway to develop a Financial Model for the DPMSA. Developed by an independent financial consultant, the model will help guide decisions on infrastructure projects, rate structures, and the timeline for transitioning the DPMSA to rates aligned with the broader SSWD system. These efforts are key to setting a sustainable financial path for the customers in the DPMSA.

The Financial Model will determine the DPMSA’s share of the combined operating costs for both districts, based on the number of connections. This helps to ensure that DPMSA revenues cover its fair share of operating costs in proportion to its connections.

The Financial Model will also identify the capital improvements needed to bring the Del Paso Manor system to the same level as the SSWD system. These include replacing steel mains, upgrading to Advanced Metering Infrastructure-compatible meters, and installing interties to connect the two systems. The Financial Model will analyze these costs with and without grant funding to determine available resources.

Additionally, the Financial Model will address the outstanding debt from the DPMSA, with debt service to be paid fully by Del Paso Manor customers, clarifying their financial responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 03/31/2025)SSWD_DPMWD_FAQ_1920x1080

An updated list of Frequently Asked Questions is available to learn about the potential reorganization, challenges for  DPMWD, potential grants and funding for infrastructure upgrades, impact on water rates, governance and representation, water quality, LAFCo's role, and more. 

LAFCo Approves Reorganization (Updated 3/12/2025)

Following a Public Hearing on March 5, 2025, the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) unanimously approved the reorganization of the Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) and Del Paso Manor Water District (DPMWD), effective after six conditions are met. The approval paves the way for integrating DPMWD's service area into SSWD’s structure, providing long-term financial stability and reliable water service for DPMWD’s customers without burdening current SSWD customers with the costs associated with necessary improvements to the DPMWD facilities.

You can read the full press release regarding the approved reorganization by clicking here.

LAFCo Advances Amendments to Spheres of Influence (Update 2/10/2025)

LAFCo, on February 5, 2025, approved amendments to the Spheres of Influence (SOI) for DPMWD and SSWD. An SOI is a planning boundary that outlines the expected physical limits and service area of a local agency. These amendments are part of the planning steps for a potential reorganization involving both districts.

The amendments include:

  1. Establishing a “Zero” Sphere of Influence for DPMWD, indicating the district's anticipated dissolution as an independent service provider post-reorganization.
  2. Expanding SSWD's Sphere of Influence to encompass the current service area of DPMWD, aligning with the proposed reorganization plan.

These SOI amendments do not foresee immediate changes to services or rates. They represent necessary administrative and planning measures required by LAFCo to advance the reorganization process.

For More Information
Visit www.saclafco.org, sswd.org, or delpasomanorwd.org. The public is also invited to attend SSWD-DPMWD Joint Board meetings for updates. The next joint board meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2025. For meeting details, visit https://www.sswd.org/about/meeting-agendas-packets-minutes.

SSWD and DPMWD Boards Approve Resolution to Apply for Combination

The SSWD and DPMWD Boards of Directors, on December 11, 2024, took a significant step toward combination by unanimously approving similar resolutions of application to the Sacramento LAFCo.

Resolution No. 24-12 - SSWD 
Resolution No. 24-1203 - DPMWD

The resolutions mark the districts’ formal request for reorganization, including the annexation of DPMWD’s service area to SSWD. The approval sets the stage for a joint application to LAFCo, which will review the proposal, establish conditions, and make the final decision.

“Reorganizing with SSWD represents a positive path forward for DPMWD,” said DPMWD President Carl Dolk. “It means delivering clean, safe water, addressing critical infrastructure needs, and keeping rates more affordable for customers. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SSWD.”

“Approval of this resolution reflects SSWD’s commitment to the broader community and our dedication to helping a neighboring district overcome long-standing challenges,” said SSWD Board President Kevin Thomas. “We’re ready to welcome DPMWD customers into our District and ensure a smooth transition with strong financial protections in place for SSWD customers."   

On December 23, 2024, the Plan For Services and Application was submitted to LAFCo and confirmed received. LAFCo immediately began reviewing the documents and will hold a hearing on March 5. 2025.

SACRAMENTO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION FOMMISSION LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 

Highlights in the Resolutions: 

  • Governance and Name: The reorganized district will retain the name SSWD with a five-member Board of Directors that includes incumbent SSWD Directors.
  • Debt and Liabilities: Customers within their respective service areas will continue to be responsible for any debts and liabilities.
  • Assets Transfer: Certain assets will be used exclusively for the benefit of customers within their respective service areas.
  • Separate Water Systems: The DPMSA will operate separately with its own rates, fees, and charges until sufficient rehabilitation and replacement of its water system have been completed.
  • Advisory Committee: A Del Paso Manor Advisory Committee will be established to review proposals and make recommendations to the SSWD Board. This committee will be comprised of DPMWD Directors.
  • Employee Transition: Existing non-contract DPMWD staff will transition to SSWD during the reorganization period.

Next Steps

Planwest Partners is under contract and working on a Plan for Services and additional materials required to support an application to LAFCo. A Plan for Services outlines how SSWD will operate the DPMSA Service Area so that existing service levels are maintained without requiring subsidies from SSWD customers.

Background and Reorganization Discussions

Since 2019, SSWD and DPMWD have engaged in various discussions about potentially reorganizing the two districts. Both are neighboring water providers with the majority of the DPMWD service area surrounded by SSWD's service area. They also have previous experience collaborating through a Mutual Aid Agreement and an Operational Services Agreement.

Reorganization discussions were reinitiated in the spring of 2024 with renewed focus after the LAFCo adopted a Resolution of Intent to Dissolve DPMWD. LAFCo has identified that DPMWD's aging infrastructure requires extensive investment, estimated at over $50 million. System needs include repairs and upgrades at five district wells, replacement of undersized water mains (less than 4 inches), replacement of aging steel pipelines, relocation of backyard water mains, and installation of additional fire hydrants.

This would necessitate significant rate increases for DPMWD customers, potentially up to four times the rates of neighboring districts. LAFCo’s focus is to ensure that DPMWD customers are provided a long-term safe and reliable water supply, at a reasonable rate.

By reorganizing, DPMWD has the potential to achieve greater financial stability and access to grant funding for upgrading infrastructure that would not be available without a combination. At the same time, SSWD is well-positioned to integrate DPMWD customers and staff without exposing existing SSWD customers to financial risk.

Public Meeting on Potential Reorganization

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, SSWD and DPMWD jointly hosted a public meeting at Mission Avenue Elementary School located in SSWD's service area. The meeting aimed to discuss the possible combination of the two water districts and included a Q&A segment where attendees could ask questions and seek clarifications.

Learn More: DPMWD SSWD Workshop Presenation

Presentation Highlights

  • Introduction to SSWD and DPMWD, including service areas
  • Financial overview
  • Water supplies and rates
  • SSWD's asset management, maintenance, and improvement programs
  • DPMWD's current challenges and infrastructure deficiencies
  • Independent analysis and financial stability concerns
  • Background on the combination discussions
  • Financial protections for the districts
  • Potential alternatives
  • Vision for DPMWD's future, focusing on grants, operational stability, and local leadership, FAQs covering various aspects such as water quality, rates, and infrastructures
  • Timeline, process, and next steps

General Timeline

  • Phase 1 – Public Outreach and Initial Decision to Proceed with or Terminate Reorganization Proposal
  • Phase 2 – District Form and Governance Decisions
  • Phase 3 – Operational and Financial Decisions
  • Phase 4 – Final decision to submit application to LAFCo 
  • Phase 5 – LAFCo Application and Approval Process - CURRENT PHASE
  • Phase 6 – Post-Reorganization Actions to Implement New Agency

More information is available here: 

Background

Since 2019, SSWD and DPMWD have been in various discussions to reorganize the two districts, as well as SSWD operating DPMWD’s water system by way of a Mutual Aid Agreement and an Operational Services Agreement. These two agreements were triggered due to three of DPMWD’s four staff members retiring/resigning on May 31, 2019, as well as the 2021 Grand Jury Report. 

Between 2020 and 2023, SSWD and DPMWD conducted an analysis on the following areas:

The above items were presented to the SSWD - DPMWD 2X2 Committee, with report backs to the full Board of each agency. However, at the May 22, 2023, Joint Board meeting, the DPMWD Board of Directors made the decision to move forward with their Proposition 218 process.

On April 10, 2024, the Sacramento LAFCo, provided a Public Notice informing the public that LAFCo scheduled a Public Hearing on May 1, 2024, for the purpose of adopting an addendum to DPMWD’s Municipal Services Review and adopt a Resolution of Intent to Initiate Dissolution of DPMWD.

On April 16, 2024, DPMWD held a Special Board meeting to discuss LAFCo’s intent mentioned above. One of the options stated was to re-initiate discussions with SSWD. Per the minutes of DPMWD’s Special Board meeting, the DPMWD Board of Directors voted to initiate discussions with SSWD. The vote was 3-1.   

On May 1, 2024, LAFCo approved the adoption of an addendum to DPMWD’s Municipal Services Review and adopt a Resolution of Intent to Initiate Dissolution of DPMWD. The vote was 7-0 on both items.

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