Independent utility leadership guide: WaterDepartmentGuide.org is not the City of San Diego, the Public Utilities Department, Independent Rates Oversight Committee, City Council or San Diego County Water Authority. Leadership and board memberships can change. This page summarizes official information reviewed August 21, 2026 and links to the responsible agencies for current verification.
San Diego Water Department 2026: Leadership, Board & Director
City of San Diego Public Utilities • 2026 leadership guide
Juan Guerreiro Leads San Diego Public Utilities — But He Is Not a “Water Board” Chair
The department commonly searched as the San Diego Water Department is officially the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department (PUD). Current City sources identify Juan Guerreiro as Public Utilities Director.
San Diego does not use one single “water board” for every decision. Day-to-day utility operations are managed by PUD leadership; the Independent Rates Oversight Committee (IROC) provides public advisory oversight; the City Council makes major legislative and rate decisions; and the separate San Diego County Water Authority governs regional wholesale-water matters.
Start here
San Diego Water Department Leadership: Quick Answer
Department executive
Who Is the San Diego Water Department Director in 2026?
Juan Guerreiro
Current City of San Diego organizational information identifies Juan Guerreiro as Director of the Public Utilities Department.
The Director is responsible for executive leadership of a department that provides drinking water to approximately 1.4 million residents and wastewater services to more than 2.3 million customers.
The Public Utilities system includes water supply, treatment, distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, reservoirs, pumping facilities, customer operations, conservation, regulatory compliance and major infrastructure programs such as Pure Water San Diego.
For billing, MyWaterSD, account changes or payment questions, use Customer Support at 619-515-3500 or customercare@sandiego.gov. Operational emergencies and leaks use a different number.
Senior officials
San Diego Public Utilities Leadership Structure
The following names appear in current or recently updated official City materials reviewed for this 2026 guide. This is a practical senior-leadership snapshot, not a complete employee directory.
Juan Guerreiro
Public Utilities DirectorLeads the City’s water and wastewater utility department and represents PUD in major operational, financial, infrastructure and policy matters.
Lisa M. Celaya
Executive Assistant DirectorOfficial City budget materials identify Celaya as an Executive Assistant Director within Public Utilities.
Alley Berenter
Interim Deputy DirectorThe City’s public-engagement leadership materials identify Berenter as an Interim Deputy Director for Public Utilities.
Where Public Utilities sits in City government
Public Utilities is a large department with Director, Executive Assistant Director, Assistant Director, Deputy Director and division-level positions. Older financial plans and archived reports may show officials who have since changed roles. For a current department-head answer, use the City’s latest organization information.
What leadership actually controls
What the San Diego Public Utilities Director Oversees
Drinking Water
Treatment, water quality, reservoirs, distribution, pressure and system reliability.
Wastewater
Sewer collection, pump stations, treatment facilities and wastewater system performance.
Customer Operations
Billing, account service, meters, MyWaterSD and customer-service policies.
Capital Infrastructure
Pipeline replacement, treatment infrastructure, pumping systems and major capital programs.
Pure Water San Diego
Long-term local water-supply development using advanced water-purification infrastructure.
Rates & Financial Planning
Preparing cost-of-service studies, financial plans and rate proposals for public and City Council review.
PUD develops financial and rate recommendations, but major rate actions go through public review and ultimately require City Council action. IROC and the Independent Budget Analyst can provide additional review.
Avoid the common confusion
Does San Diego Water Department Have a Board?
There is no single board that functions like a private utility company’s corporate board of directors for the City Public Utilities Department.
Instead, three different bodies frequently appear when people search “San Diego water board.”
Independent Rates Oversight Committee
IROC reviews utility operations, expenditures, rate proceeds, affordability, performance and related policy.
It advises. It does not run daily utility operations.
San Diego City Council
The Council considers major utility legislation, contracts, budgets, policies and water/wastewater rates.
The Environment Committee handles many PUD matters before full Council action.
San Diego County Water Authority Board
A separate regional agency governing wholesale water-supply issues for its member agencies.
The City of San Diego appoints representatives to this Board.
Ratepayer oversight
Independent Rates Oversight Committee Leadership in 2026
Linh Quach — Chair
Commercial and Industrial Ratepayer Representative
Current filled IROC positions listed by the City
| Name | IROC Position / Representation | Current Role |
|---|---|---|
| Linh Quach | Commercial & Industrial Ratepayer Representative | Chair |
| David Akin | Single-Family Residential Ratepayer Representative | Vice Chair |
| Gordon Hess | Temporary Irrigation & Construction Ratepayer Representative | Member |
| Jeff Justus | Environmental Science Professional Representative | Member |
| Jack Kubota | Engineering Professional Representative | Member |
| Jim Peugh | Environmental Professional Representative | Member |
| Jerry Jones | Ex-Officio / Metro JPA Representative | Ex-officio member |
| Christopher Do | General Representative | Member |
| Jim Tomasulo | General Representative | Member |
Vacancies shown on the official IROC page
City rules provide for mayoral appointments with City Council confirmation for appointed IROC seats. The committee includes ratepayer and professional categories, along with specified ex-officio representation.
Public participation
When and Where Does the San Diego Water Oversight Committee Meet?
Regular IROC Schedule
The City currently states that full IROC meetings are generally held every other month on the third Monday at 9:30 a.m., unless the agenda says otherwise.
Meetings are open to the public and agendas are posted before scheduled meetings to comply with public-meeting requirements.
Usual Meeting Location
Metropolitan Operations Center II
Auditorium
9192 Topaz Way
San Diego, CA 92123
Always read the specific agenda because time, location, cancellation or meeting format can change.
2026 IROC agendas currently published
January 20
Official agenda listed by the City.
March 16
Official agenda listed by the City.
July 20
Most recent 2026 agenda displayed at the time of this review.
IROC meetings can be cancelled or rescheduled. Use the official agendas page before traveling or planning public comment.
City Council oversight
2026 San Diego Environment Committee & Water Policy
For City legislative oversight, many Public Utilities matters are handled through the San Diego City Council Environment Committee.
Sean Elo-Rivera
2026 Environment Committee Chair.
Jennifer Campbell
2026 Environment Committee Vice Chair.
Joe LaCava
2026 Environment Committee member.
Water-related issues under the committee’s responsibility
Major contracts, policy proposals, infrastructure questions and utility oversight items can appear before the Environment Committee before or alongside full City Council consideration.
Regional governance
San Diego County Water Authority Board vs. City Water Department
The San Diego County Water Authority is a regional wholesale-water agency. It is not another name for the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department.
Nick Serrano
Represents the City of San Diego and serves as Water Authority Board Chair.
Frank Hilliker
Represents Lakeside Water District and serves as Board Vice Chair.
Teresa Acosta
Represents Carlsbad Municipal Water District and was elected Board Secretary in January 2026.
City of San Diego representatives on the regional board
The Water Authority’s published roster and City appointment actions identify multiple directors representing the City of San Diego. The January 2026 City Council confirmed Tim Douglass to fill the seat previously held by Matthew Vespi.
| City of San Diego Representative | Useful 2026 Context |
|---|---|
| Ismahan Abdullahi | City representative; chairs the Water Authority Administrative & Finance Committee. |
| Jimmy Ayala | City representative; appointed in 2025 to a term listed through March 2027. |
| Jerry Butkiewicz | City representative on the regional board. |
| Lois Fong-Sakai | City-appointed representative; reappointed in 2025. |
| Valentine Macedo, Jr. | City representative; chairs the Legislation & Public Outreach Committee. |
| Jim Madaffer | Long-serving City representative involved in regional water governance. |
| Venus Molina | City representative appointed in 2025. |
| Nick Serrano | Water Authority Board Chair and City of San Diego representative. |
| Tim Douglass | Confirmed by San Diego City Council in January 2026 to fill the seat previously held by Matthew Vespi. |
| Stephen Whitburn | City representative and San Diego City Councilmember. |
The City purchases significant wholesale water supplies through the San Diego County Water Authority. Changes in regional wholesale water costs can affect the City’s financial planning and customer rate requirements.
Who decides what you pay?
Who Sets San Diego Water Rates?
A common misconception is that the Public Utilities Director or IROC Chair can independently raise water rates. San Diego’s rate-setting process involves several layers.
The City is preparing a revised water-rate structure for 2027 following the Patz court decision. The City’s current rate-adjustment page lists a public hearing for October 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. regarding proposed water-rate adjustments and a move from the current tiered structure to a proposed unitary volumetric structure.
Rates already effective in 2026
The City states that water rates increased 14.7% on January 1, 2026 and wastewater rates increased 6%, following City Council approval in 2025.
Proposed 2027 structure
The City is now proposing a unitary volumetric rate structure in response to the court ruling. The exact customer impact depends on meter size, customer class and usage.
This distinction is important when deciding where to send comments about a proposed rate change.
Follow the right government body
Which San Diego Water Leader or Board Handles Your Issue?
Customer Support, not the Director or IROC.
619-515-3500Report operational problems directly to Public Utilities.
619-515-3525Public Utilities Department executive leadership.
See DirectorIROC reviews utility operations, expenditures and ratepayer issues.
Open IROCEnvironment Committee and City Council.
Council CommitteesSan Diego County Water Authority Board.
Water AuthorityThe City’s media-contact directory lists a Public Utilities media contact rather than directing reporters to customer service.
Media DirectoryMonitor leadership actions
How to Follow San Diego Water Leadership Decisions
-
Start with the Public Utilities Department
Use the PUD homepage for current programs, operational announcements, water quality, customer notices and major infrastructure initiatives.
-
Check IROC agendas for ratepayer oversight
Review the upcoming IROC agenda when you want to know what the advisory committee is discussing about rates, finances, performance or utility operations.
-
Check the Environment Committee
Major Public Utilities contracts, policy proposals, Pure Water items and other utility matters can appear on this committee’s agenda.
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Follow full City Council action
For final legislative decisions such as major rate actions, review City Council agendas, supporting documents, actions and public-hearing notices.
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Use the Water Authority for regional supply decisions
Regional wholesale rates, imported supply, Metropolitan Water District matters and regional infrastructure belong to the separate San Diego County Water Authority.
-
Verify the newest roster before naming an official
Board seats, interim titles and committee officers can change. Recheck the latest official membership or organization page before publishing a time-sensitive statement.
Practical contact routes
San Diego Water Department Contact Information
Customer problem?
Use customer support first for billing, payments, start/stop service, account changes, meter questions and payment plans.
Leadership or governance research?
Use the current City organization chart, IROC membership page, City Council committee pages and Water Authority Board roster instead of customer service.
What leadership is working on
Major San Diego Water Leadership Issues in 2026
2027 Water Rate Restructuring
The City is working through a revised unitary-rate proposal following the Patz court ruling, with a public hearing listed for October 6, 2026.
Pure Water San Diego
The major water-reuse program remains central to the City’s long-term strategy for developing a more local and drought-resilient supply.
Wholesale & Operating Costs
Regional water-purchase costs, system maintenance, infrastructure and debt requirements remain central to PUD financial planning.
Aging Pipes & Facilities
Water and wastewater leadership must balance current operating needs with large capital-replacement programs.
Ratepayer Review
IROC provides a public advisory channel for reviewing expenditures, service delivery and rate-proceeds use.
Water Authority Costs
The City participates heavily in regional Water Authority governance because imported and wholesale supply costs affect San Diego customers.
Know the organizations
San Diego Water Leadership Terms Explained
- Public Utilities Department (PUD)
- The City of San Diego department responsible for municipal water and wastewater utility operations.
- Public Utilities Director
- The executive department head responsible for leading PUD. Current official City sources identify Juan Guerreiro.
- IROC
- The Independent Rates Oversight Committee, an official advisory body focused on oversight of Public Utilities operations, finances and rate-related issues.
- Environment Committee
- A San Diego City Council standing committee whose responsibilities include Public Utilities, water policy, wastewater, IROC and Pure Water.
- San Diego County Water Authority
- A separate regional wholesale-water agency whose board includes representatives appointed by its member agencies, including the City of San Diego.
- Cost-of-Service Study
- A financial and rate analysis used to determine the revenue requirements and allocation of utility costs among customer classes.
- Proposition 218
- California constitutional requirements that affect property-related utility rate processes, including notice and public-hearing procedures.
- Pure Water San Diego
- The City’s major water-recycling and advanced-purification program designed to increase local drinking-water supply.
Frequently searched questions
San Diego Water Department Leadership FAQs
1. Who is the San Diego Water Department Director in 2026?
Current City of San Diego sources identify Juan Guerreiro as Director of the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department.
2. Is the San Diego Water Department officially called the Public Utilities Department?
Yes. The City department responsible for municipal drinking-water and wastewater services is officially the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department. “San Diego Water Department” remains a common search term.
3. Does the San Diego Water Department have a board of directors?
The City Public Utilities Department does not operate under a corporate-style board of directors. Department operations are led by PUD executives. IROC provides advisory oversight, the City Council makes major legislative decisions, and the separate San Diego County Water Authority has a regional Board of Directors.
4. Who is the chair of San Diego’s Independent Rates Oversight Committee?
The current City IROC membership page lists Linh Quach, the Commercial and Industrial Ratepayer Representative, as Chair. David Akin, the Single-Family Residential Ratepayer Representative, is Vice Chair.
5. What does the Independent Rates Oversight Committee do?
IROC advises the Mayor and City Council on oversight of Public Utilities operations, including resource management, planned expenditures, service delivery, outreach, affordability and use of rate proceeds for approved capital programs. It does not manage daily utility operations.
6. Who is on the San Diego City Council Environment Committee in 2026?
The City’s current committee information identifies Sean Elo-Rivera as Chair, Jennifer Campbell as Vice Chair and Joe LaCava as a member. The committee handles many water, wastewater, Public Utilities, IROC and Pure Water policy matters.
7. Who is the San Diego County Water Authority Board Chair in 2026?
Nick Serrano, representing the City of San Diego, is the San Diego County Water Authority Board Chair. The Water Authority is a separate regional wholesale-water agency and is not the City Public Utilities Department.
8. Does the Public Utilities Director decide San Diego water rates?
No. Public Utilities develops financial and rate recommendations, but customer rate changes go through applicable legal and public-review processes and require City Council action. IROC and the Independent Budget Analyst may provide additional review.
9. How do I contact the San Diego Water Department?
For normal water or wastewater account assistance, call 619-515-3500 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding City holidays, or email customercare@sandiego.gov. To report a water leak, sewer spill or water-pressure issue, call 619-515-3525.
10. How can I follow San Diego water board and leadership meetings?
Use the official IROC agendas page for rates-oversight meetings, City Council committee and Council agenda pages for City policy decisions, and the San Diego County Water Authority website for regional Board meetings. Always check the newest agenda because schedules and memberships can change.
Official verification