CENTRAL COAST WATER AUTHORITY APPOINTS PETER THOMPSON NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Peter Thompson as the new executive director, effective May 15, 2026. Before serving as executive director, Thompson will serve as the associate director from Feb. 9, 2026, to May 14, 2026.

Ray Stokes, CCWA’s current executive director, will retire in 2026 after nearly 30 years with CCWA and 13 years as its executive director. “As I conclude my career at the Central Coast Water Authority, I’m excited for what lies ahead for the Authority,” said Stokes. “The selection of Peter Thompson as the next executive director is an excellent choice, and I’m certain that with Peter’s extensive background and knowledge of the State Water Project, CCWA will build on the foundations established over the past 35 years to ensure the Authority is able to continue to deliver high-quality supplemental water to the entities it serves in Santa Barbara County.”

Thompson brings 25 years of leadership experience in California’s water sector, with a proven track record in advancing regional and state-level water initiatives. Serving as assistant general manager of the Antelope Valley–East Kern Water Agency (AVEK), general manager of the Antelope Valley State Water Contractors Association (AVSWCA), and administrator of the Antelope Valley Watermaster, Thompson has deep expertise in State Water Project governance, interagency collaboration and complex water resource strategy. In these roles, Thompson worked closely with California Department of Water Resources leadership, legislators, boards and regulatory agencies to ensure reliable water supplies for communities. Dedicated to finding common ground at the intersection of water supply operations, multi-agency governance and state-level policy, Thompson champions cooperative solutions for California’s water future.

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The Economy of the State Water Project Brochure and Report from DWR

The State Water Project (SWP) is among the world's most extensive water conveyance projects, featuring a 705-mile-long network of dams, reservoirs, hydroelectric facilities, pumping plants, and canals. The State Water Project plays a key role in the state’s economy. It supplies over 27 million Californians, a majority of the state’s population, along with commercial and industrial customers, including in the technology and manufacturing sectors, that account for a majority of the state’s economic activity. Project deliveries also supply water to the agricultural sector, supporting the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, particularly in the Central Valley, the nation’s most productive agricultural region. This reliable water source not only ensures the livelihood of residents, businesses, and farmers but also contributes significantly to the state’s economy through technology, manufacturing, and agricultural exports.

This report consolidates publicly available data from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and other agencies to provide policymakers with a comprehensive overview of the economy that is supported by the State Water Project. The aim is to present this information in a concise format to facilitate wellinformed decision-making regarding the project. The information in this report covers patterns of water use in the State Water Project service area, the size of the urban and agricultural economies served by the State Water Project, the role of the State Water Project in serving underrepresented communities, and how the costs of State Water Project water deliveries compare to the costs of developing alternative water supplies.

The Economy of the State Water Project Brochure

The Economy of the State Water Project Report

Saving Our Water Is Saving Our Future

Californians have made great progress in recent years embracing wise water use as a daily habit. But our state's water future remains uncertain due to precipitation variability and a changing climate. It is more critical than ever that Californians work together to Save Our Water and make the world a better place for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.  Click here for a short informational video.