Harvey F. De La Torre Appointed As MWDOC General Manager

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF. (December 6, 2023) – The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC or District) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Harvey F. De La Torre as the District’s new General Manager. Mr. De La Torre, who has been serving MWDOC as the interim General Manager and Assistant General Manager, brings a wealth of experience to the position and a deep commitment to water resource management and sustainability.

“Harvey has been an integral part of our team for over 15 years, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the complexities of water management and leadership in water policy,” said Megan Yoo Schneider, President of the MWDOC Board of Directors. “His expertise and enthusiasm for a sustainable, reliable, and affordable water future are invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges facing the water industry and our community today.”

Mr. De La Torre has played a pivotal role at the District in major initiatives and projects for more than 15 years. A few of his contributions include spearheading the newly revised Financial Reserve Policy, ensuring a more robust and transparent financial framework; completing the 2023 Orange County Reliability Study, a key document in planning for the region’s water reliability needs; facilitating strategies for Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to assist and partner with the South Coast Water District on the Doheny Desalination Project, demonstrating a forward-thinking and cooperative approach to regional water challenges; leading the development of a staff implementation plan in response to the Board’s Strategic Priorities; and leading an initiative to improve relations with MWDOC member agencies.

“I am honored and excited to lead MWDOC into the future,” said De La Torre. “Ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for Orange County is a responsibility I take very seriously. We have a great team, and together, we will continue to innovate and excel in our service to our partner agencies and the public we serve.”

Mr. De La Torre has provided policy, financial guidance, and analysis for southern California’s regional and local water districts for 25 years. Before joining MWDOC, he served at West Basin Municipal Water District.

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master’s degree from California State University, Fullerton. He served for 13 years as an adjunct professor of government studies and policy at Rancho Santiago Community College District. He has served in several community leadership roles, including as Planning Commissioner for the City of Santa Ana.

Mr. De La Torre’s appointment comes after a comprehensive search and evaluation process.

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The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is a wholesale water provider and resource planning agency whose efforts focus on sound planning and appropriate investments in water supply, water use efficiency and conservation, public information and outreach, legislative advocacy, water education for all ages, and emergency preparedness. MWDOC’s 27 water agencies, comprised of city water departments and water districts, provide water service to the public. www.mwdoc.com.