- Santa Ana expands collaboration with Sahuayo, Mexico.
- Rowland Water District partners with the Philippines.
- International efforts strengthen local water resilience.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 — In a news submission to the Association of California Water Agencies, the City of Santa Ana highlighted its growing partnership with Sahuayo, Mexico. The collaboration began in 2022 under a Sister City Agreement and has since progressed into shared projects focused on improving water quality and treatment.
During a November 2024 visit, Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division joined Sahuayo officials for a press conference announcing a joint initiative to strengthen water systems. Over several days, the team worked with local staff on leak detection, treatment plant efficiency, and system reliability.
“This visit brought together the skilled expertise of both cities, demonstrating how collaboration across borders can deliver real solutions for utility services,” said Cesar E. Barrera, Santa Ana’s Acting City Engineer
.
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez emphasized that leadership has been essential for progress. “Our collaboration with Sahuayo is not only improving water service today but also shaping a brighter future for both communities,” Nuñez stated.
Rowland Water District Connects with the Philippines.
While Santa Ana staff were in Mexico, Rowland Water District (RWD) in Los Angeles County expanded its international ties with Norzagaray Water District (NorWD) in the Philippines. The project, supported by the Asian Development Bank’s Water Organizations Partnership for Resilience, focused on strengthening operational and financial systems in an area where reliable drinking water is scarce.
RWD staff traveled to the Philippines to exchange expertise, and in early 2025, NorWD representatives made a reciprocal visit to California. The two agencies formalized their partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding.
RWD General Manager Tom Coleman noted the benefits extended both ways. “When our team saw firsthand the dedication and resourcefulness of our colleagues in the Philippines, it deepened our commitment to public service,” Coleman said. “It’s a reminder that water connects us all, no matter where we live.”
A Broader Trend of International Collaboration.
From Mexico to the Philippines, these partnerships demonstrate how shared knowledge can lead to stronger water systems. By improving infrastructure, boosting efficiency, and enhancing reliability, international collaborations are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for local water agencies.
For Santa Ana and Rowland Water District, the lessons learned abroad reinforce their work at home. The cross-border exchanges highlight a growing recognition that water challenges—whether in California or overseas—are best addressed through cooperation and innovation.
FAQ
What is the Sister City Agreement between Santa Ana and Sahuayo?
It is a formal partnership established in 2022 to promote collaboration between the two cities, focusing on areas such as water quality, system reliability, and community exchange.
What did Santa Ana and Sahuayo work on during their 2024 meeting?
The teams focused on leak control, treatment plant efficiency, and improving system reliability in Sahuayo while strengthening service practices in Santa Ana.
What is the Rowland Water District’s role in the Philippines?
RWD partnered with Norzagaray Water District to support operational and financial strategies for delivering safe drinking water. The effort was part of a program backed by the Asian Development Bank.
Why are these international collaborations important?
They provide opportunities for shared learning, build stronger local systems, and reinforce the idea that water challenges are interconnected across communities and borders.
How do these projects affect California residents?
Local staff gain valuable experience from international exchanges, which can improve efficiency and service delivery in California while also strengthening global partnerships.
