Colorado River Expert Picked to Lead MWD

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California on Friday named Colorado River specialist Dennis B. Underwood as its chief executive officer and general manager.

Underwood, known as an agency insider who has helped negotiate several controversial water deals, replaces Ronald R. Gastelum. Gastelum stepped down in December after five years of guiding the Los Angeles-based agency through water shortages and cutbacks.

Underwood said Friday that he planned to focus on diversifying the water supply, partnering with other agencies and using more recycled water. During a news conference, he said that he hoped to increase the water supply through desalination and reclamation.

“We have to ensure a water supply for 18 million people,” said Underwood, who served as vice president of Colorado River resources for the MWD. “We can’t be wrong.”

Underwood, 60, has worked for the agency since 1999. He expects to assume his new post after the board approves his contract April 12.

Underwood helped develop a plan to reduce California’s reliance on the Colorado River. He also played a role in brokering a habitat conservation program along the river and a program to pay farmers to transfer water to the MWD.

The MWD board, which has 37 members, selected Underwood in a special meeting Friday. Chairman Wes Bannister said Underwood’s experience and ability to work with people made him the top candidate.

The MWD, the region’s major water wholesaler, is a consortium of 26 cities and water districts that provides drinking water to nearly 18 million people in parts of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

Underwood, an Alta Loma resident, has worked as a commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and an executive director for the Colorado River Board of California.