From left are Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sherri Merick, Citrus Heights Water District General Manager Hilary Straus Citrus Heights Water District President Raymond A. Riehle, Citrus Heights Water District senior accountant Megan Selling, Citrus Heights Water District Accounting Manager Ben Strange, Citrus Heights Water District financial analyst Annie Liu, Citrus Heights Water District Director of Engineering Missy Pieri and Citrus Heights Water District Public Affairs analyst Mary Elise Conzelmann. Photo by Ornella Rossi

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Residents, businesses owners and city officials gathered on Oct. 21 at the October Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce ACCESS Luncheon, an exclusive networking event focused on connecting professionals with key community decision-makers.

Held at the Citrus Heights Event Center, the luncheon featured the Citrus Heights Water District as both sponsor and keynote speaker. Attendees heard firsthand how the district is investing in infrastructure, technology and partnerships to ensure that the community continues to receive clean, reliable water for generations to come.

Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sherri Merick introduced the day’s featured speakers from the Citrus Heights Water District, including Mary Elise Conzelmann, principal public affairs analyst; Missy Pieri, director of engineering; Ben Strange, accounting manager; and Megan Selling, senior accountant.

Conzelmann opened the presentation with a theme of reflection and progress.

“Today’s presentation is really going to follow a theme of looking back to look forward,” Conzelmann said. “The water district has been here every step of the way with our community. We were formed in 1920 and have been serving Citrus Heights and the greater area ever since.”

Conzelmann traced the district’s history from its agricultural roots, serving 4.7 square miles of farmland in the 1920s to its modern role providing clean, reliable drinking water to Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Carmichael, Fair Oaks and Roseville.

“In 1996, when the city of Citrus Heights incorporated, the Citrus Heights Water District provided a $30,000 grant to help get that application over the finish line,” Conzelmann said. “From fields to foundations, our story is deeply intertwined with the city’s growth.”

Following the historical overview, the luncheon transitioned to a short video presentation featuring other Citrus Heights Water District leaders who provided updates on infrastructure projects and operational priorities.

Board President Ray Riehle introduced the “WaterLine 2025” initiative, an umbrella program showcasing how the Citrus Heights Water District plans to modernize its infrastructure and maintain water reliability. The initiative includes three major efforts: Project 2030, Groundwater Expansion and Reinvestment, and Cooperative Purchasing and Asset Management.

“Project 2030 is a proactive plan to replace aging pipes before they fail,” Riehle said in the video. “We’re making sure our system remains safe and dependable for decades to come.”

Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce ambassadors stand next to new chamber members and the October ACCESS luncheon on Oct. 21. Photo by Ornella Rossi

Director of Operations Todd Jordan detailed recent accomplishments, including the replacement of nearly 500 service lines, more than 200 water meters and 18 fire hydrants. He also described the district’s upcoming construction of two aquifer storage and recovery wells, an advanced technology that stores water underground during wet years and recovers it in dry periods.

“This increases water supply reliability and reduces reliance on surface water like Folsom Lake, especially during droughts,” Jordan explained.

Engineering Director Pieri, who also spoke in person, said the district invests approximately $2-million annually in water main replacements, an amount expected to grow under Project 2030.

“Our long-term plan is to replace more than 70% of the district’s aging water mains between 2030 and 2080,” Pieri said. “We’re planning ahead to minimize costly issues and provide reliable service to future generations.”

Pieri added that the district is updating its Water System Master Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for maintenance and capital projects over the next 25 years, outlining not just what needs to be done, but when and how to fund it.

Beyond engineering and infrastructure, the Citrus Heights Water District emphasized its role as a careful financial steward and an active community partner.

Senior management analyst Jace Nunes, appearing in the video, described the district’s customer programs, from rebates and water-saving devices to free WaterSmart classes that teach residents how to conserve water and lower their bills.

“We love to be active in the community, whether it’s partnering with local groups or attending neighborhood events,” Nunes said. “We want to be there to hear from our customers.”

Financial analyst Annie Liu highlighted the district’s strong fiscal performance, noting that the Citrus Heights Water District’s annual budget and comprehensive financial report have received the Government Finance Officers Association Award for seven consecutive years.

Accounting manager Strange explained how the district allocates its budget to balance long-term investment with affordability.

“Fifty percent of our budget in 2025 is dedicated to capital improvements, 23% to operations and maintenance, and 6% to reserves,” Strange said. “We’re also proud that about 19% of our revenue this year comes from grants, reducing the burden on ratepayers.”

Senior accountant Selling outlined the district’s upcoming 2026 rate proposal, which would result in an average increase of about $4.57 per month for most residential customers.

“Even with this adjustment, our rates remain below regional averages,” Selling said. “The increase supports our infrastructure needs, water reliability and prudent reserves.”

Conzelmann concluded by emphasizing the Citrus Heights Water District’s commitment to transparency and community engagement.

 “We have a rate hearing on Nov. 12 at the Citrus Heights Event Center,” Conzelmann said. “Our Customer Advisory Committee is one of the keyways we ensure that the community’s voice helps guide our decisions.”

The Chamber of Commerce announced that the next ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Citrus Heights Event Center. The featured speaker will be State Sen. Roger Niello.