FPUD general manager appointed to Metropolitan board

FALLBROOK — Keith Lewinger, general manager of Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD), has been appointed to the board of directors of the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District.

Lewinger, a Cornell University graduate with 37 years in the water and sewer industry, was appointed to the board in late January.

The appointment is considered a victory for FPUD and the region, as Lewinger’s seat on the Southern California wholesaler’s board will give FPUD and the agricultural industry a voice in the Southern California water industry.

Metropolitan supplies imported water to 18 million people in San Diego, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura counties over a 5,200-square-mile area.

“Water is one of California’s most precious resources, and with the seriousness of the current water supply shortage, I am ready to get to work with this group of experts to give FPUD urban and agricultural customers and farmers, and San Diego County, a voice,” Lewinger said.

Fallbrook Public Utility District currently delivers water to about 35,000 customers a year over a 28,000 square-acre area.