Glendale Water & Power (GWP) presented its communications and outreach plan for a water master plan on May 6, outlining public‑opinion research, targeted stakeholder interviews and multilingual community engagement tied to a recycled‑water assessment funded in part by a new state grant.

Assistant General Manager Chisholm Obegoglu told the City Council that GWP awarded a public‑services contract to Arcadis to prepare a comprehensive water master plan and that Katz and Associates will execute public outreach. Anne Newton of Katz summarized the plan’s approach: statistically valid public surveys and focus groups, opinion‑leader interviews, demonstration facility tours, pop‑up events, multilingual materials, and stakeholder advisory groups tailored to local community needs.

Grant and budgeting details: GWP reported that the State Water Resources Control Board awarded $200,000 toward a recycled‑water assessment that is budgeted at about $500,000. GWP staff told the council the contract awarded to Arcadis totals about $1.2 million for the master plan; the council previously appropriated about $1.312 million to begin the work. The grant reduces the portion GWP will need to cover for the recycled‑water assessment.

Why it matters: The outreach plan is intended to build public understanding of long‑term water investments, explain potential implications such as rate effects and recycled water options, and increase participation by non‑English speaking residents. Katz emphasized outreach at community events, door‑to‑door canvassing, and in‑person tours of potable‑reuse demonstration facilities to address public questions about recycled water.

Process and timeline: GWP said the recycled‑water assessment will conclude in fall 2025 and staff will return to council with findings and potential rate impacts. The communications timeline includes baseline research now, survey and focus groups, 60%‑design style public updates through the planning process, and ongoing community meetings and pop‑ups.

Public comment: A resident praised Katz’s outreach approach and noted that GWP has contact information for every customer, which the city can use for targeted outreach. Councilmembers said they wanted the outreach to use local community groups and to leverage existing city events, including an upcoming water festival, and they asked to track outreach metrics and provide progress updates.

Ending: Council voted to note and file the report; staff will complete the recycled‑water assessment this fall and return with results and any suggested rate implications.