The Bay Area’s largest public water utility board is undergoing a significant change, known as a “silver tsunami,” as many of its most experienced members retire this year.

At the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), four out of seven board members are retiring by year-end. These members, who have served since at least 2001, are departing with extensive experience in managing droughts, rate increases, and preparing for climate change.

EBMUD Director Marguerite Young, who was elected in 2014 and is now one of the three remaining members, noted the shift in experience on the board. “I’ll go from being the most junior member to the most senior,” she said.

As California’s second-largest water retailer, EBMUD serves 1.4 million people in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, overseeing water reserves and drought response. The trend of experienced leaders retiring for new generations, termed the “silver tsunami” by Erik Christian Porse of the California Institute for Water Resources, is affecting both private and public sectors.

Three additional board members, Lesa McIntosh, Doug Linney, and William “Bill” Patterson, plan to retire after the 2024 election. Their departures will leave the board with significant turnover.

The board has already appointed Luz Gómez to replace Coleman, and she is running unopposed in her district. The remaining outgoing board members will be replaced following the 2024 elections.

The departing leaders have guided EBMUD through challenging times, such as the 2022 drought. The incoming board will need to address similar issues, but Young remains optimistic, citing the board’s strategic plans and the enduring influence of departing members’ contributions.

New board members will also deal with forecasts for the La Niña season and ongoing water resource management. Porse supports the infusion of new perspectives and ideas that come with leadership changes.

Young is hopeful about the future, noting the proactive steps taken by newer members like April Chan in addressing community concerns and climate change. She believes the incoming directors will continue to advance the district’s mission, supported by the strategic plans and experienced staff.

“We have a great pool of candidates, a capable management team, and a board committed to preparing new members for their roles,” Young said. “There will be challenges, but I’m excited about what’s ahead.”