California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Water Division Director Terence Shia outlined on March 20 the division’s key priorities and ongoing efforts to ensure clean, safe, and reliable water service across the state. Shia, who has been with the CPUC for 18 years, leads a team of 27 staff members responsible for regulating both large and small investor-owned water utilities.
The work of the Water Division is significant as it helps maintain one of California’s most essential natural resources—clean drinking water—for communities throughout the state. The division provides technical guidance to decision-makers and ensures compliance with CPUC rules and regulations among regulated utilities.
Shia said his interest in water developed after joining the CPUC’s Water Division following an engineering internship at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. He described how field inspections and outreach with small water utilities allowed him to connect with operators dedicated to maintaining their systems. “My role as a regulator meant more after connecting with the people in the actual service of providing clean drinking water, and that’s when I knew I could carve out a longer career path in water, which led me to my current role as Director for the Water Division,” Shia said.
Looking ahead to 2026, Shia identified several main areas of focus: continuing the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP) for small utilities; completing the Water Acquisitions Proceeding to streamline acquisition processes for at-risk or failing utilities; and beginning work on a Rulemaking to address policy issues such as conservation and rate case timing. He explained that these efforts are closely aligned with World Water Day’s emphasis on access to safe water. “The CPUC’s role in ensuring communities have access to clean, safe drinking water is aligned with the Water Division’s key priorities for 2026,” he said.
Shia also highlighted collaboration with other agencies: “This is done in close partnership with our sister agency, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), which has primary oversight of water quality drinking standards for all water systems in California.” He noted that streamlining acquisitions will help larger utilities bring smaller ones into compliance.
Reflecting on his leadership mission, Shia said: “Our mission for the Water Division is to assure our regulated water utilities provide clean, safe, and reliable service to ratepayers. This closely aligns with our value of stewardship as we are entrusted to maintain water quality and service as one of the most important natural resources California has to offer.” He added that open communication with stakeholders remains a priority.
Shia concluded by offering advice for those starting their careers: “I would advise them to seek out mentors because there are many that are willing to help, especially here at the CPUC… Patience you must have my Young Padawan.”
