COMMERCE, Ca., July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- General Manager Art Aguilar announced his retirement from the Central Basin Municipal Water District effective October 31, 2012. Aguilar has served as the General Manager for the Central Basin Municipal Water District since 2006, and before that as Co-General Manager for both Central Basin and West Basin Municipal Water Districts.

"I am very proud of what we have accomplished at Central Basin," said Aguilar. "From the re-organization of the District following the split West Basin initiated, to the completion of a vital phase of our recycled water system, which had been on the books since 1991, to the many state and federal grants we secured to keep costs and rates low, we have done quite a bit in a very short amount of time."

As the General Manager for Central Basin, Aguilar successfully guided the District through an unprecedented transition and restructuring following its separation from its former sister agency and oversaw the District's subsequent move to a new headquarters in the City of Commerce. Under his leadership, these transitions brought opportunities for growth and financial stability. District operations went uninterrupted, the District's unfunded liability and pension debt were paid off and programs were re-centered around Central Basin's mission of public service.

"For me, the hardest part of retiring will be saying good-bye to our incredible staff," Aguilar continued. "We have a strong and dedicated team that works hard for our constituents and ratepayers. I am extremely proud of them."

Aguilar first joined the Districts in 1999, serving as the Manager of the Public and Governmental Affairs Department. Under his management, areas such as public education, conservation and public/media relations were refined and enhanced to become foundation stones of the department.

"It makes me very sad to see Art go," said Central Basin Board President Ed Vasquez. "He has done an outstanding job managing this district over the years and he will be missed. This place just won't be the same without him. I wish him all the best."

Prior to his work in the water industry, Aguilar served for more than 30 years as a reporter, editor and publisher of community newspapers throughout Southern California. Over the course of his tenure, he has been honored for his significant and lasting contributions to journalism and for his extensive community service.

For Art Aguilar's full bio, please email valerieh@centralbasin.org.

Central Basin is a public agency that wholesales imported water to cities, mutual water companies, investor-owned utilities and private companies in southeast Los Angeles County, serving a population of more than 2 million. In addition, Central Basin provides the region with recycled water for municipal, commercial and industrial uses. Formed in 1952, Central Basin is committed to ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for the region.

Contact: Valerie Howard Phone: (310) 801-4073

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General Manager Art Aguilar Announces Retirement From Central Basin