ACWA Mourns Past President Boatmun

Past ACWA President and long-time Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board of Directors member Bette Boatmun passed away on Sept. 19.

Boatmun served as ACWA President during the 2002-'03 term and served as Vice President during the 2000-'01 term. She was ACWA's second female President and was actively involved in the association throughout her career, serving as a Board member and being engaged in ACWA Region 5.

Boatmun dedicated 46 years of her life to representing her community on the CCWD Board of Directors, having been first appointed in 1974 and retiring in 2020, when ACWA honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Boatman was also previously honored with ACWA's Emissary Award in 2014.

"Bette was truly an amazing human being and one of the most consequential leaders in ACWA's history," said ACWA Executive Director Dave Eggerton. "For my entire career, she has been an enormously important figure in the water industry and at ACWA. She was also a personal mentor who provided me with invaluable counsel."

Under her leadership at CCWD, Boatmun supported numerous projects that included the construction and expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir and building the Randall-Bold Water Treatment Plant.

She also chaired the Governing Board of East County Water Management Association, the Contra Costa Special Districts' Association and the Sanitation and Water Agencies of Contra Costa County.

Additionally, her community involvement extended far beyond California water. She was a former Executive Director of the YWCA of Contra Costa County and volunteered her time in a number of community organizations, including the Concord American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, Sons of Italy and Soroptomist International.

In 2017, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors recognized her as the longest-serving elected official in the county's history in an honorary resolution.

"The Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors and staff are extremely saddened to hear of Bette Boatmun's passing. Bette was a remarkable leader and a true visionary when it came to water conservation, education and public service," stated ACWA Vice President and CCWD Board President Ernie Avila in an announcement. "I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent with her serving on this Board. Her wisdom, vision, and friendship will be greatly missed."

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