Water Cost Recovery Workshop: November 13, 2026
Water Cost Recovery Workshop: Covering Rising Costs – What are the Legal Options?
The cost of delivering safe, reliable water continues to rise across California and the West. Aging infrastructure, regulatory mandates, supply investments and inflation are all adding pressure, while traditional rate increases face growing legal constraints and public scrutiny.
To help water leaders better understand the options available, the Urban Water Institute is hosting the Water Cost Recovery Workshop on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 9:00am – 2:00pm at Valley Water District in San Jose.
Why Attend the Water Cost Recovery Workshop?
Developed in response to UWI member feedback, this one-day workshop will examine the legal tools and funding strategies water utilities can use to support operations and capital needs.
The discussion will move beyond rates alone, giving attendees a broader look at the various cost-recovery pathways available to policymakers and water agencies.
What to Expect
The workshop will bring together experienced leaders from law, finance, water agency governance and consulting for a practical discussion of today’s cost-recovery challenges.
Moderator:
David Pedersen, UWI Chair; General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
Speakers:
Dan Hentschke, Attorney at Law; former General Counsel, San Diego County Water Authority
Shawn Dewane, Vice President, Mesa Water District; Registered Principal / Investment Management Consultant, Raymond James Financial Services
Stephen Dopudja, President/CEO, Dopudja & Wells Consulting; former Director, Trabuco Canyon Water District
Who Should Attend?
The workshop is designed for water utility managers, senior staff and directors, consultants, and other stakeholders involved in financial, legal, operational and policy decisions.
Registration
Register now and join UWI on Friday, November 13 in San Jose for a focused conversation on the tools available to help water utilities recover rising costs and fund the services and infrastructure their communities depend on.
Early-Bird: $125/UWI members or $175/non-members.
Regular: $150/UWI members or $200/non-members.
Onsite: $175/UWI members or $225/non-members.