Despite investigation, leader of water agency says agenda unchanged
In the three years that Adel Hagekhalil has led California’s largest urban water supplier, the general manager has sought to focus on adaptation to climate change — in part by reducing reliance on water supplies from distant sources and investing in local water supplies. His efforts to help shift priorities at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which has traditionally focused largely on delivering imported water to the region, have won praise among environmental advocates who hope to reduce dependence on supplies from the Colorado River and Northern California. However, now that Hagekhalil is under investigation for harassment allegations and has been placed on leave by the MWD board, some of his supporters say they’re concerned that his sidelining might interfere with the policies he has helped advance.
- Politico: LA’s top water chief on leave after harassment claims — and environmentalists see a conspiracy
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: News Release: Metropolitan board chair issues statement on decision to place general manager on administrative leave