John R. Teerink (1921-1992) was the director of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) from 1973-1975 during Governor Ronald Reagan’s administration.He had various lead roles in the implementation of the State Water Project during his 29-year career at DWR. He progressed through the ranks as junior engineer, assistant chief engineer and then deputy director until his appointment to head the department.

According to an article in DWR Magazine, “He initiated and directed preparation of Bulletin No. 200, The California State Water Project,’ which documents the early planning, policies, legislation, design, water service contracting, construction, and 12 years of operation of this monumental project.” After leaving DWR in 1975 he became a consultant for Bookman-Edmonston Engineering Inc.’s Sacramento office. The Wheeler Ridge Pumping Plant on the California Aqueduct near Bakersfield was renamed the John R. Teerink Wheeler Ridge Pumping Plant in his honor.