RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Western Municipal Water District remembers Lois B. Krieger, who served as the District’s representative on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors for more than two decades; she passed away on Monday, Feb. 10. Her leadership as a pioneer in the water industry has left its mark at Western, throughout Riverside County and the state of California.
Lois was appointed by Western’s Board of Directors to serve as the District’s representative to the Metropolitan from 1976 to 2001. Two years after being elected vice chair in 1976, she was unanimously voted chair of the board, holding that position from 1989 through 1992. She continues to hold the distinction of the first – and only – female director on the Metropolitan Board. Lois’ tenure as board chair took place during a critical time in Metropolitan history, when the state was locked in a multi-year drought and engaged in hearings that would lead to the 1994 Bay-Delta Accord. She was an advocate of Diamond Valley Lake, water transfers and storage agreements, and also pushed for modernization of the State Water Project. In 1993, Lois was honored by the Bureau of Reclamation with its Citizen Award for her commitment to the needs of the water community in Southern California and partnership with the Bureau. Holding the position as the first woman president for the Association of California Water Agencies, serving in 1988 and 1989, Krieger was instrumental in developing a comprehensive water policy, “Water for Californians.” She retired in 2001 after a 25-year career dedicated to solving water issues locally, regionally and throughout the state. Lois was also active in numerous Riverside community organizations and the University of California at Riverside.
Tim Quinn, ACWA Executive Director, spoke fondly of Lois. “She was an extraordinary woman and water leader. Lois took me under her wing when I was a young Metropolitan staffer, and I was much enriched for it. I will miss her greatly.”
Lois’ legacy is evident throughout Western. Each year, Western honors one student from the California State University, San Bernardino with the Lois B. Krieger Endowed Scholarship. In the fall, teachers from throughout Riverside County receive grants for water-related educational projects that bear her name. “We’re happy that Western will continue their tradition of recognizing Lois in their educational programs,” said Lois’ nephew, Bob Krieger of Krieger & Stewart. “I give Lois a lot of credit for what she did - she became a water wonk, par excellence. The most impressive thing about Lois was that within ACWA, she united the north and the south,” Bob continued. “She got them around the table rather than always in opposition.”
“Lois Krieger was passionate about water and education, and we’re very happy to carry her spirit forward in the projects that were named in her honor like the Lois B. Krieger Teacher Grants,” said Western GM John Rossi.
Western will be honoring Lois at the upcoming Lois B. Krieger Grant ceremony for teachers in the spring.
Western Municipal Water District provides water supply, wastewater disposal and water resource management to the public in a safe, reliable, environmentally sensitive and financially responsible manner.
