Desert Water Agency general manager Mark Krause retires, Steve Johnson will take over position
Desert Water Agency general manager Mark Krause will retire effective next week.
Krause spent 29 years with DWA, the last eight as general manager and chief engineer. He will retire on Feb. 22.
Steve Johnson, current Assistant General Manager, will replace Krause upon his retirement.
“It has been a privilege to serve the public over the past three decades and work with a talented team at Desert Water Agency,” said Krause. “I look forward to the Agency’s continued success in providing our community with safe, affordable and reliable water.”
Krause joined DWA in 1995 as the Operations Engineer. In that role, Mark helped develop the engineering department so DWA could design its own pipelines, booster stations and wells – which it still does today. Krause was promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2004 and became DWA’s sixth General Manager on Jan. 30, 2016.
As a man with vision and determination, Krause found ways to improve the reliability and sustainability of DWA’s groundwater supply. He was instrumental in implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and in the signing of a historic water agreement between Metropolitan Water District (MWD), Coachella Valley Water District and DWA.
Krause also helped the agency dive into the digital world with new data management systems, GIS (Geographic Information System) and advanced meter technology.
“Mark always puts community first and has led the team with dedication and integrity,” said Paul Ortega, DWA Board President. “We celebrate Mark’s contributions and retirement knowing that DWA is in good hands. Under Steve Johnson’s leadership, DWA will continue to prosper and grow.”
Johnson was hired as an Assistant Engineer at DWA in 1995 and promoted to Operations Engineer in 2004. He became Assistant General Manager in 2016.
Among his many accomplishments, Johnson negotiated new power purchase and land use agreements to generate revenue for DWA and keep rates down. He also guided the Agency through several departmental restructurings to help the Agency navigate the ever-increasing regulations more efficiently.
“I have spent my entire career at DWA working under and alongside Mark, learning from the best. I look forward to my new role and continuing to plan so that future generations can enjoy clean, reliable drinking water, like we do today.” said Johnson.
