The Watermaster is a committee of representatives of the parties to the Judgment. The Watermaster convenes monthly to conduct its business and prepares an annual budget and assessment to fund its operations and activities. The Watermaster maintains this website for the purpose of disseminating important documents and data to the Parties, other stakeholders, and the interested public, such as meeting agendas and minutes, production and water-level elevation data, guiding documents, Watermaster forms.
Watermaster Board Member Bios
Chair Tyler Bilyk – representing agricultural interests in Borrego Springs. Mr. Bilyk is a full-time resident of Borrego Springs and is the managing partner for JM Roadrunner agricultural and horticultural enterprises. Mr. Bilyk has been involved throughout the Basin adjudication process and is well versed in the details concerning Basin-wide sustainability objectives.
Vice Chair Jim Bennett, PG, CHG – representing the County of San Diego. Mr. Bennett has worked for the County for the past 18 years and managed the development of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Borrego Springs Groundwater Subbasin. He is responsible for maintaining the County’s groundwater, geologic, and mineral resource regulations, policies, and procedures. Mr. Bennett scopes, prepares, and reviews groundwater supply investigations for development projects within the unincorporated portion of the County and maintains the County’s groundwater monitoring network. Prior to joining the County, Mr. Bennett worked for seven years as an environmental consultant. Mr. Bennett is a licensed California Professional Geologist and California Certified Hydrogeologist.
Director Shannon Smith – representing recreational interests in Borrego Springs. Mr. Smith also acts as Treasurer.
Director Gina Moran – representing the Borrego Water District. Ms. Moran is a retired California State Parks Manager in San Diego County and worked for the State of California for 36 years. During her career in both Parks and Caltrans, Moran was actively involved in the development, implementation, and construction of billion-dollar linear transportation projects and facility projects. Moran served as the California State Parks representative to the Borrego Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency Advisory Committee, which advised the GSA on the development of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Borrego Subbasin. Since moving to Borrego Springs in 2015, Moran has been actively involved volunteering in the community, including The American Legion Post 853 and Soroptimist International. Ms. Moran also acts as Secretary.
Director Mark Jorgensen – representing the community of Borrego Springs. Mr. Jorgensen is a retired Park Superintendent for Anza Borrego State Park and worked for California State Parks for 36 years. Mr. Jorgenson has traveled to 35 countries, worked on park development across the world including Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi, has worked on wildlife projects in Mexico, and has given scientific presentations in Israel. Each of these locations holds its own water challenges.