“Controversy Surrounding Adel Hagekhalil: Impact on Climate Change Policies at MWD”
In the three years that Adel Hagekhalil has led California’s largest urban water supplier, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, he has made significant strides in shifting priorities towards adaptation to climate change. Hagekhalil’s focus on reducing reliance on water supplies from distant sources and investing in local water supplies has garnered praise from environmental advocates who aim to decrease dependence on supplies from the Colorado River and Northern California.
However, Hagekhalil’s leadership has come under scrutiny as he faces harassment allegations and has been placed on administrative leave by the MWD board. The accusations surfaced while Hagekhalil was traveling in Singapore for a water conference. Chief Financial Officer Katano Kasaine alleged in a confidential letter to the board that Hagekhalil had harassed, demeaned, and created a hostile work environment. Hagekhalil denied the accusations, stating that he has always treated staff with respect and professionalism.
The MWD board voted to place Hagekhalil on administrative leave for 90 days while the allegations are investigated. In his absence, assistant general manager Deven Upadhyay has been appointed as interim general manager. Despite the allegations, supporters of Hagekhalil are concerned that his sidelining may interfere with the policies he has advanced, such as plans for the nation’s largest wastewater recycling facility in Carson and developing a plan for adapting to climate change.
Environmental advocates, including Conner Everts, executive director of the Southern California Watershed Alliance, have expressed hope that the agency’s focus on reducing reliance on imported water supplies will continue regardless of the investigation’s outcome. MWD serves cities and agencies supplying water to 19 million people across Southern California, making its policy decisions crucial in addressing climate change and water supply challenges.
MWD Board Chair Adán Ortega Jr. emphasized the board’s commitment to the organization’s policies and direction amid the allegations against Hagekhalil. Ortega stated that the board’s support for addressing climate change remains steadfast, regardless of the leadership changes. He highlighted ongoing initiatives led by Hagekhalil, including negotiations on water shortages in the Colorado River and plans for a water recycling plant in Carson.
Despite concerns raised by some environmental advocates about potential ulterior motives behind the allegations against Hagekhalil, Ortega assured that the board’s policy agenda remains unchanged. The board’s decision on whether to participate in the proposed Delta Conveyance Project, a contentious 45-mile tunnel project, will play a significant role in determining the state’s water supply future.
As investigations into the allegations against Hagekhalil continue, the MWD board remains focused on addressing climate change and ensuring the agency’s policies align with the region’s water supply needs. The outcome of the investigation will determine the future leadership of the agency and its commitment to sustainable water management practices in Southern California.