A fluid transition at Mesa Consolidated Water District

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- The new general manager for the Mesa Consolidated Water

District will take the reins at a time when water supply and safety are a

top concern for many residents.

The board of directors for the Mesa Consolidated Water District

appointed Diana Leach to replace retiring general manager Karl Kemp. The

change will take effect Oct. 5.

With the recent terrorist attacks, many Americans -- as well as Costa

Mesa residents -- are starting to reexamine many things they may have

taken for granted before Sept. 11. Simply twisting a knob and getting

clean, running water is something Americans are accustomed to, but fears

of continued attacks have called for an increase in security at local

water districts.

Leach said one of her highest priorities is to assuage Costa Mesans’

fears. The district’s system is secure and is being watched more closely

than before, she said.

“We don’t want people to ever turn on the tap and worry,” Leach said.

Communication with the public, be it about water supply security or

general operations, is another of Leach’s goals. She wants the public to

appreciate the steps involved in bringing them water every day. Once

people are more aware, they may better understand the need for rate

hikes, she said.

“We are an entity you can take for granted,” she said.

In her new role, Leach said her job is to look at the big picture. In

her previous position as assistant general manager, she was more involved

in day-to-day operations. As general manager, Leach will look at new ways

to fund improvements and explore different ideas to increase revenue, she

said.

An Orange County native, Leach has worked for the water district for

five years and said she has become fond of the people she serves.

“The Costa Mesa community has some of the friendliest and most

involved people,” she said.

In turn, Leach has become involved in the community, serving on the

boards of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Water Assn.

and Leadership Tomorrow.

Kemp, who has only a week left of serving as general manager, said the

district is confident in Leach’s ability.

“Among the many substantial benefits to Mesa appointing her, she is

extremely knowledgeable about the industry and about Mesa, which will

make a very smooth transition for the district,” Kemp said.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .