Eastern Municipal Water District
Positioning one of California's largest water agencies as a trusted voice on innovation, sustainability, and the future of water
The Moment
As California's sixth-largest retail water agency, EMWD serves more than one million residents across western Riverside County while delivering innovative solutions in water, recycled water, and wastewater services. Yet many of its most important accomplishments – and the expertise behind them – remained largely unknown outside the industry. With limited local broadcast media and a highly competitive communications environment, EMWD sought to elevate executive thought leadership, and build stronger connections with both the public and key stakeholder communities.
The Solution
Westbound developed a strategic communications program that positioned EMWD as a leading voice on California's most pressing water issues. Through proactive earned media, executive positioning, multicultural outreach, award submissions, speaking opportunities, and stakeholder engagement, we increased the agency's visibility while strengthening relationships with reporters, policymakers, and community leaders. We also launched EMWD Comunicado, the agency's first Spanish-language newsletter, expanding outreach to one of the region's most important audiences and reinforcing EMWD's commitment to accessible, inclusive communications.
The Results
28
strategic earned media placements
4.45M
million people reached through media coverage
1st
Spanish-language newsletter launched
Plus expanded executive visibility through speaking engagements and industry recognition Strengthened relationships with regional, statewide, and trade media
The Impact
Eastern Municipal Water District strengthened its reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking water agency whose leaders help shape conversations about California's water future.
