Paradise Irrigation District Joins Mountain Counties Water Resources Association as Affiliate Member

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES, Calif. February 18, 2026 – The Mountain Counties Water Resources Association (MCWRA) is pleased to announce that the Paradise Irrigation District (PID) has joined the Association as an Affiliate Member, bringing valuable experience in water system resilience, disaster recovery, and community rebuilding to MCWRA’s growing network of water agencies and partners across the Sierra Nevada and beyond.

Located in Butte County, PID serves the Town of Paradise and is widely recognized for its leadership and innovation following the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, which killed 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 structures.

The wildfire caused catastrophic damage to local infrastructure, including the community’s drinking water system, requiring extensive rebuilding and recovery efforts in the years since.

“Paradise Irrigation District is honored to join the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association as an Affiliate Member,” said Kevin Phillips, PID General Manager. “Our community has experienced firsthand the challenges of wildfire and the importance of resilient water infrastructure. We look forward to sharing lessons learned from our recovery and collaborating with MCWRA members to strengthen water systems and protect the communities we serve.”

Formed in 1916, PID has successfully restored safe and reliable water service following the Camp Fire, navigating unprecedented infrastructure damage and contamination challenges while supporting the long-term recovery of the Paradise community.

MCWRA Executive Director Justin Caporusso welcomed PID to the Association, noting the importance of their perspective.

“Paradise Irrigation District brings a powerful and important voice to MCWRA,” said Justin Caporusso, MCWRA Executive Director. “Their experience responding to and recovering from the Camp Fire provides invaluable insight into resilience, emergency response, and long-term community rebuilding. We are proud to welcome PID as an Affiliate Member and look forward to working together to advance policies and investments that strengthen water infrastructure across California’s mountain and rural communities.”

About Paradise Irrigation District

Paradise Irrigation District provides drinking water service to the Town of Paradise and surrounding areas in Butte County, California. The District has been at the forefront of wildfire recovery and water system resilience following the 2018 Camp Fire, working to restore safe and reliable water service to its customers.

Mountain Counties Water Resources Association Mission is to promote the statewide importance of Sierra Nevada water resources through advocacy and collaboration.  Our vision is to be the premiere advocate to influence water policy and protection of the Sierra Nevada watershed.  This Mission is realized through strengthening Members’ regional leadership, collaboration, information sharing, issue awareness, education, advocacy, and potential legislative action or legal support.

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