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After 12 years as the helm of Paradise Irrigation District (PID), George Barber has announced his resignation to assume the position as local manager of California Water Service’s Oroville office. He will succeed longtime manager Toni Ruggle, who will retire at the end of the month.
As general manager of (PID) Barber oversaw the development of the Magalia Bypass Pipeline Project – protecting PID’s source of supply and simultaneously saving energy. He also managed the development of PID’s Process Water Recycle Project at the utility’s water treatment plant. Additionally, he was responsible for administration, planning, and project and personnel management for the district.
“I joined PID because I wanted to make a positive impact in my hometown, and I think we achieved a lot during my tenure. I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join Cal Water, a top-notch, regulated water utility that I have long admired,” Barber said.
Barber earned a civil engineering degree form Chico State University and holds his Professional Engineer license, Water Treatment Operator Grade 4 certification, and Water Distribution Operator Grade 3 certification from the state of California. He has previously worked for both Caltrans and Butte County. Barber is originally from Paradise.
According to the Chico ER News, Barber has indicated that while he enjoyed working at PID he is looking forward to his tenure with Cal Water.
“I have a great team of people here (at PID),” he said. “I’m sure when I walk out the door there will be some emotions.” He went on to say, “I’m proud of my 12 years (at PID), and I’m looking forward to using my expertise to help with those folks in Oroville.”
Outgoing Manager Ruggle is confident of Barber’s capabilities in assuming the leadership of Cal Water’s Oroville office.
“Protecting our customers’ health and safety and providing them with quality, service, and value were my highest priorities as district manager, and I have considered it a privilege to serve our customers here in Oroville,” Ruggle said. “I know George is a dedicated, experienced water system manager whose industry expertise and leadership skills will ensure our Oroville customers have a reliable, high-quality water supply every time they turn on the tap.”
Ruggle, who has served as Oroville’s district manager since 2007, has been with the agency for 37 years. During this tenure, Cal Water’s Oroville District met all water quality standards, replaced 14,000 feet of water main, oversaw significant treatment plant upgrades, and met rigorous, state-mandated water use reduction requirements during the recent, five-year historic drought.
