Shane Romsosfor Director of South Tahoe Public Utility District

Shane Romsos · Board Member Since 2020

A Record of Results

As a Director, I helped facilitate and support the District progress from primarily maintaining existing infrastructure to strategically modernizing the utility for current and future generations. During this period, the District strengthened its financial position, launched a long-term capital improvement program, advanced renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, modernized asset management, enhanced emergency preparedness, protected Lake Tahoe through continued investment in wastewater and recycled water systems, and maintained exceptional drinking water quality. These accomplishments collectively positioned South Tahoe Public Utility District as one of California's leading special districts in infrastructure stewardship, environmental protection, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability.

Maintained Exceptional Drinking Water Quality

  • Continued delivering drinking water that consistently met or exceeded all federal and California drinking water standards.
  • Invested in well rehabilitation, groundwater management, water treatment improvements, and water system optimization.
  • Began development of additional drinking water wells to improve long-term water supply reliability.

Protected Lake Tahoe Through Infrastructure Investment

  • Accelerated replacement of aging waterlines and sewer mains to improve reliability and reduce the risk of leaks and failures.
  • Rehabilitated critical sewer pump stations, drinking water wells, storage tanks, and treatment facilities.
  • Expanded investment in recycled water and export system infrastructure to ensure long-term regulatory compliance and environmental protection.
  • Improved fire protection by replacing undersized waterlines and installing additional fire hydrants in key neighborhoods.

Leadership in Sustainability

  • Advanced renewable energy initiatives through construction of a 1-megawatt solar project at the wastewater treatment plant to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.
  • Continued implementation of recycled water programs supporting beneficial reuse.
  • Supported the updating of strategic planning documents addressing water supply, recycled water, climate resilience, and hazard mitigation.

Improved System Reliability and Resilience

  • Installed emergency backup generators at major drinking water well sites to improve service continuity during Public Safety Power Shutoffs and other emergencies.
  • Increased system redundancy through pressure zone improvements and upgraded water distribution facilities.
  • Continued rehabilitation of critical wastewater infrastructure to improve operational reliability and reduce lifecycle costs.

Financial Stewardship

  • Successfully maintained strong financial performance while addressing significant inflationary pressures.
  • Secured more than $18 million in grants and approximately $79 million in low-interest financing over the previous decade, helping reduce costs to customers.
  • Developed multi-year financial plans to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability while maintaining the lowest combined water and sewer rates in the Tahoe Basin.

Modernizing Asset Management

  • Supported the District's use of digital asset management technologies.
  • Supported improved GIS mapping and infrastructure inventories.
  • Forwarded enhanced long-range capital planning using data-driven asset condition assessments and lifecycle management practices.

Planning for the Future

  • Updated the Urban Water Management Plan, Water Shortage Contingency Plan, Capital Improvement Program, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Recycled Water Strategic Plan, and Financial Plans and Reserve Policies.
  • Strengthened long-term planning for water supply reliability, climate resilience, and infrastructure replacement.

Enhancing Transparency and Public Engagement

  • Modernized public communications through improved website transparency, public dashboards, and expanded community outreach regarding infrastructure investments and ratepayer benefits.

Preparing for Emerging Challenges

  • Expanded emergency preparedness, vegetation management, and infrastructure resilience initiatives.
  • Positioned the District to address future challenges associated with climate change, aging infrastructure, wildfire resilience, energy reliability, increasing regulatory requirements, and long-term affordability.

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