The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, which supplies Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville and surrounding communities with the wet stuff, is in an enviable position. Since the closure of the Samoa Peninsula’s extremely thirsty pulp mills many years ago, it is one of the very few districts in the California — and across the West, probably — that has more water than it knows what to do with.

Perhaps that helped entice state-level water politics power player Paul Helliker to step down from his post in Sacramento to take over as Humboldt Bay Municipal Water’s new general manager, following the retirement of longtime district manager Carol Rische this summer.

Helliker currently serves as the California Department of Water Resources’ deputy director of Delta and Statewide Water Management, where he is tasked with sorting out the immensely complicated environmental and resource demands of the Sacramento Delta during the state’s worst drought in modern history. A job tackling the problem of too much water spilling out of our little Ruth Lake must look like a vacation, or a dream.

Prior to signing up with the state, Helliker served as the general manager of the Marin Municipal Water District for eight years. If this 2012 Marin Independent-Journal article is anything to go by, he was well regarded there, especially for his conservation efforts.

Press release from the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District:

The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Paul Helliker has accepted the position of General Manager.

The District began a recruitment campaign at the beginning of the year when general manager Carol Rische announced she will be retiring later this year. Ms. Rische has been with the District for 19 years.

Paul Helliker brings more than 30 years of experience in environmental and water utility programs to HBMWD, having worked at the federal, state and local levels.

Mr. Helliker served as the Deputy Director for Delta and Statewide Water Management at the California Department of Water Resources from 2012-2014.  He oversaw three of the Department’s Divisions that are responsible for environmental planning and compliance activities for the State Water Project and the State’s flood management system.

Prior to DWR, Mr. Helliker was the General Manager for eight years at the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), during which time he led the District’s efforts to develop and implement master plans for water supply and water conservation, as well as a new 10-year plan to protect and restore the ecosystem in Lagunitas Creek, the source of 75% of MMWD’s water.  He was also instrumental in securing approval of the Marin Clean Energy renewable energy program by Marin County and all of its cities and towns, thus allowing MWMD to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions profile.

Mr. Helliker graduated from Stanford University, where he received Bachelors degrees in Philosophy and Civil Engineering, and a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering.

“I am very pleased that the District’s Board has offered me the opportunity to follow in Carol Rische’s footsteps,” said Helliker.  “Humboldt County has incredible people and natural resources, and I look forward to getting to know them even better.”

“The HBMWD Board is very pleased Mr. Helliker will be joining our team, said President Barbara Hecathorn.  “He comes with a depth of experience.”  Vice President Aldaron Laird added, “HBMWD has a strong culture of teamwork, collaboration, and leveraging relationships to advance the District’s and north coast interests. The Board is confident Mr. Helliker will be able to lead our organization and continue to advance our community interests.”

Mr. Helliker is expected to start in late May or early June.  Ms. Rische will be retiring in late July or early August.  President Hecathorn stated “ We are pleased that our current and new managers will be afforded the opportunity to work together for two months. This will facilitate a strong orientation for Mr. Helliker, and a smooth transition for the organization.”