Three BBK Attorneys Take On New Roles on ACWA Committees and Board
BBK Attorneys Contribute Their Experience to Support California Water Law and Policy
Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) is proud to announce that Lutfi Kharuf, Wendy Wang and Anya Kwan have assumed new roles within the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA).
After serving on the Legal Affairs Committee since 2020, Special Districts and Public Finance Partner Lutfi Kharuf has been appointed Chair of the ACWA Legal Affairs Committee and named to the ACWA Board of Directors. The Legal Affairs Committee acts on requests for assistance on legal matters of significance to ACWA member agencies. In this capacity, the Legal Affairs Committee files amicus curiae briefs on important cases, comments on proposed regulations and guidelines of state agencies, and engages in state and federal legal issues impacting ACWA member agencies. The ACWA Board of Directors is responsible for guiding the association’s leadership and committee structure and ensuring broad representation of public water agencies across California. Lutfi’s leadership roles at BBK and in municipal finance organizations, combined with his deep experience in advising and litigating finance matters on behalf of public agencies, position him to add meaningful and lasting value to the ACWA Board and to serve as an effective Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee.
Wendy Wang, a member of BBK's Water Law practice group, has joined the ACWA Groundwater Committee. The ACWA Groundwater Committee provides guidance to the Board of Directors on groundwater policy matters and engages on state and federal regulatory, legislative and management issues related to groundwater quality. Wendy advises public and private clients on complex water law matters, including the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, groundwater rights and environmental regulations. She has played a key role in landmark groundwater cases such as the Antelope Valley groundwater adjudication, the largest groundwater rights case in California history. Wendy’s background in groundwater management, combined with her experience representing water suppliers and navigating regulatory frameworks, makes her a valuable member of ACWA’s Groundwater Committee.
Anya Kwan, an attorney in BBK’s Environmental and Natural Resources Law practice group, has joined the ACWA Water Quality Committee. This committee advises ACWA leadership and policy committees on water quality issues and serves as a forum for members to coordinate positions and feedback on state and federal water quality regulations. Anya advises cities and water districts on scientific and regulatory issues, including per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances and other emerging contaminants. She also supports water supply planning, including water supply assessments, water supply verifications, water shortage contingency plans and urban water management plans. Anya’s scientific training and experience translating complex chemical and regulatory concepts for public agencies equip her to contribute effectively to the committee’s work.
Members of ACWA’s committees and workgroups will serve terms beginning January 2026 through December 2027. Learn more about ACWA here.
