The California Water Environment Association (CWEA) proudly recognizes fifteen outstanding organizations and ten individuals for their exceptional contributions to safeguarding California’s water resources. The 96th Annual CWEA Awards Ceremony, held on April 24, 2025, in Palm Springs, Calif., celebrated these champions of innovation and dedication, selected from over 250 applications.
For nearly a century, the CWEA Awards program has set the standard for excellence in California’s water sector, honoring leaders in engineering, wastewater operations, collection systems, laboratory sciences, and pretreatment programs. Award recipients undergo a rigorous application process and are judged by their peers in the water sector, ensuring that only the most deserving are recognized for their dedication to advancing water quality and sustainability.
This year’s awards ceremony also marked a historic moment with the second female recipient of the prestigious Richard D. Pomeroy Award in 38 years. This milestone reflects the ongoing commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of outstanding leadership from all corners of the water sector.
“While we celebrate the dedication of our members year-round, this year’s conference and award recipients embody the very essence of excellence in water quality.” said Gilbert Barela, 2024-2025 President of CWEA and Mechanical Systems Superintendent at Jurupa Community Services District. “The exceptional contributions of these professionals highlight the unwavering commitment, expertise, and innovation within our community, propelling us toward a more sustainable future for California’s water environment.”
Collection Systems, Large (Over 500 Miles)
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Martinez, Calif.
Collection Systems, Medium (Between 250-500 Miles)
City of Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Collection Systems, Small (0-249 Miles)
Leucadia Wastewater District
Carlsbad, Calif.
Plant of the Year, Large (Over 20MGD)
Encina Wastewater Authority
Carlsbad, Calif.
Plant of the Year, Medium (Between 5-20MGD)
Oro Loma Sanitary District
San Lorenzo, Calif.
Plant of the Year, Small (Less than 5MGD)
Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Carlsbad, Calif.
Safety Plant of the Year, Small (Less than 25 Employees)
Victorville Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant
Victorville, Calif.
Safety Plant of the Year, Medium (26 – 75 Employees)
Central Marin Sanitation Agency
San Rafael, Calif.
Safety Plant of the Year, Large (76 Employees or more)
Orange County Sanitation District
Fountain Valley, Calif.
Dr. Jenkins Research Achievement
Innovative Nutrient Pilot
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Martinez, Calif.
Engineering Achievement
The Sterling Natural Resource Center
East Valley Water District
Highland, Calif.
Community Engagement and Outreach: Project of the Year, Large (Over 20MGD)
Go With the Flow: An Interactive Map and Bicycle Tour Program Exploring Central San’s Collection System
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Martinez, Calif.
Community Engagement and Outreach: Project of the Year, Medium (Between 5-20MGD)
California Native Plant Seed Library
Vallecitos Water District
San Marcos, Calif.
Community Engagement and Outreach: Project of the Year, Small (Less than 5MGD)
Nancy Wright Regional Water Reclamation Facility
Mission Springs Water District
Desert Hot Springs, Calif.
Tertiary Treatment Plant of the Year
Woodard & Curran / Victorville Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant
Victorville, Calif.
Collection System Person of the Year
Jesus Barron, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Lake Elsinore, Calif.
Supervisor of the Year
Emanuel Flores, City of Escondido
Escondido, Calif.
Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year
Ted Nierhake, City of Escondido
Escondido, Calif.
Mechanical Technician Person of the Year
Brian Walters, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Martinez, Calif.
Operator of the Year
Abigail Farrington, Sanitary District #5 of Marin County
Tiburon, Calif.
Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention & Stormwater Person of the Year
Patric Falconer, City of Redding
Redding, Calif.
Laboratory Person of the Year
Terrence Egan, City of San Jose
San Jose, Calif.
Outstanding Young Professional of the Year
Max Armenta, East Bay MUD
Oakland, Calif.
Golden Manhole
Kent Vian, City of San Diego
San Diego, Calif.
Richard D. Pomeroy
Lucia Diaz, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Chino, Calif.
These award winners were recognized for their innovation and creativity in developing solutions to performing routine tasks or functions in maintenance, operations or construction.
Barry I. Blevins
Carmel Area Wastewater District
“Pole Light”
Kristopher Decker
Oro Loma Sanitary District
“Maintenance Hole Drop Design”
Seth Steele Freitas
Carmel Area Wastewater District
“Drop Hole Guide Tube for Hydrocleaning Drop Holes”
Douglas Chartier
City of Vacaville – Easterly Wastewater Plant
“Terminal Lock (The Yanker)”
JR Chamalbide
Monterey One Water
“Auto Strainer Rack”
City of Fullerton
“The Snowboard Crawler”
2025 PICK Winners
Alex Benavidez
Central San
Jesus Barron
Elsinore Valley MWD
Heath Cortez
West Bay Sanitary District
Kevin Dip
Castro Valley Sanitary District
Lucia Diaz
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Kelvin Ellison
Pebble Beach CSD
Michael Flores
HDR
Daniel Guerra
South Coast Water District
Robert Hulsmann
West Bay Sanitary District
Damian Madrigal
West Bay Sanitary District
Edward Makowski
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Daniel Orozco
El Toro Water District
Stephanie Prescott
Municipal Maintenance Equipment
Michele Rodriguez-Flores
City of Ridgecrest
Steve Shepard
Valley Sanitary District
Yvonne Taylor
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Tom Zanutto
City of Stockton
The Crystal Crucible winners, Anna Bell and Jacelyn Renwick – selected by the CWEA Laboratory Committee and honored during their committee meeting.
Photo Contest winners for their Navigating the Future of Water themed photos.
The CWEA Quarter Century Recognition Program celebrates water professionals who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment. These honorees have committed over 25 years to one of the most vital and challenging fields—the water environment sector. Their dedication has played a crucial role in safeguarding our water resources and ensuring a sustainable future.
This distinguished group represents a wide range of essential roles, including Operators, Collection System and Maintenance personnel, Laboratory and Environmental Compliance specialists, Engineers, and Administrators.
2025 5S Recipients
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