As we look forward to the 2026 CWEA Annual Conference in Sacramento, we thought it might be fun to take a look back at the 1970 Annual Conference of the California Water Pollution Control Association (CWPCA), as CWEA was then known. The event drew nearly 600 attendees — at the time, the largest conference attendance in CWPCA’s history and incoming President Gordon Magnuson commented on how difficult it was to find venues that could accommodate the Annual Conference.
Conference Excerpts From the CWPCA Bulletin, July 1970
The Sacramento Inn. 1970
“The greatest conference ever held in the history of the California Water Pollution Control Association, “ which took place at Sacramento, May 6, 7, 8, and 9, 1970.” Nearly 600 people registered, which truly was a record and taxed the capacity of the Sacramento Inn.
AC1970 (note that smoking was allowed!)
The Hospitality Hour, hosted by Walter Johnson, chairman of operator training, and Walter Briggs, chairman of maintenance, and their sectional and local groups, was an excellent affair that put everyone in the mood for the conference. The keynote luncheon, held on Thursday, filled the banquet room considerably over capacity, as the luncheon included U.S. Senator Alan Cranston as the keynote speaker and the awarding of the past presidents’ pins. The afternoon sessions, consisting of a full single session on solids handling and a concurrent session on technical training, were well attended.
The Friday morning technical sessions, attended by more than 400 people, were highlighted by presentations from well-known leaders in pollution control. The Friday luncheon consisted of the awards presentation and the business meeting. During luncheon, the announcement was made of the winners of the essay contest for high school students on “Pollution – What It Means To Me.” Cash prizes and certificates were awarded to the winning students.
Two special meetings of interest took place on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, during which the officers of CWPCA met with members of local sections and their officers. Some very meaningful dialogue occurred at both meetings, and communications between the Governing Board and Section officers were improved thereby.
The conference continued Friday afternoon with panel discussions and concurrent technical sessions. A record crowd attended Friday night’s banquet and dance, and the general atmosphere was that of success, satisfaction, and good fellowship.
The Board of Governors met twice during the conference to handle the business of the Association. The conference arrangements committee’s preliminary report indicates that, because of the magnificent attendance and other reasons, the proceeds from the conference were above expectations.
The final affair, Friday night following the President’s cocktail party, was the Awards Banquet. After an excellent dinner, Past President Agardy introduced Joseph Hanlon, president of the WPCF, who presented several honorary awards. Plaques were given to Jack Betz for the 1969 Bedell award and to Don Wilson for the 1969 Hatfield award. Edwin R. Stowell, the new Federation director, was presented by Past President Franklin J. Agardy with a plaque for his service to CWPCA as director. A plaque was also given posthumously to Past President Edward Thoits for his service as Federation director.
The names of five distinguished CWPCA members were called in honor of their appointment as Federation life members. These were Raymond L. Derby, Robert C. Merz, Roy Ramsseier, Raymond Ribal, and R.C. Stockman. The traditional semi-humorous event, which also has its serious side, is the election and initiation of the members of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers.
As CWEA prepares to return to Sacramento for the 2026 Annual Conference, it’s inspiring to see how much has changed — and how much remains the same. Today’s conferences feature advanced technical sessions on digital water, PFAS treatment, biosolids innovation, and climate resilience, yet they still echo the spirit of camaraderie, professional growth, and shared mission of protecting the water environment that defined the 1970 gathering.
From 1,650 members in 1970 to more than 10,000 professionals today, CWEA continues to lead California’s clean water community with innovation, inclusion, and integrity. As we prepare to celebrate a century of service, may we continue building on the foundations laid by those who came before — and ensure that future generations will look back on our time with the same pride and appreciation.
CWEA’s Annual Conference and Expo will be held on April 7-10 at the Safe Convention Center in Sacramento. Registration opens in January.
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