I am extremely proud of the work I do. It is about more than technical problem-solving; it’s about partnering with communities to create sustainable, forward-thinking, and resilient solutions for their wastewater treatment infrastructure. This means I must develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges each community faces, prepare a strategy for navigating complex regulatory...

Alfredo Garibay knows all too well that being a wastewater professional can be a messy job, but he has also learned it can be very rewarding. As a young professional at the Victor Valley Water Reclamation Authority (VVWRA), his daily tasks might include testing sludge to ensure health and safety standards are met, helping repair...

Your CWEA membership is about unlocking resources, tools, and connections that help you grow, stay informed, and feel supported in your career. Beyond the certifications, events, and newsletters you already know, there’s a growing list of opportunities and often overlooked perks designed to help you get the most from your membership. Here’s what’s new, old...

It’s been a big year for the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) – one filled with progress, impact, and powerful momentum. As we reflect on the milestones of the past year, it’s clear that CWEA is not only growing but also shaping the future of the water profession in California. A New Strategic Vision This...

The Value of Being Part of an Association: Say Hello We’ve all had that moment—your first conference or networking event. You walk into the room, and it feels like you’re stepping into a sea of unfamiliar faces. It’s daunting. For some, this feeling fades after a conference or two, but for others, it might last...

IMPACTFUL CWEA PROGRAMS, YEAR-BY-YEAR: 2019 Jenn stepped into her role as Executive Director/CEO of CWEA just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, CWEA quickly transitioned AC20 into its first virtual conference. Within two weeks of California’s stay-at-home order, CWEA launches a successful COVID-19 webinar series, keeping members informed on CDC research...

As we reflect on this year’s Member Value Report, I am reminded of the enduring importance of professional associations like ours. CWEA, founded in 1928, has been a faithful advocate for California’s wastewater community, evolving with the times while staying true to our core mission: advancing the knowledge, design, operation, and management of sewage works....

CWEA is more than just a professional organization: we are a vital resource for those working in the wastewater industry. As our work continues to evolve, access to industry information and resources, certifications, training, job opportunities, and a supportive community of professionals is crucial. Each of these components plays a crucial role in shaping your...

A few years ago, volunteer leader Ralph Palomares, a 38-year dedicated member of CWEA, was standing at the Santa Ana River Basin Section’s (SARBS) Collection System Workshop in Huntington Beach when an attendee walked up. “Hey Ralph, I need some help, I don’t know what to do,” the attendee told him. “We had a spill...

In this Q&A, we sit down with a Senior Instrumentation Control Technician, Arup Paul from Dublin San Ramon Services District to explore his journey into the wastewater industry, his passion for environmental sustainability, and his volunteer work with CWEA. With a background in PLC programming and a deep commitment to the water sector, Paul shares...

Let’s say you’re browsing through a batch of applications for a collection system operator role within your agency. Several candidates hold one or more professional certifications, the others do not. Do certified candidates stand out to you? Is a certified workforce valuable to a water or wastewater agency? Certifications help set a benchmark for standards...

Eric Van Cleave, President of the San Diego Section, has been volunteering with CWEA longer than he’s been a member. One of the benefits Van Cleave says he’s experienced since being a part of his local section board is connecting and networking with industry folks and CWEA members. Van Cleave first started volunteering with CWEA...

A chance encounter with a fellow collections worker launched Chris Newton on a career of volunteer service to the clean water profession at the local, regional, and state levels. “I responded to a sewer spill one night and worked with an individual from a neighboring district who was a Director at SARBS (Santa Ana River...

Northern California’s Feather River is vital for the California State Water Project and a beloved fishing destination for steelhead, shad, sturgeon, and king salmon. This importance drives Laci Heggstrom, Yuba City’s Environmental Compliance Coordinator, to work tirelessly to prevent river pollution in her community. “It’s my job to keep in mind the bigger picture of...

At this year’s Annual Conference in San Diego, we had the honor of interviewing Rachel Lather, an industry professional and dedicated CWEA member. With over two decades of experience in wastewater, Rachel currently serves as a district engineer at Carmel Area Wastewater District. Her journey started with a promotion to the role of sewer sanitation...

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I have always been fascinated by the wonders and intricacies of the past. I find myself captivated by stories of great leaders and significant events, humanity’s struggles, triumphs, and remarkable achievements. History has always provided a refuge for me in a fast-paced and ever-changing world, grounding me and helping me understand...

It’s an honor to serve as your Director of Member Services. Since joining the staff earlier this year, I’ve already made strong connections with members and leaders. I enjoy working with the CWEA Board members, Committee and Local Section leaders, and I look forward to meeting you at an event or conference soon. We’re excited...

Title: Ty Silva: A Wastewater Operator’s Journey to Excellence  Subheading: Celebrating the Operator of the Year Award Winner from the Desert and Mountain Section  Meet Ty Silva, the Operator of the Year award winner from the Desert and Mountain Section, who has found his calling in the wastewater industry at the City of Barstow. Ty’s...