A deeper appreciation and understanding of the importance of water, the need for conservation, and being more mindful of usage. Also, very interesting to learn about all the new technologies and advances in in the works to improve our water supply! Thanks for organizing a cool and informative workshop!
From the Class of 2027...
“The most impactful part of the workshop was the content itself. Learning about where and how we get our water was extremely eye-opening and educational. There were so many aspects that we were unaware of and learning about those aspects made me more appreciative of how we get our water and the intricate systems that our County has put in place to ensure our water system functions properly.”
“Paul Cook's presentation had an excellent mix of both storytelling and detail that allowed us to grasp how impactful and large of an organization IRWD is. The tour then gave context to the process that Paul described.”
"Learning that other counties aren't doing what OC is doing and it's extremely impactful on the environment. I wish the state and other counties would take this into consideration so we aren't limited to our water resources as we have been for many years.
This workshop provides a once in a lifetime insiders look deep into water issues. Featuring a private tour of water supply related facilities, reservoirs and filtration plants not open to the public, participants will gain a new appreciation of how the water system works and various related issues stemming from this life-giving resource system.
2027 Speakers and Panelists
Paul Cook - General Manager, Irvine Ranch Water District
Lisa Haney - Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources, Orange County Water District
Lauren Hatch - Recycled Water & Cross Connection Control Manager, Irvine Ranch Water District
Gaspar Garza - Operations Manager, Irvine Ranch Water District
Ricky Ruiz - Operations Supervisor, Irvine Ranch Water District
Jonathon Powell - Environmental Supervisor, Orange County Sanitation District
Jason Daniel - Environmental Protection Engineering Supervisor, Orange County Sanitation District
Dennis Dilliner - Lead Source Control Inspector, Orange County Sanitation District
Paul Shoenberger, P.E. - General Manager, Mesa Water District
Kaitlyn Norris - Public Affairs Supervisor, Mesa Water District
Dawn Jordan-Romero - Public Affairs Specialist, Mesa Water District
John Kennedy - General Manager, Orange County Water District
Past Speakers and Panelists
Rich Atwater – General Manager, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Wes Bannister – Chairman of the Board, Metropolitan Water District
Vikki Beatley – Interim General Manager, Mesa Consolidated Water District
Jeff Beeler – SAWPA
Norris Brandt- Assistant to the General Manager, Natural Treatment System, Irvine Ranch Water District
Pat Chandler – Principal Public Affairs Rep, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Dan Cozad – SAWPA General Manager
Sondra Elrod – Public Information Officer, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Chas Gale – Metropolitan Water District Sr.Government and Regional Affairs Rep
Viriginia Grebbien- General Manager, Orange County Water District
Ranger Rob Hicks – Santa Rosa Plateau
Kevin Hunt – General Manager, Municipal Water District of Orange County
Bill Johnson, Water Operations Manager, Mesa Consolidated Water District
Diana Leach ’00 – General Manager, Mesa Consolidated Water District
Trudi Loy - Treatment Plant Manager, Metropolitan Water District’s Diemer Filtration Plant
Craig Miller – Associate General Manager, Orange County Water District
Adan Ortega – Vice President for External Affairs, Metropolitan Water District Headquarters
Marilyn Smith – Irvine Ranch Water District
Jeff Smyth, ‘03 – Senior Administrative Analyst, Irvine Ranch Water District
Bernie Stillions – Metropolitan Water District
Pat Tennant – Habitat Restoration Manager, Orange County Water District
Ron Wildermuth – Communications Director, Orange County Water District
Workshop Donors
Irvine Ranch Water District
Mesa Water District
