#United States #Wastewater Management #California Water #CWEA #Palm Springs, California

Honoring Excellence in Water Quality

The California Water Environment Association (CWEA) held its 96th Annual Awards ceremony on April 24, 2025, in Palm Springs, California. This prestigious event celebrated the remarkable achievements of ten outstanding professionals dedicated to advancing water quality and sustainability across the state.

A Century of Recognition

For nearly a hundred years, the CWEA Awards program has acknowledged individuals who exhibit exemplary leadership in the water sector. This year, the selection process was particularly rigorous, with candidates judged by their peers to ensure that only the most deserving received accolades. Gilbert Barela, the president of CWEA for the 2024-2025 term, emphasized the importance of recognizing these professionals: “We are thrilled to honor these individuals for their outstanding contributions to California's healthy water environment. Their hard work and dedication will undoubtedly shape the future of water management in the state.”

Historic Achievements

Among the highlights of the evening was the recognition of Lucia Diaz from the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA). She became only the second female recipient of the esteemed Richard D. Pomeroy Award in 38 years. Lucia was celebrated for her innovative leadership in wastewater collection, a field that has undergone significant transformation thanks to her efforts. Her work has not only improved operational efficiency but has also fostered sustainability and innovation within California’s wastewater infrastructure.

The Award Recipients

In addition to Lucia, several other professionals were honored, showcasing a diverse range of skills and contributions within the water sector:

• - Richard D. Pomeroy Award: Lucia Diaz, IEUA, Chino, California
• - Collection System Person of the Year: Jesus Barron, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Lake Elsinore, California
• - Supervisor of the Year: Emanuel Flores, City of Escondido, Escondido, California
• - Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year: Ted Nierhake, City of Escondido, Escondido, California
• - Mechanical Technician Person of the Year: Brian Walters, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Martinez, California
• - Operator of the Year: Abigail Farrington, Sanitary District #5 of Marin County, Tiburon, California
• - Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention & Stormwater Person of the Year: Patric Falconer, City of Redding, Redding, California
• - Laboratory Person of the Year: Terrence Egan, City of San Jose, San Jose, California
• - Outstanding Young Professional of the Year: Max Armenta, East Bay MUD, Oakland, California
• - Golden Manhole Award: Kent Vian, City of San Diego, San Diego, California

These awards serve as a testament to the skills, dedication, and impact of professionals across California's water sectors, ensuring that the highest standards are met when it comes to water quality management.

The Role of CWEA

The California Water Environment Association is a non-profit organization comprising over 10,700 water professionals. Their collective mission is to protect and enhance California’s water environment through advocacy, education, and certification programs. CWEA plays a crucial role in equipping wastewater professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to meet both current and future challenges in water management.

For those interested in learning more about the CWEA Awards and to see the complete list of award winners, more information is available on their website cwea.org.

In conclusion, the 2025 CWEA Awards not only celebrated the exceptional contributions of individuals but also highlighted the vital work that continues to ensure safe and sustainable water practices in California. As challenges grow in the realm of water management, the stories of these honorees will inspire the next generation of water professionals to strive for excellence in their fields.