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IN THIS ISSUE:
President's Message
Conference Updates
Water for People Trivia Events and Sponsorship
Building a Bigger Tent: RSJ Webinar
Spring Summit Registration Open
Women of Water Leadership Symposium
Meet the 2026 WAVE Cohort
Call for Awards Nominations
Pacific Northwest Jobs
Upcoming Events
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We say this a lot, but it bears repeating, the PNCWA Committees are the lifeblood of this organization! This February has been an exciting time as we’ve continued to see growth and excitement within our committees and it’s paying dividends to the organization.
In January, we held our Annual Board and Committee Chair Meeting in Bellevue, WA. This gives our committees a chance to report on their goals and priorities for the year and let the Board know how we can help. It comes at a great time after we’ve established budgets for 2026 and can set our sites on all the planned activities for the coming year. What’s really inspiring to me is how many great people we have leading these committees, donating their time and energies to make sure we’re providing excellent learning opportunities, interesting tours, and fun networking events. And behind each of those leaders are the members of these committees who are developing this content, scheduling these events, and building excitement throughout their network of colleagues and friends. So, thank you to our committee leads for attending this meeting and taking the time to collaborate with the Board – we appreciate your input and leadership!
Then in February – the Spring Summit Planning Committee received Workshop Proposals from our committees, and I’m excited to say we received and accepted eight excellent proposals! Reading through these, it’s clear that our committees have a passion for these topics and a commitment to developing strong workshops for the Summit. What’s really encouraging is to hear how many of our committees now look to this Summit each year as way to engage PNCWA membership and support the mission of the organization to “be the premier association in the Northwest dedicated to educating and connecting members to promote a healthy water environment in our region." This event has continued to grow over the past several years, and this will be our first time bringing this event to the Boise area, so please mark your calendars for April 15th and 16th to attend. There will be tours, interactive panel discussions, technical presentations, and workshops on career development and unlocking your strengths.
And finally, I’d be remiss to not mention the success once again of our Women of Water Leadership Symposium in Seattle which occurred earlier in February. Once again, this event sold out quickly, providing a day of engaging and inspiring talks and discussions for our membership. And in a new twist – we’ll be offering another Women of Water Leadership Symposium in Boise on April 14th, timed to align with our Spring Summit and providing opportunities for our members on the east side of the region to engage and collaborate. Just another example of a committee that continues to go above and beyond for our membership.
Once again, I’m continually inspired by the excellent work that our members do in support of PNCWA. It’s an honor to be part of this organization!
Jeff Schmidt
PNCWA President
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Abstract submissions are now closed and we are thrilled to announce a record-breaking 349 abstracts received! The variety, innovation, and overall quality of the submissions are outstanding. Thank you to everyone who contributed- we can't wait to dive into the review process!
Recently, the conference leadership team conducted a site visit of the Spokane Convention Center, exploring the exhibit hall, technical session rooms, and social event venues. A thorough assessment wouldn't be complete without testing out Spokane's iconic Big Red Wagon slide- and yes, it's worth the hype. We truly can't wait to welcome you all to Spokane.
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Exhibit Hall Registration Opens Soon!
Secure your PNCWA2026 Exhibit Hall booth early. Registration opens on a staggered schedule:
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Platinum Sponsors: March 9
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Gold Sponsors: March 16
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Silver Sponsors: March 23
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Open to Non-Sponsors: March 30
Remember, Conference sponsorship provides early access to exhibit hall registration- before it opens to the general public- and includes booth discounts. To receive early access, you must be registered as a sponsor before public access begins March 30.
| Water For People Events and Sponsorship | Seattle World Water Day Trivia and Networking Event | | |
March 18, 2026 | 6:00-9:00PM
Stoup Brewing in Capitol Hill
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PNCWA's Water For People Committee is hosting a Trivia and Networking event to celebrate World Water Day! Come test your knowledge, win prizes, savor tasty food, and connect with other people who care about water.
All proceeds from the event will go to Water For People, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean water and sanitation to everyone, forever. By attending, you'll not only have a great time, but you'll also be supporting a meaningful cause.
| | Portland World Water Day Trivia and Networking Event | | |
March 22, 2026 | 5:30-8:30PM
Gigantic Brewery and Taproom SE | 5224 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
| | For the first time in Portland, PNCWA's Water for People committee is hosting a pub trivia fundraising and networking event for World Water Day 2026. This event is 21+. | | Water for People Sponsorships | | |
The PNCWA Water for People Committee is excited to host a full slate of World Water Day and annual fundraising events—including two trivia nights, a Tacoma Rainiers baseball game, a Spring Summit raffle, and a scavenger hunt at the PNCWA Annual Conference. All proceeds support Water for People, a global nonprofit dedicated to providing clean, sustainable water and sanitation solutions around the world.
This year, you can choose to sponsor individual events or participate in our new Annual Sponsorship Program, which gives you year‑round visibility and inclusion in all fundraising activities.
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Building a Bigger Tent:
A neighborhood-based approach to leveraging capital project dollars for community benefit
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April 8, 2026 | 12:00-1:30PM Pacific
Webinar via Zoom
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Join Brian Mickelson and Christina Kapoi from Seattle Public Utilities in this interactive webinar to hear how capital project teams are leading nature-based, community infrastructure projects rooted in environmental justice through long term partnerships and co-design processes. A case study will highlight multiple approaches for collaborative, community centered planning that help embed principles of equity and environmental stewardship into capital investment decision making. Hear stories of how community leaders have shaped and influenced opportunities for deep community inclusion, capacity building, and advocacy in capital projects. Discuss steps that project teams can take to embed equity into a variety of types and sizes of projects.
Hosted by the Racial Social Justice Subcommittee.
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PNCWA Spring Summit
Registration Open Now!
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Registration is now open for the Spring Summit in Boise, Idaho! We have an outstanding lineup of interactive workshops hosted by PNCWA committees, plus a social event at Top Golf Boise and a tour of the West Boise Water Reclamation Facility.
Spring Summit Workshops
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Watershed Planning for Clean Waters | Hosted by the Stormwater Committee
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Nutrient Management in the Pacific Northwest | Hosted by the Government Affairs Committee
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Cybersecurity with a "Boots on the Ground" Approach: Why Cyber Assessments Matter | Hosted by the Utility Management Committee
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Empowering Strategies to Take Your Career to the Next Level | Hosted by the Students and Young Professionals Committee
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Unlocking Your Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Strengths and How to Apply Them | Hosted by the Leadership Development Committee
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What We Wish Engineers Knew | Hosted by the Collections Systems and Utility Management Committees
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Award-Winning Biosolids: Twenty Mile South Farm Tour | Hosted by the Biosolids and Sustainability Committee and City of Boise
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Biosolids Management in Idaho | Hosted by the Biosolids and Sustainability Committee and City of Meridian
Several workshops and events have limited capacity so be sure to register early to secure your spot. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with the PNCWA community and gain practical skills you can apply immediately in your career.
Full workshop descriptions, registration, and sponsorship opportunities are available here:
| | Women of Water Leadership Symposium | | |
Seattle Symposium Summary
PNCWA held a successful Seattle Women of Water Leadership Symposium February 4, 2026, at Seattle University. 185 attendees gathered to build community and hear speakers on the theme of Voices United for Collective Action. Candy Castellanos Kratz, Radiant Consulting, inspired us to think of resiliency not just as getting through tough times but using those opportunities to bounce forward. Past PNCWA president Shannon Ostendorff, Deschutes County, spoke about her leadership journey and the importance of cultivating community. Audience polling led by Sabrina Lopez and Hansini Munasinghe, PRR, heighted a lot of inspiring women – and showed that we were looking forward to having some wine at the end of the event! Dr. Jessica Ray highlighted her exciting research into biochar for PFAS removal. Finally, a panel featuring Juliana Andrade, Brown and Caldwell, Tara Wong Esteban, Seattle Public Utilities, Cody Nelson, Cascade Water Alliance, Michelle Perdue, Kitsap Public Works, and Shelby Smith, HDR, moderated by Maria Peraki, Osborn Consulting, dove into overcoming barriers and becoming leaders.
Read the full summary and see event pictures here.
| | The WAVE program engages students and emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds with the water industry through a series of workshops and attendance of the 2026 PNCWA conference. The workshops focus on the various paths within the water industry, networking, skills development, employment opportunities, and conference preparation. Each month until the conference, we will highlight our participants. This month, meet Pilar Deniston and Katie Webster! | | |
Pilar Deniston
ARPA Project Coordinator/Analyst 3, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality | Coeur d'Alene, ID
Completed a bachelor’s degree in environmental science w/ emphasis in freshwater and terrestrial ecology and a minor in Spanish from Western Washington University
Why are you interested in the water industry?
Water is all around us and is vital to not only our survival, but also our happiness and health. I want to protect and study our waters and to get outside as much as possible.
What’s one thing you hope to get out of this program?
I am excited to meet other young professionals in the field and hear about other career paths and networks.
What do you like to do in your free time or a fun fact about you?
I love to mountain bike, especially with my dog, Bean!
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Katie Webster
One Water Engineer, Mead & Hunt | Issaquah, WA
Completed a bachelor's degree in environmental science w/minor in civil engineering from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in environmental and water resources engineering from Tufts University
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I like the interaction between science and technology in the water industry and strong ties to environmental challenges that are pressing.
What’s one thing you hope to get out of this program?
Make connections in the young professional community!
What do you like to do in your free time or a fun fact about you?
I have lots of pets (aquariums, 3 cats, frogs, snakes, lizard) that take up a lot of care time. I also like to watch reality tv and try new restaurants.
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Call for Awards Nominations
Coming Soon!
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Do you know a person, project or organization that has done something exceptional this past year? Do you want to be sure they are recognized for their amazing work at this year's annual conference? You're in luck! The Call for Nominations for PNCWA Awards opens up on April 1st and will remain open until June 1st.
The nomination process has been streamlined and is easier than ever. Check out all of the awards that are available on our website here: https://www.pncwa.org/awards/
If you want to learn more about our awards and the nomination process, please reach out to Aaron Duke, Awards Committee Chair, at (206) 796-9177 or email him at aduke@hazenandsawyer.com.
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PNCWA Mission:
Be the premier association in the Northwest dedicated to educating and connecting members to promote a healthy water environment in our region.
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| PNCWA | 5727 Baker Way NW Suite 200 | Gig Harbor, WA 98332 US |
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