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Register Today for CASA’s Annual Conference
Join us August 5–7 at the Meritage Resort and Spa for our 2026 Annual Conference, Rooted in Resilience. The preliminary program is now available featuring timely discussions, sector insights and opportunities to connect with clean water leaders from across California. Early Bird Full Conference registration is available for $875 through July 7, 2026. After July 7, the member rate increases to $925, so register now to secure the best rate and reserve your place in Napa.
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Deadline Approaching: Help Spread the Word About CASA Education Foundation Scholarships
The CASA Education Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for students pursuing careers in environmental and water-related fields. The application deadline is at the end of this week, May 15, 2026. We encourage CASA members to share this opportunity with students, schools, interns, community colleges, universities, career counselors and community partners to help inspire the next generation of clean water professionals. Scholarship flyers and application information are available on the scholarship webpage.
We also encourage agencies, associates, and individuals to support the Foundation through donations to expand opportunities for students. Together, we can help inspire and support the next generation of environmental leaders and clean water professionals.
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CASA Annual Salary Survey Results
Thank you, CASA members, for responding to the Agency Salary and Benefits Survey Questionnaire. The survey provides valuable information for our members when conducting a salary classification and review. And thank you once again to Monterey One Water for coordinating and producing the survey report. Please find the summaries of the data from the participating agencies, here. Some important notes about the survey itself:
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Upcoming CASA Events
Join us in the coming months as CASA hosts virtual and in-person events designed to engage members and non-members on issues important to the clean water community. Details and registration links are included below, but if you’d like to jump directly to events of interest, simply click the titles below. We hope to see you at one—or all—of our upcoming events!
| | For questions about the Federal Legislative update, please contact Sarah. | |
CASA Membership Letter Campaign: Protect Federal Clean Water Infrastructure Funding
The White House has again proposed eliminating the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program in Fiscal Year 2027. For nearly 40 years, the CWSRF has provided critical federal investment to help California clean water agencies meet regulatory requirements, protect water quality, and maintain essential infrastructure that supports safe and reliable wastewater services statewide. As Congress begins drafting FY2027 appropriations bills, it is critical that lawmakers hear directly from local clean water agencies about the importance of preserving full funding for both CWSRF and WIFIA.
CASA urges members to send letters of support to your congressional delegations before June 30. Template letters for both the House and Senate are available for members to customize and submit. For questions or assistance, members are encouraged to contact CASA’s federal representative, Sarah Sapirstein (ssap@ensresources.com), with any questions.
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Congressional Committees Review EPA Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
House and Senate congressional committees have taken the next step in the process to develop fiscal year (FY) 2027 appropriations, hearing from agency leadership on their respective FY2027 budgets. This included U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, who testified before three congressional committees at the end of last month to the Agency's FY2027 budget. During the hearings, Zeldin fielded multiple questions regarding the Administration's 52% reduction for USEPA and the elimination of longstanding popular assistance programs. Importantly, in each hearing, Zeldin faced strong bipartisan opposition to the budget request's effective elimination of the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF). Later in May, Zeldin is expected to testify before the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The following highlights key takeaways from each USEPA congressional budget hearing.
| | For questions about the Regulatory update, please contact Spencer Saks. | | |
EPA Announces Intent to Develop PFAS Biosolids Guidance
The U.S. EPA announced its intent to develop new guidance for PFAS in land-applied biosolids. Jess Kramer, Assistant Administrator for the EPA Office of Water, said the agency plans to release guidance that is “clear and transparent and upfront” and based on real-life land application scenarios. As states continue introducing interim guidance and resources such as the ECOS Compendium of State PFAS Actions and NACWA’s Biosolids PFAS Legislative Guide, stakeholders hope EPA will consider these efforts alongside decades of research supporting the beneficial use of biosolids.
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Responses Requested: SWRCB Wastewater Rates Questionnaire
This is a reminder for your agency to please submit responses by May 15 on the State Water Resources Control Board’s voluntary 2026 Wastewater Rates Questionnaire. On March 27, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) reissued its voluntary Wastewater Rates Questionnaire. Building on the SWRCB’s previous bi-annual survey, this 2026 version has been significantly streamlined and shortened from the versions issued in the 2010’s to reduce the administrative burden on public agencies and increase clean water community’s participation rate. The SWRCB is requesting responses by May 15.
| | For questions about Member News or to submit an article, please contact Alyssa adowns@casaweb.org | | |
EVMWD welcomes nearly 1,600 attendees to Splash Water Festival
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) welcomed nearly 1,600 community members to its annual Splash Water Festival on Saturday, May 2, doubling attendance from last year and marking a record turnout for the event. The free, family-friendly event featured hands-on activities, educational exhibits and behind-the-scenes tours that connected the community with the value of water and the services EVMWD provides. Tours of EVMWD’s Regional Water Reclamation Facility were fully booked throughout the day, giving attendees a closer look at how wastewater is treated and recycled to support long-term water reliability. Read more in the press release here.
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Central San Hosts 80th Open House - June 13
In celebration of 80 years of service, Central San is hosting a free, community-wide Open House on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their headquarters and treatment plant in Martinez. CASA members in the Bay Area and beyond are warmly invited to join this once-in-a-decade sewer party! The event will feature fun for all ages, including free food and ice cream, tours of the treatment plant and other facilities, truck and equipment demonstrations, hands-on games and activities, educational exhibits, toilet racers (think go-karts, but with toilets), and much more.
In addition to plenty of fun, this event will provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about where their wastewater goes. Central San maintains over 1,500 miles of sewer pipes and cleans more than 13 billion gallons of wastewater each year for nearly 500,000 residents and over 15,000 businesses throughout central Contra Costa County.
Free off-site parking and shuttle service will be provided. Space is limited for the treatment plant tours, so preregistration is encouraged. Registration is not needed for other activities, so feel free to drop by and enjoy! For complete event details, parking information, and to preregister for a tour, please visit: centralsan.org/80th.
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IEUA Water Awareness Month Giveaway
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) proudly recognizes the month of May as Water Awareness Month. Water Awareness Month emphasizes the critical role water plays in both environmental and public health, especially as water usage typically increases during warmer months. “Water Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about water-use efficiency and the importance of water stewardship,” said IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “IEUA is committed to working alongside our partners to invest in and maintain the critical infrastructure that keeps our communities safe and resilient.”
To encourage regional sustainability, IEUA will be partnering with the cities of Chino, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Upland, Cucamonga Valley Water District, and Monte Vista Water District to give away free FOG (fats, oils, and greases) lids to community members throughout the month. Read more in the press release here.
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State Highlights Progress on California’s Water Resilience Efforts
Last week, Governor Newsom highlighted California’s progress in strengthening long-term water resilience, including investments in water infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and supply reliability. The announcement underscores the critical role the wastewater sector continues to play in advancing water recycling, resource recovery, and sustainable water management across the state. Read the full press release here.
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ACWA names Karla Nemeth as Executive Director
Last week, Karla Nemeth was selected to serve as the next executive director of Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). “Karla Nemeth brings deep expertise and a proven track record navigating California’s most complex water challenges,” said ACWA President Ernie Avila. “Her leadership will strengthen ACWA’s role as a leading voice and advocate for water agencies across the state.” Nemeth has served as Department of Water Resources (DWR) director since her appointment by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 and was reappointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom the following year. DWR manages and protects California’s water resources and supports the reliability of the state’s electrical grid. CASA congratulates Karla on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with ACWA. Read more in the press release here.
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CASA Law Symposium
Please join us on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco, for the inaugural CASA Law Symposium, a one-day event featuring keynote speaker Rob Bilott, the pioneering environmental attorney whose work inspired Dark Waters. Hear firsthand insights on the evolving PFAS legal landscape and other critical issues shaping water and sanitation agencies. The symposium will also feature discussions on recent U.S. Supreme Court jurisprudence around the Clean Water Act, an update from the SWRCB Office of Enforcement, presentations on A.I. and legal ethics for practitioners and public agencies, and a panel discussion on California Proposition 218 for local agency rate setting. CASA is pleased to offer MCLE credits for this event, and both water policy professionals and attorneys are welcome to attend! Register here.
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Partnering For Impact in California Event
Collaboration is driving the future of water innovation. Join us on June 3, 2026, at The Cove in Irvine, CA for Partnering for Impact (PFI), a dynamic, one-day gathering of leaders from across the wastewater sector working together to advance technology, research, and real-world solutions. This year, the focus of the event will be the intersection of nutrient treatment, reverse osmosis concentrate management, and emissions at wastewater treatment facilities.
| | CASA represents more than 150 local public agencies engaged in the collection, treatment and recycling of Wastewater and biosolids to protect public health and the environment. Our mission is to provide trusted information and advocacy on behalf of California clean water agencies, and to be a leader in sustainability and utilization of renewable resources. | | | | |
