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Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming CASA Events
In the coming months, CASA will host several 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 in the articles that follow, 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!
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Meet the CASA Board: Rob Thompson, Director
Rob Thompson is a thirty-year veteran of the wastewater industry and the General Manager of Orange County Sanitation District (OC San). He is also a lifelong learner. Rob has led multiple divisions at OC San, including plant automation, maintenance and power plant operations, asset management, and engineering planning. He has also led both the Engineering and Operations & Maintenance Departments. Prior to OC San, Rob worked in the petrochemical industry. Rob is a Professional Electrical and Civil Engineer and has a Master of Public Administration.
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Save the Date: Webinar on SWRCB Wastewater Rates Questionnaire
Join us March 30 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a free 60-minute webinar hosted with the California State Water Resources Control Board on its updated wastewater rates questionnaire. During the session, Jonathan Williams from the State Water Board will provide a brief walkthrough of the streamlined questionnaire and a live demonstration of the electronic submission process to help agencies prepare for reporting. The data collected will support key statewide efforts, including the State Water Board’s Wastewater Needs Assessment and water conservation studies under California Senate Bill 1157 led by the California Department of Water Resources. Register here.
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Webinar: Introduction to Wastewater Surveillance and Public Health
Join CASA and the California Department of Public Health on April 2 at 1:00 p.m. for a free webinar introducing how wastewater surveillance works and why treatment facilities play a key role in protecting community health. This first webinar in a three-part series is designed specifically for treatment plant staff, operators, and supervisors. Experts from CASA and CDPH will provide an overview of how wastewater monitoring serves as an early warning system for outbreaks such as COVID-19, Norovirus, and Mpox. Participants will learn how their work supports community health, what participation involves, and how facilities can get involved in this growing public health effort. This webinar will be co-hosted with CWEA and we are happy to share that wastewater operators can obtain free contact hours by attending the event live.
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Save the Date: CASA–CWEA Webinar on Hosting Student Water Career Field Days
CASA and CWEA are partnering on an upcoming webinar to help utilities connect with the next generation of water professionals. Save the date for April 29 for this upcoming session on hosting high school and community college career day events. Register 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!
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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.
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Registration Now Open for CASA’s Annual Conference
Registration is now open for CASA’s Annual Conference, taking place August 4–7 at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. We’re excited to open registration a bit earlier this year and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Napa this summer. Please note that this year, we are encouraging all participants to register for the conference at the same time you make your hotel reservation! CASA will be checking hotel reservations against conference registrations on a regular basis and contacting those who have not yet registered. We appreciate your understanding as we try to accurately plan for a sufficient room block and make venue arrangements.
We’re looking forward to another great gathering of our members and partners. Additional program updates and the official conference theme will be announced soon, so stay tuned for more details. We hope to see you there!
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2027 Winter Conference Date Change Announcement
We know it is a ways away, but CASA has updated the dates for our 2027 Winter Conference. The event will still take place at the beautiful Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, but the schedule has shifted to later in the month when we have traditionally held the event. The conference will now be held January 27–29, rather than the previously announced January 13–15. This adjustment brings the event back in line with our longstanding tradition of hosting the Winter Conference toward the end of January each year. Please update your calendars accordingly, and stay tuned for additional details later in the year about the program, registration, and accommodations.
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Reflecting on CASA’s 2026 DC Policy Forum
Thank you to everyone who joined us for CASA’s 2026 Washington, D.C. Policy Forum, held February 23–24 at the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. in Washington. At an important moment in this presidential administration, attendees heard valuable perspectives from Congressional staff, journalists, and national water leaders on emerging federal policy issues and the road ahead as the country approaches the 2026 midterm elections. Participants also connected directly with policymakers through Congressional meetings and discussions with officials from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
We appreciate the members who traveled to Washington to engage, share their expertise, and help strengthen CASA’s federal advocacy. Your participation continues to elevate our collective voice on critical clean water priorities.
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Recognizing the Best in the Sector
CASA members are doing remarkable work to advance innovation, protect public health, and strengthen California’s clean water future, and the CASA Awards of Excellence are an opportunity to recognize those achievements. We encourage agencies and associates to submit their projects for consideration and are also seeking volunteers to serve as award judges. Read more to learn how to apply or get involved before the April 27 deadline.
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Help Spread the Word: CASA Education Foundation Scholarships
The CASA Education Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for students pursuing careers in environmental and water-related fields. CASA members can help us reach the next generation of clean water professionals by sharing this opportunity with students, schools, and community partners. Read more to learn how to spread the word before the May 15 application deadline.
| | For questions about Member News, please contact Alyssa Downs. | |
IEUA Celebrates the Opening of Water Discovery Center
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) celebrated the opening of the Water Discovery Center, a new facility designed to support the Agency’s Water Discovery Education Program for K-12 students across IEUA’s service area. IEUA’s Water Discovery Education Program provides students with hands-on learning opportunities focused on water resources, environmental stewardship, and sustainable water management. Read more in the press release here.
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In Memoriam: Phil Bobel
The CASA community is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Phil Bobel of Palo Alto, a respected leader and longtime contributor to California’s clean water sector. Phil was widely known for his dedication to public service, his collaborative spirit, and his leadership within the wastewater community. He played an active role in regional collaboration through Tri-TAC and served as Chair in the early 2000s, helping guide important discussions among Bay Area agencies. Colleagues remember Phil not only for his professional expertise, but also for his generosity, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the sector.
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In Memoriam: William "Bill" Teague
The CASA community mourns the passing of William “Bill” Teague, a longtime wastewater professional, dedicated public servant, and former CASA president, who passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. Bill devoted 67 years of service to protecting public health and supporting the residents of Indio and the surrounding region. Throughout his long career, Bill was known for his leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to both his local community and California’s wastewater sector.
| | For questions about the Regulatory update, please contact Spencer Saks. | | |
Sign up for CASA’s Regulatory Updates
CASA’s Regulatory Workgroup regularly puts together a comprehensive e-newsletter to share all regulatory updates on key issues and workgroup initiatives with the CASA membership. We recently trifurcated the single regulatory newsletter into biosolids, ACE, and water quality specific editions. If you are interested in receiving any (or all) of these regulatory updates, please contact Spencer Saks.
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PPIC: Water Quality in California
A new report highlights the complex water quality challenges facing California, from legacy pollution and urban runoff to emerging contaminants and climate impacts, while outlining progress being made across the state. Learn more in the full release from the Public Policy Institute of California: Read the full report here.
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2026 WELL Annual Conference – Register Today
Water challenges and climate change are reshaping communities across California. Want to better understand new water legislation, gain practical tools, and make informed, equitable decisions for your region? The 2026 WELL Annual Conference brings together leaders and experts for two days of powerful learning and collaboration on March 27–28, 2026, at Table Mountain Casino & Resort in the Fresno region. This is a great opportunity for local leaders looking to strengthen their water knowledge and help build a more resilient future.
For questions, please contact marissa@latinosforwater.org.
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BAYWORK AI Summit
BAYWORK will host an AI Summit on Wednesday, March 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Laney College in Oakland. The event will explore how water and wastewater professionals are using artificial intelligence in their work, including topics such as AI as a strategic utility asset, workforce training and human-AI collaboration, and practical applications for day-to-day operations. Agenda and speaker information will be announced soon. Interested participants can register through BAYWORK’s Eventbrite page.
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CASA Partners on 2026 Special Districts Legislative Days
CASA is a proud Partner of the Special Districts Legislative Days, scheduled for April 7-8 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. With affordability challenges at the forefront in 2026, this is a critical year to educate policymakers on the value of our shared priorities. Major issues on the docket in Sacramento will impact the ability to best meet the needs of the communities we serve, including: CEQA, Revenue for Infrastructure, Public Works Planning, Permitting, and Contracting, Brown Act Open Meeting Requirements, Artificial Intelligence and Automated Decision Systems, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Employment Practices and Workers’ Compensation and much more! Register here.
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CWEA Annual Conference & Expo
The California Water Environment Association invite wastewater professionals to attend the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, taking place April 7–10 in Sacramento. The event brings together clean water professionals from across the state for training, technical sessions, networking, and the latest innovations in wastewater management all in the heart of California’s policy center near the California State Capitol. Learn more and register on CWEA’s conference webpage.
| | 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. | | | | |
