CASA’s Annual Conference- Just Days Away
CASA’s Annual Conference just around the corner, and we are overjoyed to see you again in-person in San Diego next week as we hear from experts on topics we’re all concerned about, including the current drought, the changing nature of work, gender diversity and pay equity in the workforce, and much more! Early this week, CASA updated attendees on the new safety protocols put in place in order to make this event as safe and engaging as possible. If you are planning on attending the conference, please review this important “Know Before You Go” information.
Registration is still open! If you would like to join us next week in San Diego, be sure to register for the conference.
Check out our program to see all the great speakers, panels, and presentations available during CASA’s 2021 Annual Conference today! We hope to see you there!
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Be a Part of the CASA Mentoring Program Inaugural Class!
Ready to take that next step in your wastewater career? Not sure where to start? CASA is here to support you! The CASA Mentoring Program is an 11-month comprehensive program, kicking off in October and concluding in August 2022, that serves to connect clean water professionals from across the state of California. Working with Core Consulting, which has a depth of experience developing mentoring and training programs working with public agencies, CASA will match 12 mentor/mentee pairs based on their professional goals, preferences, and experience. There are limited spots available so act fast!
*Registration Closes on August 27*
We anticipate spots to fill quickly, so be sure to apply for the mentoring program today!
For questions, contact CASA’s Executive Director, Adam Link.
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Coming Soon: CASA’s Professional Development LISTSERV
Keep an eye on your inbox as we prepare to send the first Professional Development email out to CASA members! We have developed a specialized LISTSERV to keep members informed of webinars, workshops, trainings, events, and general opportunities for professional development. This LISTSERV will be populated bimonthly with upcoming engagement opportunities in all facets of the clean water industry including biosolids, communications, finance, human resources, regulatory, and more! Do you know a shining star in your agency that might benefit from continued growth and professional development opportunities? Be sure to share this resource with them! To get signed up for the newest CASA LISTSERV, please email Cheryl MacKelvie with your name, preferred email, and affiliated agency or association.
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Senate Debates Comprehensive Infrastructure Package; Committee on Appropriations Mark Up Energy-Water FY2022 Spending Bill
As of this writing, the Senate is debating its bipartisan infrastructure package, H.R. 3684. This comprehensive package is the Senate’s counterpart to the House’s INVEST Act that was passed earlier this summer. The Senate package provides $55 billion in appropriations to support investment in the nation’s clean water infrastructure. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has stated the desire to move expeditiously to pass the package. In addition to passing the infrastructure package, Schumer has also stated the desire to vote on a budget resolution in the coming week that would allow for the House and Senate to begin work on a reconciliation package.
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CASA Quoted In Support of Water Infrastructure Legislation
Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced legislation to increase funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Alternative Water Source Projects Pilot Program. The Water Reuse and Resiliency Act (S. 2454) would authorize $1 billion over five years to support the program. The bill aims to respond to the increasing drought conditions in the West by supporting projects that diversify water supplies. Upon introduction, the office published a press release, in which CASA is quoted supporting the bill, along with State Water Resources Control Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel. CASA’s statement of support is provided below.
“Senator Padilla and Senator Feinstein’s legislation to support the construction of alternative waters supply projects will enhance our abilities to construct drought resilient water supplies,” said Adam Link, Executive Director of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA). “Equally important, it will allow CASA agencies to leverage our water quality treatment processes to deliver a new, safe and reliable water supply. Funding these projects is a vital step toward addressing the water supply needs of all of California’s citizens. As an organization dedicated to developing climate resilient water supplies, CASA wholeheartedly supports Senator Padilla’s bill and looks forward to its enactment as Congress considers water infrastructure legislation.”
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PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) recently published a Statewide Survey that delivers nonpartisan, objective, advocacy-free information on the perceptions, opinions, and public policy preferences of California residents. Outlined below are some of the key findings from the current survey:
Key findings from the current survey:
- One in four Californians name water supply and drought as the state’s top environmental issue; 63% say water supply is a big problem in their region.
- Majorities approve of the way Governor Newsom and President Biden are handling environmental issues.
- About six in ten (63%) are very concerned about climate change increasing the severity of wildfires and drought.
- Majorities across party lines favor prioritizing alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydrogen.
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IRWD’s Purple Pipe Origin Story
The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) recently posted an article about the origin of the purple pipe. In the article they share about the Irvine Ranch Water District engineers who did the work in the 1980s to establish purple as the designated standard for recycled water. “Throughout the nation and around the world, purple pipes pulse with water that has gone down drains and been treated for reuse in landscaping, agriculture and commerce. Irvine Ranch Water District was the mastermind behind that color: leading the charge in the early 1980s to certify a standard for pipes carrying recycled water, to distinguish them from drinking water systems.
But how did it happen? It’s a colorful story of IRWD leadership, creativity and humor — centered around an engineer who sees much of the world in neutral tones. “Way back in the ’60s, when IRWD first started putting out recycled water to new communities, people used metal wire or tape to mark a recycled water pipeline,” explains Ron Young, a former general manager of IRWD, who in the 1980s kicked off the effort to establish a universal color standard after attending a recycled water conference in Florida.”…. Read the full article here.
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VSD Partners with Community Colleges
As part of its succession planning initiative, Valley Sanitary District (VSD) identified the need for certified and trained professionals in the water and wastewater industry in the Coachella Valley to replace employees that have attained retirement age or will within the next five years. There are over 260 certificated water and wastewater-related jobs in the Coachella Valley and competition for trained, certified applicants is intense and convincing potential employees to move to the desert was challenging. VSD also identified that there are no training programs, internships, or certification programs in the Desert to increase the number of “’home grown” applicants. To remedy this problem, Beverli Marshall, VSD’s General Manager, approached the College of the Desert to gauge interest in developing an apprenticeship program. The result is the creation of the Desert Region Water Technology Training Program. Learn more about the program, in the full press release.
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Webinars, Workshops & Events |
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CASA Annual Conference 2021
Join us next week, August 11-13 for CASA’s 2021 Annual Conference at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel. Register today and please be sure to follow the safety guidelines, notices and waivers in place. We hope to see you soon in sunny San Diego!
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HHS-Utility Webinar on Low-Income Water Program
On August 12, from 12:00-1:00pm, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a webinar on the Low-Income Water Program. This is a webinar designed for water and wastewater utilities to learn more about the emergency Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). It will include an overview of the structure of the program at all levels, coordination of assistance for households, federal requirements of the program, and address water provider questions. Register Here.
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California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Survey Webinar
On August 19, from 10-11:30am, the State Water Resources Control Board will host a webinar: California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Survey. The webinar will cover training on how to complete the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Survey which will collect information on drinking water residential and commercial arrearages, as well as revenue loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey will help the State Water Board determine Program eligibilities, application requirement, and the allocation of funds for community water systems. Register here.
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WELL UnTapped
The Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) recently announced the return of WELL UnTapped Fellowship, a selective program that creates an opportunity for local elected officials to engage with water issues through a comprehensive exploration of history, governance, public policy, geography, and economics and their relationship to human rights and climate change. UnTapped session content includes lectures given by water professionals and skill-based exercises that help participants ask better public policy questions and strengthen public speaking and relational skills.
WELL UnTapped 2022 includes a mix of in-person and virtual sessions. You can click here to access the application and schedule for 2022. The application is due August 27, 2021.
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ACT EXPO
CASA is proud to participate as an endorsing organization partner of the 2021 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ACT Expo is North America’s largest advanced transportation technology and clean fleet event. Bringing together more than 4,000 stakeholders across the industry for an expansive showcase of the technologies, fuels, policies, and organizations to drive innovation and sustainability on our roadways. The 2021 event will be held August 30 through September 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information is available on the website.
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EPA Webinar on Developing and Maintaining Workforce and Equity Partnerships
The Office of Water at EPA invites you to register for their next Water Workforce Webinar on September 15th from 9:00am – 10:30am PT. This is part of an ongoing series of webinars to provide information across the water sector on ways utilities and others are addressing the challenges of building and maintaining a sustainable water workforce for the future. The September webinar will focus on building partnerships for effective state-wide workforce programs and efforts to attract talented individuals from disadvantaged communities into water utility jobs. To register, please follow this registration link. PDHs will be available for those who attend the webinar.
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CAAWEF Leadership Summit and Fundraiser
Save the date for the California African American Water Education Foundation’s (CAAWEF), Second Annual Leadership Summit and Fundraiser on Friday, November 19, in Long Beach, CA.
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CASA represents more than 125 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. |
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