News

California Association of Sanitation Agencies honored Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District with the 2026 Excellence in Public Outreach and Education award today at its annual conference in Napa. The award recognizes the three agencies’ 2025 Water Career Day.

High school and community college students and military veterans explored career options in the water and wastewater sector at the event. Each agency engaged attendees at interactive stations, showcased real-world infrastructure, and shared insights into the diverse career opportunities within the industry.

“We’re proud to receive this recognition for Water Career Day and to help shine a light on the rewarding careers available in the wastewater and water industry. Inspiring students today is key to building the skilled workforce needed to maintain our critical infrastructure that our communities will rely on well into the future,” said Leucadia Wastewater District board president Matthew Brown.

“This recognition for Water Career Day 2025 reflects our commitment to the community and our staff, the unsung heroes who work at the San Elijo Water Campus making clean water a way of life,” said Luke Shaffer, board president of the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority. “By welcoming students and veterans, we’re encouraging the next generation to explore careers that protect public health and the environment.”

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s problem solvers,” said OMWD board treasurer Scott Maloni. “By exposing students to careers in the water and wastewater industry, we are investing in the future talent that our communities will rely on for generations.”

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.