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The Association holds monthly luncheon meetings featuring knowledgeable speakers on topics important to the water industry, as well as annual social events including a golf tournament, emerging professionals networking activities, and a holiday dinner.

Membership in the Orange County Water Association provides opportunities to keep informed about issues affecting the water community, to meet and communicate with other water professionals, and to support programs which provide public education and technical training about water and water systems. Members pay a reduced fee for luncheons and special events throughout the year.


Upcoming events

  • ”Energy Management at SMWD” : An OCWA Industry Insight

    • 16 Jul 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Dave & Buster’s – Irvine Spectrum, 661 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
    • 92
    Register



    July 16, 2025
    Industry Insight Presentation


    Energy Management
    at Santa Margarita
    Water District



    Presented by:


    Daniel Peterson

    Regulatory and Logistics Manager,
    Santa Margarita Water District


    Dave & Busters

    Irvine Spectrum

    661 Spectrum Center Drive
     Sign-In: 11:30 am
    Lunch at Noon
    Presentation: 12:30 pm


    Hosted by OCWA

    We’re Proud to Recognize
    Our Sponsors
    for the July     2025
    Presentation:


    Click on the logos above
    to learn more about our July 2025 Sponsors.



    About Our Presentation

    Santa Margarita Water District is taking practical steps to better manage its $9.4 million annual energy bill through a combination of alternative energy generation, demand-side strategies, and future planning.

    SMWD is steadily evolving from reactive energy management to a more strategic, systems-based approach. Projects highlighted include solar, microturbines and battery systems. The District is also applying smarter operational strategies such as staggered equipment start times and peak shaving to reduce costly demand spikes.

    Plan now to join us July 16 for an in-depth look at how one district is positioning itself to manage rising energy costs and potential shortages.

    Make your reservations today! 


    OCWA Members with Reservations:  $30.00

    Non-Members with Reservations:  $45.00

    OCWA Members without Reservations:  $45.00 (at the door)

    Non-Members without Reservations:  $45.00 (at the door)

    Reservations must be made by end-of-day, Tuesday, July 15,
    to qualify for the Reservation Rate.
    Cancellations received AFTER this date CANNOT be refunded.


    About Our Speaker

    Daniel Peterson

    Regulatory and Logistics Manager,
    Santa Margarita Water District

    Daniel Peterson is the Regulatory and Logistics Manager at Santa Margarita Water District, where he plays a key role in integrating technology and operations to improve performance, planning, and sustainability. With experience across Customer Service, Finance, and Operations departments, Daniel brings a comprehensive understanding of how the District functions both behind the scenes and in the field.

    Daniel plays a central role in the District’s energy and asset management strategies, contributing to the development of capital programs, fleet optimization, and demand-side energy projects. He has led major efforts such as a forensic audit of one of the District’s 600-mile distribution systems, collaboration with regional water agencies to manage water movement through the regions South County Pipeline, and the implementation of a $60 million operations budget.

    Daniel holds a Master of Science in Water Resource Management from California State University, Fresno, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Long Beach. He is a licensed Water Distribution Operator and Water Treatment Operator in the State of California, and is a graduate of the Water Environment Federation’s Leadership Institute.


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