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EVENTS

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

    • 16 Jul 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Dave & Buster’s Irvine Spectrum • 661 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
    • 66
    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.


    • 31 Jul 2025
    • 3:00 PM
    • TOUR: IRWD Baker Water Treatment Plant • 50 Civic Center Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 - SOCIAL HOUR: Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill • 23512 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630
    • 30
    Register



    in association with

    are proud to host
    a special facility tour of

    IRWD’s BAKER

    WATER TREATMENT
    PLANT
    for

    Orange County Water’s

    Emerging Professionals 
    (those with 10 years or less in the industry)


    Admission is FREE

    Thursday, July 31, 2025

    Tour: 3:00 pm

    Social Hour: 5:30 pm


    This Special Event is Open for
    Emerging Professionals Only.

    Space on the Tour
    is Limited,
    So Please Register Now!


    We’ll begin with a guided tour of 
    IRWD’s
    Baker Water Treatment
    Plant
    ,
    followed by an evening of socializing at
    Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill,
    both of which are in Lake Forest


    Our Happy Hour is made possible
    by the generosity of our
    Corporate Sponsors:



                  


    About Our Event . . .


    The Baker Water Treatment Plant began operations in 2016 and represents a significant investment in regional water reliability for South Orange County. With a treatment capacity of 28.1 million gallons per day, the facility provides high-quality drinking water to approximately 63,300 homes. Sustainability and efficiency were key drivers in the plant’s design. The Baker Plant uses advanced microfiltration and ultraviolet disinfection technologies to treat multiple water sources including untreated MWD water and surface water from Irvine Lake. Blending technology and environmental responsibility, the plant serves as a model for regional water infrastructure collaboration.

    Join us, July 31 at 3:00 pm for a guided tour of the Baker Water Treatment Plant. Our tour will provide everyone an opportunity for an ‘up-close and personal’ view, with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Afterwards, we’ll gather at Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill, just a few minutes away, for a Social Networking Hour.

    Registration is required to ensure your space in the tour. So act quick! You must RSVP before July 28 to secure your place on the tour!

    And if you’re unable to make the tour, or if space fills up before you can register, be sure to join us for the Social Networking Hour at 5:30 pm. Registration is not required. Entry is free, as are the appetizers, and we’ll even buy your first drink!

    We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy the event!

    For more information, contact Derek Kurtti at KurttiD@bv.com.

    IRWD’s Baker Water Treatment Plant
    50 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest

    Bigshot’s Billiards Bar & Grill
    23512 El Toro Road, Lake Forest

    Download a Flyer Here

    • 20 Aug 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Dave & Buster’s Irvine Spectrum • 661 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

    Details coming soon!

    • 18 Sep 2025
    • 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Rattlesnake Reservoir • 4769 Portola Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92620




    2025 Operator Expo

    Certified CE Training
    Product Exhibitions  
    •  Team Competitions

    Thursday, September 18
    7:30 am to 1:30 pm

    Rattlesnake Reservoir
    4769 Portola Parkway, Irvine


    Topics for CEUs
    will be
    announced soon.


    Reservations can be made
    on the OCWA website.

    If you have any questions,
    please contact
    OCWA Vice President
    Taryn Kjolsing
    at tkjolsing@scwd.org


    To register a
    Pipe Tapping Team
    contact Boyd Schultz,
    (949) 306-0714.


    HELP US MINIMIZE
    OUR PLASTIC WASTE

    Please bring your own 
    reusable water bottles.
    There'll be plenty of water
    available onsite to
    refill containers.

    Thank you.


    Sponsors & Exhibitors
    Can Sign Up Online
    As Well!


    The Association is grateful to

    Irvine Ranch Water District
    for its generous donation
    of the site for our event.

    Without IRWD’s support
    our event would not be possible.

    Irvine Ranch Water District makes its facilities available
    for use by residents and non-profit organizations merely as a public service,
    but does not, by allowing this use, endorse or support the purpose of the event or its sponsor.


    Our annual OPERATOR EXPO provides a great opportunity for quality continuing education and a chance to gather information on new products and learn more about current technologies directly from the experts. It's also an excellent networking opportunity.

    This Specialized CE Training and Vendor Exhibition ranks among OCWA’s Premier Events, and the Pipe Tapping Competition and Horseshoe Tournament are a great way to build teamwork, meet others in the industry, and maybe win bragging rights for the next year.

    Vendor Exhibits - All Day
    Vendor Set-Up - 7:00 am
    Operator Training ‘Check In’ - 7:30 am to 8 am
    Operator Training (2 or More Sessions) - 8 am to 10 am
    Pipe Tapping Competition - 10 am to Noon
    Horseshoe Competition - 10 am to Noon
    CATERED BBQ LUNCH - Noon to 1 pm
    Opportunity Draw
    ing - 1 pm


    Click Here to Download
    2025 Operator Expo Flyer




    Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities
    are available for sign-up
    on the web.

    To Pay by check,
    please download the
    OpExpo & Exhibitor
    Entry Form
    and mail it in.




    Click Below to Download
    Horseshoe Competition Rules

    2025 Horseshoe Competition Rules.pdf



    • 15 Oct 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Dave & Buster’s Irvine Spectrum • 661 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

    Details coming soon!

    • 19 Nov 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Dave & Buster’s Irvine Spectrum • 661 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

    Details coming soon!

    • 5 Dec 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    • Irvine Marriott • 18000 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612

    Details coming soon!

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