Mehul V. Patel, P.E.
Executive Director of Operations
Mehul V. Patel is the Executive Director of Operations for the Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District).
Mehul has been with the District for more than 27 years. He currently oversees all OCWD operational facilities, which include the 130 million gallons per day (MGD) Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), Talbert Seawater Intrusion Barrier, Green Acres Project non-potable reuse facility, groundwater recharge system and the Prado Wetlands. Prior to this, as GWRS Program Manager, Mehul oversaw the award-winning GWRS 30 MGD expansion.
Mehul’s expertise is in the use of advanced technologies for water reclamation and recycling. He has extensive experience in pilot, demonstration and full-scale operation of microfiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse-osmosis technologies, and advanced-oxidation systems. He also worked as a process engineer assisting in troubleshooting for operation of OCWD’s renowned Water Factory 21 facility. He has written, presented, and published a number of technical papers relating to the use of membrane and ultraviolet light technologies for wastewater reclamation. He has served as a technical expert on several expert panels, including currently serving as a member of the NWRI Independent Advisory Panels for the Valley Water potable reuse program and the Anne Arundel County Maryland managed aquifer recharge program.
Mehul is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Association (including a member of its Membrane Process Committee), Water Environment Federation (including a member of its Disinfection Committee), American Membrane Technology Association (including currently serving on its board of directors and president from 2012-2015), WateReuse Association, and is past president of the Southwest Membrane Operator Association. Mehul was awarded the 2007 American Membrane Technology Association Outstanding Member Award and the 2013 Southwest Membrane Operator Association Distinguished Service Award.
Mehul received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and his master’s degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Long Beach. He is a registered Professional Civil Engineer in the state of California. He also holds a State of California Water Treatment Operator License Grade 2.