Summit Speaks to Securing OC Water Future
Nearly 300 people attended the 9th Annual OC Water Summit held at the Westin Hotel in Costa Mesa. OCWD and the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) hosted the event themed “Turbulent Times,” in reference to the current perfect storm of challenges that exist in delivering reliable water to Orange County.
Attendees learned about the Orange County projects that will provide shelter from the storms, and lessons from businesses that are harvesting profits despite the clouds. Program topics included Orange County’s water supply portfolio, the many threats to our available water supply, water supply forecasts, adapting to a changed climate, and how water agencies can weather these threats and best serve their citizens.
Speakers included Dr. Christine Goulet of the Southern California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California; Dr. Michael Gunson of Jet Propulsion Laboratory/NASA; Rob Hunter of MWDOC; Scott Maloni of Poseidon Desalination Resources; Debra C. Man of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; Kelly J. Salt of Best Best & Krieger; Tim Suydam, P.E., of Stone Brewing Company; Jeff R. Thompson of Rancho Mission Viejo; Richard A. Wilson, author of Death of a Water District ; and Michael P. Wehner of the Orange County Water District.
Moderators were Michael Battaglia of the Building Industry Association of Southern California; Jennifer Farrell of Rutan & Tucker; Dr. David Feldman of the University of California, Irvine; and Charley Wilson of the Southern California Water Committee. Peter M. Weitzner of Chapman University was program emcee.
During the Summit, the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation award was presented to the city of Laguna Beach. Not only did the city lead Orange County in conservation pledges from its residents, it led the nation in its population category. Mayor Steve Dicterow accepted the award from world-renowned artist Wyland.
Every year, the OC Water Summit draws prominent national and state policy makers, elected officials, scientists, financial experts and business leaders who gather to discuss the past and present of California’s water supplies and delivery systems and learn about plans to secure California’s water future.
Wyland, right, presents the Wyland
National Mayor’s Challenge for Water
Conservation Award to Laguna Beach
Mayor Steve Dicterow.