Please forward this newsletter to anyone who may be interested.                                    February 29, 2016
CASA Members Learn, Advocate in Washington, D.C. 
D.C. Policy Forum 
Wrap Up
Last week CASA members convened upon the nation's capital for our annual Washington, D.C. Policy Forum.  Senator Dianne Feinstein presented the details of her revised drought bill to a packed house. Author Charles Fishman urged water leaders to think of themselves not solely as stewards of water resources but as transformative actors leading a water revolution. And our featured speaker, National Journal's Ron Fournier, generated a lively and thought-provoking discussion that included the presidential race and the Trump/Sanders outsider phenomenon. Read more... 

CASA Priority Issues Get Traction During Capitol Hill Visits
On Tuesday, dozens of CASA members braved a rainstorm to bring the association's top federal legislative priorities to members of Congress and their staffs. In over 20 separate meetings, CASA members articulated the need for congressional action in three key areas... Read more...
Introducing CASA's Online Discussion Forums
Now you can interact with your peers any time, right on CASA's website. Through our new online forums you can ask questions, share tips, and exchange ideas. Having a hard time finding a new GM? Want to have a conversation about the utility of the future? Want to share a great article you found (or authored)? Use the online forums! 

The forums are public, and all posts will be reviewed and approved before going live to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. And participating couldn't be easier. Post a question or discussion topic today! 
Register Now for the Public Policy Forum in Sacramento
The joint CASA/WateReuse Policy Forum in Sacramento is just about 5 weeks away, but there's still time to register. We've made some changes this year, including shortening the forum to a one-day format, and holding the event at the Sutter Club.

CASA staff has been working on a great program to make sure you get the most out of the event. You won't want to miss it! Program details are coming soon. Be sure and book your hotel now - rooms fill up fast in Sacramento.

Visit our event page for more information, and register today!
Emerging Leaders Wanted
California Water Environment association (CWEA) is gathering nominations for an Emerging Leaders story to appear in the Spring 2016 Wastewater Professional. They are looking for accomplished water professionals who are making a significant, positive impact on California's water, and have not yet been recognized for that impact.
 
Nominations are due March 4. Learn more...

Mixed Bag
Ventura Regional Sanitation District is hiring a General Manager. The final filing date is March 7. 

Delta Diablo is hiring an Associate Engineer (Resource Recovery). The final filing date is February 29. 

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Nick Hansen tells all in Confessions of a Wastewater Operator - a piece about the organization's recycled water filling station. 

The CASA Education Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2016 scholarship program. A flier and news release template are available to help you promote the program. 

The State Water Board is conducting a series of data-centered events from March 18 - April 22, 2016, including a Data Fair and a Data Innovation Challenge. 

CASA is now accepting applications for our 2016 Award of Excellence program. See what's new this year, and get your application in soon! 

World Water Day is March 22. Think of ways your organization can help with clean water throughout the world. Learn more about World Water Day. 

Water Week 2016 is April 10-16. Water sector organizations with members spanning the nation will gather in Washington, DC. to consider and advocate for national policies that advance clean and safe waters and ensure a healthy sustainable environment. 



Agency News
The Dublin San Ramon District works to increase acceptance of recycled sewer water for drinking purposes. A surprising number of area residents indicated they'd be willing to drink recycled sewage water.  Check out this news story...

The City of Camarillo and the City of Thousand Oaks contract with the Sheriff's department to provide drug collection centers as a safe alternative to flushing the meds. Their efforts prompted this story in the Thousand Oaks Acorn. 

The Orange County Water District (OCWD) has co-sponsored legislation that would allow Californians to taste purified recycled water. Assemblyman Rich Gordon recently announced new legislation (AB 2022). According to Gordon, "We are just one sip away from getting comfortable with drinking purified reused water...one of our main water sources of the future." AB 2022 allows water agencies to bottle their potable reused water and distribute small amounts for educational purposes.  Under current law, only visitors to water recycling facilities are allowed to taste this water, despite the fact that it is extremely pure and safe to drink. The Orange County Water District (OCWD) along with OCSD operate the world's largest advanced water purification system called the Groundwater Replenishment System. 

Leucadia Water District Earns Awards

Leucadia's Todd Amos was awarded the San Diego section CWEA award for Collection System Person of the Year. He will go on to compete at the state level.
LWD staff recently accepted the San Diego section CWEA award for its No Wipes Down the Pipes campaign.
Events
Date
Organization
Event
Location
March 13-15, 2016
WateReuse
Santa Rosa
April 3, 2016
WEF
Milwaukee
April 6, 2016
CASA & WateReuse
Sacramento
Aug. 10-12, 2016
CASA
Monterey
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