California Water Environment Association Honors Top Wastewater Professionals, Including Historic Pomeroy Award Winner

OAKLAND, Calif., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Water Environment Association (CWEA) is proud to announce ten extraordinary individuals as recipients of the 96th Annual CWEA Awards. These individuals were celebrated at the ceremony on April 24, 2025, in Palm Springs, Calif., for their dedication to advancing water quality and sustainability across the state.

For nearly a century, the CWEA Awards program has recognized individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the water sector. Award recipients undergo a rigorous application process and are judged by their peers to ensure the highest standard of recognition.

"This year, we are so pleased to honor these individuals for their outstanding contributions to California's healthy water environment," said Gilbert Barela, 2024-2025 President of CWEA and Mechanical Systems Superintendent at Jurupa Community Services District. "Their work continues to shape the future of water in California, and we are thrilled to highlight their leadership and commitment to our shared mission."

A historic moment at this year's ceremony was the recognition of Lucia Diaz as the second female recipient of the prestigious Richard D. Pomeroy Award in 38 years. Lucia, from Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), was honored for her outstanding leadership and innovative contributions to advancing wastewater collection techniques. This award celebrates the practical application of new concepts in areas such as management, operation and maintenance, facility design, and education.

Lucia's work has played a critical role in improving operational efficiency, fostering sustainability, and driving innovation in wastewater collection systems across California.

2025 CWEA AWARDS, INDIVIDUAL RECIPIENTS

Richard D. Pomeroy:
Lucia Diaz, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Chino, Calif.

Collection System Person of the Year:
Jesus Barron, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Lake Elsinore, Calif.

Supervisor of the Year:
Emanuel Flores, City of Escondido
Escondido, Calif.

Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year:
Ted Nierhake, City of Escondido
Escondido, Calif.

Mechanical Technician Person of the Year:
Brian Walters, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Martinez, Calif.

Operator of the Year:
Abigail Farrington, Sanitary District #5 of Marin County
Tiburon, Calif.

Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention & Stormwater Person of the Year:
Patric Falconer, City of Redding
Redding, Calif.

Laboratory Person of the Year:
Terrence Egan, City of San Jose
San Jose, Calif.

Outstanding Young Professional of the Year:
Max Armenta, East Bay MUD
Oakland, Calif.

Golden Manhole:
Kent Vian, City of San Diego
San Diego, Calif.

For more information about the California Water Environment Awards and to see the full list of award recipients, visit cwea.org.

About California Water Environment Association (CWEA)
The California Water Environment Association is a non-profit, public benefit association of over 10,700 water professionals who work for public agencies and collection systems, engineering firms, and equipment and service suppliers. CWEA members are responsible for cleaning California's water and returning it safely to the environment. CWEA educates and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes sound policies to benefit society through protection and enhancement of our water environment.

High-res award ceremony photos available.

Contact:
Megan Barillo, Communications Manager, CWEA
510.382.7800 x1414 mbarillo@cwea.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-water-environment-association-honors-top-wastewater-professionals-including-historic-pomeroy-award-winner-302467046.html

SOURCE California Water Environment Association