People Behind the Pipes

Describe your job.
I administer the recycled water regulatory program for the District by helping new users connect, updating regulatory documents, submitting regulatory and water use reports to state water agencies, corresponding with the State Water Resources Control Board, and regulating existing users.   

I assist with the implementation of the “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” regulations that include attending Tri-Valley conservation coordination meetings, reviewing current rebate programs, processing customer rebates, conducting water conservation audits, performing water use data analysis, and submitting water usage reports to state water agencies.    

I am the Cross Connection Control Specialist for the District, and I administer the cross-connection control program.  The purpose of the cross-connection control program is to prevent the occurrence of backflow of containments or pollutants into the public water distribution system from service connections with onsite hazards.  When potential for hazards is identified, the installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly that is capable of protecting the distribution system is required.        
 
I implement the Pollution Prevention Program, educating the public about ways to minimize pollutants: not disposing of fats, oil, and grease down the drain; not flushing baby or cleaning wipes; and not disposing of pharmaceuticals down the sink or toilet. I’m also responsible for ensuring dental offices comply with the District’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 441.  The purpose of these regulations is to ensure dental amalgams, which contains elemental mercury, is not directly discharged into the sewer system.  

How did you get into the water industry?
I received my environmental studies degree from California State University, Hayward (now Cal State East Bay), and one of the graduation requirements was an internship. I worked for Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) as an intern for a year in the industrial waste department at the Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. Following my internship, I was an industrial compliance (now called source control) inspector for the City of Livermore. When a pollution prevention inspector position opened with DSRSD, I came back to the District in 2002. In 2005, I received a master’s in business administration and soon after was promoted to the Clean Water Programs Specialist position, which was reclassified to Clean Water Programs Administrator position in 2021, and I’ve been doing the job since.  

What do you like best about your job?
I like how it’s transitioned and changed over the years. I am monitoring legislation that relates to the programs and occasionally submit comments to the legislature. I’m following the new regulations in water conservation and cross connection control and currently serve as the co-chair of the Recycled Water Committee for Bay Area Clean Water Agencies. 
 
When recycled water came along, it became huge. I didn’t realize then how big it was going to be. It’s important to make sure you don’t cross connect with drinking water lines. We’re trying to protect public health. My job is to educate and protect the public as much as I can. Recycled water helps us use less drinking water, though we are going to have to continue to comply with new state regulations.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?
Making sure programs stay in compliance with existing and new regulations.  

What is something unique about yourself?
I used to do high school rodeo where I would compete in barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying.  Now that I am older, I compete in team roping jackpots with my horse, Sugar.  I also have two daughters that are 15 and 17 that participate in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program and show pigs, horses, and sheep at the Alameda County Fair.

What are your favorite vacation spots?
My husband (who before retirement was a DSRSD Water/Wastewater Systems Operator IV-On Call) and I go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December, where I like to peruse all the Cowboy Christmas vendors.

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