Another tradeshow is now under my belt. AWWA ACE24, held in Anaheim, California, was the most energizing conference I’ve been to so far. Perhaps it is a result of my finally getting the hang of it.
The editorial team took time out from the show to visit the Orange County Water District (OCWD) for a tour and video interview with Mehul Patel, the executive director of operations. OCWD produces 130 mgd, serves 2.5 million people, and is the recipient of a very long list of awards in 2023 and 2024. Upon the completion of the tour, we were able to drink the plant’s crystal clear, treated wastewater.
As of this writing the team is planning an ACE24 recap podcast, and that can be found at wwdmag.com/podcast or on any podcast platform by searching Talking Under Water.
We also have several interviews recorded on video from the show floor including Cheryl Porter, the new AWWA president; Dylan Lesan of Carollo Engineers; Jim Knepper, president of the Americas division at Jacobi Carbons; Xylem President Mike McGann; Pat Brown, senior project manager and Jackson Water program manager, and Kristen Whatley, senior associate and project technical leader at Stantec; Rebecca Slabaugh, drinking water practice leader for Arcadis, and James Perry, executive vice president of Asterra. Find these as they are released at waterworld.com/videos. Next up: WEFTEC.
