Emerging Contaminants — There are more contaminants out there than PFAS. Emerging contaminants of concern are becoming more prevalent as new products are created and clean water solutions are becoming more necessary. Learn more about the research being done on these contaminants of emerging concern.

Data & Digitalization — Technology is ever-evolving. Understanding its benefits, challenges and uses for water innovation is imperative to the future of the industry. Learn how technology can play into your water projects and transform best data practices.

PFAS — PFAS is an industry buzz word for good reason. With regulations surrounding the “forever chemicals” getting more stringent, the industry must be poised to tackle them and sustain water quality.

Green Infrastructure — So you want to implement green infrastructure. Now what? You hear a lot about green infrastructure maintenance, but now look at designing new green infrastructure elements that can take your projects to new heights.

Gary is the CEO and Co-founder of Water.org and WaterEquity, two organizations dedicated to empowering people in the developing world to gain access to safe water and sanitation. Gary developed Water.org’s WaterCredit solution, creating new financing options for poor populations to meet their water supply and sanitation needs. He also developed WaterEquity, an impact investment manager dedicated to ending the global water crisis, with an exclusive focus on mobilizing private investments in water and sanitation throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He is a leading advisor in the water and sanitation space, counseling organizations such as Inditex, Reckitt, Amazon Web Services, the Water Resilience Coalition, and Bank of America on responses to the global water crisis.
Gary holds three degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Missouri University S&T.

Capturing Stormwater: Tapping the Resource

 This session explores the transformative potential of stormwater as a valuable resource in sustainable urban development. By rethinking traditional stormwater management practices, watersheds can mitigate flooding, enhance water quality, and create new opportunities for water reuse and conservation. Through Orange County Water District case studies and innovative approaches by surrounding cities and counties, attendees will gain insights into the economic, environmental, and social benefits of integrating stormwater management into urban planning and infrastructure.
 
Key Learning Objectives:
•    Understand the challenges and opportunities associated with stormwater management in urban environments.
•    Explore innovative strategies for capturing, treating, and utilizing stormwater to enhance water sustainability.
•    Discuss successful case studies and best practices from OCWD implementing integrated stormwater management solutions using Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO).
•    Examine the economic, environmental, and social benefits of adopting a holistic approach to stormwater management.
•    Identify actionable steps for incorporating stormwater management into urban planning and infrastructure projects.
 

Gary White

CEO & Co-Founder

WaterEquity & Water.org 

Lisa Haney

Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources

Orange County Water District