MSWD Wins State CWEA Community Engagement & Outreach Program of the Year Award
Representatives from MSWD attended the CWEA Awards ceremony held in Palm Springs, April 24, 2025 (Left to Right: Stephanie Douglas, Project Manager for Mott McDonald & CWEA Board Member; Ted Mayrhofen, Director; Danny Friend, Director of Operations; Amber Duff, Director; Greg Chapman, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II; April Scott, Programs and Public Affairs Specialist; Robert Griffith, Board Vice President; Russ Martin, Director; Chris Jacobson, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II; Brian Macy, General Manager; and Jenn Jones, CWEA Executive Director.)
DESERT HOT SPRINGS — Mission Springs Water District has snagged yet another award. It is becoming the Meryl Streep among water districts. It announced Monday that during an awards ceremony hosted by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), MSWD won first place at the state level for the District’s Nancy Wright Regional Water Reclamation Facility Community Engagement and Outreach Campaign.
Marking the completion of the Nancy Wright Regional Water Reclamation Facility in September of 2024, MSWD reached a significant milestone. The facility is essential to MSWD’s efforts to protect and preserve the local groundwater resources for future generations, as well as support the growth of the city and the region’s growing water needs. With a capacity to process 1.5 million gallons per day, the facility is the largest project in MSWD’s history – prompting the need for an outreach campaign to keep district customers informed throughout the project.
“From the onset, we understood the importance of engaging with our customers to clearly convey the long-term benefits this facility would bring to the District and to the future growth of Desert Hot Springs,” said Board President Ivan Sewell. “As the largest project in the District’s history, it was equally important to maintain full transparency regarding costs, particularly bringing awareness that it was part of a $68 million grant-funded project.”
Founded in 1928, CWEA unites wastewater professionals throughout the state. Together they address real-time issues, develop and deliver cutting-edge training, raise awareness of the profession, and shape the future of wastewater.
This is the third time the District took home State honors, for a complete list of MSWD awards, please visit www.mswd.org/awards.
Image Sources
- MSWD Winners: MSWD
- Alan L. Horton Wastewater Treatment Plant: MSWD director
