With over 37 years in the water industry, Carmichael Water District (CWD) General Manager, Steve Nugent, announced his retirement on June 17, 2019 to the Board of Directors effective December 30, 2019. Lynette Moreno, CWD’s current Assistant General Manager, has been selected as the new General Manager.
In his 30 years with CWD, Steve’s leadership, straightforward approach and honesty have gained the trust and respect of his employees, peers, and the community of Carmichael in which he served. Steve’s guidance has further been recognized by the regulatory and legislative community, regional and statewide water suppliers, environmental organizations, and both state and national industry associations. Steve has excelled in District and regional team building providing direction and masterful oversight. He has worked diligently toward fulfilling goals while coaching, teaching and participating in the process along the way. This approach has been proven successful through Steve’s development and implementation of many ambitious projects that have benefited both the customers of CWD and the region as a whole.
Steve was instrumental in the modernization and upgrading of facilities and operating systems including CWD’s award-winning 22 MGD Membrane Microfiltration Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and WTP Expansion. Steve also brought this same energy, enthusiasm and experience toward spearheading a proactive regional movement regarding regional groundwater contamination, protection of water resources, and effectively recovering remediated groundwater for beneficial use within the region. This resulted in several joint cooperative efforts with Aerojet Rocketdyne Corporation (Aerojet) including the construction of groundwater extraction and treatment facilities. This successful mitigation action demonstrated the benefit of collaboration versus litigation. Steve vigorously advocated for identifying and achieving mutual objectives as the path to success while protecting, improving and enhancing California water resources.
Steve has served as a champion for establishing successful partnerships as further exemplified through the award-winning American River Pipeline Conveyance Project. He secured grant monies through the Regional Water Authority to assist Golden State Water Company and Aerojet with replacement water supply through a new pipeline crossing the American River. This effort addressed regional long-term reliability, emergency pump back capabilities, as well as drought supply reliability for CWD. Additionally, Steve secured Mutual Assistance Agreements and interties with neighboring water agencies over the years which have boosted regional water reliability and connectivity.
Actively involved in the community and eager to share information, he has been a featured speaker and conference presenter for an extensive list of over 20 regional and national organizations. Steve was also an engaging contributor to the North Area Teen Center mentoring program, assisted in developing an education video series for State Office of Water Programs water distribution operator training for California State University Sacramento, and taught water distribution and water treatment classes for neighboring water system operators.
Steve’s global vision, spirit of cooperation, and commitment to excellence has positioned CWD as a model of efficiency and stewardship. He exudes the combination of attitude, desire and determination that continue to exemplify his successful leadership within the water community and the region.
CWD commends Steve for being a leader within the water community and thanks him for his many years of dedicated service.
