2021 Annual Report
Legislation and
Leadership
Water Authority Co-Sponsors New Law for Water Industry Vet Jobs
Governor Gavin Newsom signed new state legislation co-sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority and the Otay Water District in October 2019. AB 1588 made it possible for veterans to receive credit for their military education and experience when applying for civilian water and wastewater system operator certifications in California. The bill was introduced in the state legislature by Assemblymembers Todd Gloria of San Diego and Adam Gray of Merced, and co-authored by several state legislators, including Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath of Oceanside. The new law will help increase the number of military veterans entering the civilian water and wastewater industry at a time when many Baby Boomers are retiring. The Water Authority and its 24 member agencies created a regional workforce development task force to address the “Silver Tsunami” of retirees throughout the San Diego region.
“Veterans are the right candidates to fill these jobs because of the skilled work they’ve already demonstrated in their careers and their time in the military.”
Otay Water District
“It doesn’t matter if you’re operating a pump or firing a missile, the process is very similar, it’s the mechanical and electronic interface that matters. You’re electronically activating a piece of mechanical equipment.”
Center for Water Studies