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2025 Next Generation Water Summit June 5th - June 6th 8:30 am to 5:00 pm MT New Mexico State Capitol Building (The Roundhouse)
About the Event
June 5-6, 2025 New Mexico State Capitol Building (The Roundhouse)
The theme of the 2025 Next Generation Water Summit is "Increasing Resilience in an Unpredictable Climate".
The Next Generation Water Summit brings together the building and development community, water reuse professionals and water policymakers in a collaborative setting to share best practices and learn about innovative water conservation and water reuse techniques that can be used to comply with water conservation restrictions spreading across the southwest.
Whyshould I attend? top reasons
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Former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland will address her experience as a former Cabinet Secretary overseeing the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the ongoing drought in the Western United States. As a 35th-generation indigenous New Mexican, she will also provide her thoughts on how conservation efforts and climate adaptation can meet the challenges of both today and tomorrow.
Deb Haaland Former US Secretary of the Interior
Deb Haaland
Deb Haaland served from 2021 to 2025 as the United States Secretary of the Interior. She was the first Native American Cabinet secretary in US history. Deb is a 35th-generation New Mexican, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, a small businesswoman, a working mother, and a former congresswoman. Deb brings her personal experience as a military kid, a single mom, and a Pueblo woman to stand up for working families, Native and underserved communities, and to address the climate crisis.
06/05/2025 10:15 am
to 11:15 am
OpenET: Data for Water Resilience
Location: 307
OpenET is transforming water management in the western U.S. by making satellite-based evapotranspiration data widely accessible. This session will explore how OpenET leverages remote sensing and extensive evapotranspiration (ET) data to fill critical information gaps, empowering water managers, farmers, and policymakers to make smarter, more sustainable water decisions.
Sara Larsen CEO, OpenET
Sara Larsen
Sara G. Larsen, CEO of Open ET, brings decade-long leadership in water data built on an extensive foundation in engineering and water resource management. After early roles with the State of Utah and the Provo River Water Users Association, she earned a Master’s in Civil Engineering and Water Resources from the University of Utah. She is steeped in the core issues and key partnership pathways to addressing water management pressures in the American West and beyond. From 2019 to 2024, she served as Deputy Director and Chief Engineer for the Upper Colorado River Commission, where she managed multidisciplinary teams on crucial Colorado River Basin initiatives, including modeling, consumptive use estimation, water conservation program implementation, data infrastructure development, and more.
06/05/2025 11:30 am
to 12:15 pm
Conservation Initiatives - Voluntary to Mandatory
Location: 307
This session will examine the current evolution of water conservation initiatives, tracing the shift from voluntary programs to mandatory regulations. We'll explore the factors driving this transition, including prolonged drought, population growth, and climate change, as well as the effectiveness of various approaches. Case studies from Soutwest Florida and Austin, Texas will highlight successes and challenges in implementing mandatory policies at the local and state levels. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how policy, enforcement, and public engagement shape the future of sustainable water use.
Robin Grantham Lead Communications Coordinator, Southwest Florida Water Management District
Robin Grantham
As Lead Communications Strategist for the Southwest Florida Water Management District for 15+ years, Robin Grantham oversees water conservation education efforts. Robin administers the Florida Water Star℠ program, a chief water conservation effort that has led to nearly 3 billion gallons of water savings every year. Robin also manages social research programs that are used to design messages and education programs that lead to the conservation and protection of water resources. A few of the many campaigns resulting from this research include “My Home. My Springs”, “It’s my Life’s Work” and “One Water Florida”, as well as perception surveys and numerous other studies related to water resources.
Katherine Jashinski Supervising Engineer, Austin Water
Katherine Jashinski
Katherine Jashinski manages the Onsite Water Reuse & Reclaimed Water Development Program for the City of Austin. Her team is responsible for implementing the City’s onsite water reuse and reclaimed water initiatives through ordinance development, plan review and permitting, and regulatory oversight. Katherine has a Master of Science in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from University to Texas at Austin and has held various water reuse planning and regulatory roles at Austin Water for the past 14 years. She is a member of the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems which was created to advance the best practices of onsite water reuse systems in the U.S.
06/05/2025 11:30 am
to 12:15 pm
Envisioning a New Water Utility
Location: 317
Water utilities today face a growing set of challenges—aging infrastructure, environmental degradation, volatile demand, and climate-driven uncertainty—that are reshaping how they operate and plan for the future. In this context, and amid the rise of decentralized, multi-benefit projects and the gradual disruption of the traditional business model, this session will explore how the sector now has a critical opportunity to reimagine a more adaptive, resilient, and innovative utility model. The new water utility is one that proactively addresses future risks while meeting the evolving needs of communities and the environment.
Newsha Ajami Chief Strategy And Development Officer For Research, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Newsha Ajami
Dr. Newsha Ajami is an internationally recognized expert in sustainable water resource management, smart cities, water policy, and finance. Currently, she serves as the Chief Strategic Development Officer for Research in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area (EESA) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) where she spearheads interdisciplinary and impact-driven research initiatives at the nexus of water, energy, and climate. Over the years, she has led groundbreaking research using data science principles to study the human and policy dimensions of resilient urban water and hydrologic systems, particularly in the context of a changing climate.
06/05/2025 01:00 pm
to 01:45 pm
Right-Sizing, Water Auditing & Water Management: The Data Intersection
Location: 317
In order to improve building water systems' efficiency and safety, data will be key. In this presentation, Christoph Lohr, PE will review efforts by IAPMO to right-size pipes, and to create a commercial building version of the Water Demand Calculator, and how water auditing to maximize sustainability and water management programs to improve water safety could be key to overall improvements. There are opportunities for water auditors and water safety consultants to make a massive impact outside of their main work. In this session participants will learn what the benefits are and also how to be part of the movement to achieve it.
Christoph Lohr Vice President of Technical Services and Research, IAPMO
Christoph Lohr
Christoph Lohr, P.E., IAPMO’s Vice President of Technical Services and Research, provides industry leadership by participating in strategic initiatives and offering technical support to all IAPMO business units. With over a decade of experience in designing plumbing systems, Christoph is a results-oriented expert, especially in the field of balancing waterborne pathogen prevention and water sustainability. His focused approach aims to identify long-term, holistic solutions that positively impact public health and safety. Christoph, a distinguished graduate from the Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, actively shapes the industry through speaking engagements and writing.
06/05/2025 01:00 pm
to 01:45 pm
Do Smart Meters Save Water?
Location: 309
This session explores the effectiveness of smart water meters in promoting water conservation. We’ll examine how smart meter technology works, what data it provides, and how utilities and consumers can use that information to detect leaks, adjust usage habits, and manage demand. Drawing on case studies and research findings, the session will evaluate whether smart meters truly lead to measurable water savings and under what conditions they are most effective. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the benefits, limitations, and best practices for leveraging smart meter data to support sustainable water use.
Pete Rippee Senior Category Manager, Moen
Pete Rippee
Pete Rippee is the Senior Category Manager for the Moen Smart Water Network at Fortune Brands Innovations. He joined Fortune Brands and Moen in 2024 and is responsible for managing the growth and development of Connected Products across Moen, including the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff. Prior to joining Fortune Brands Innovations, Pete was at Henkel for over 13 years, where his role included responsibilities in product management, brand management, project management and supply chain planning within the building materials industry.
John Higdon Director of Standards Development, IAPMO
John Higdon
John currently serves as the Director of Standards Development for ASSE International and IAPMO. He has served on numerous ASSE Committees, including the Code Committee, Product Standards Committee and Seal Control Board, and on ASSE’s Board of Directors as the Manufacturer’s Representative. A Registered Professional Engineer in North and South Carolina, he received his B.S in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University. He is also the Mayor of Matthews, NC.
06/05/2025 02:00 pm
to 02:45 pm
Fight, Flight or Build it Right
Location: 309
This session features a residential builder discussing the opportunities and challenges of incorporating water conservation into home design and construction. The presenter will share real-world experiences, from selecting efficient fixtures and appliances to integrating greywater systems, drought-tolerant landscaping, and smart irrigation technologies. The discussion will also address market demand, cost considerations, and evolving building codes related to water efficiency. Attendees will gain practical insights into how builders are responding to water scarcity and designing homes that are both sustainable and appealing to today’s environmentally conscious homeowners.
Jacob Atalla VP, Sustainability Initiatives at KB Home
Jacob Atalla
Jacob Atalla is Vice President of Innovation and Sustainability at KB Home, where he works across the enterprise to deliver leading sustainability programs and initiatives, including building homes that can promote the health of their residents as well as the environment.
Educated as an architect, Jacob has over 35 years’ experience with technology and green building. He draws on this deep expertise to develop forward-looking ESG initiatives, and to lead the preparation of KB Home’s annual sustainability report.
Jacob progressively developed a deep and dynamic portfolio of programs and initiatives that yielded the most ENERGY STAR certified and WaterSense labeled homes in the nation.
Jacob serves on the board of directors for Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Working with RESNET and other organizations, Jacob helped in the development of ANSI/RESNET/ICC 850-2020 Standard for the calculation of the water use performance of homes.
06/05/2025 02:00 pm
to 02:45 pm
Resiliency and the NEW Comfort
Location: 317
Modern lifestyles and urban development have disrupted Nature’s water cycle. Daily actions like flushing toilets, adding impermeable surfaces, and displacing natural ecosystems affect watersheds and community health. But is there a better way? Building resilience—our ability to adapt—can help us find new, more sustainable ways to live. In this conversation, we explore how aligning our lives with the water cycle can restore watershed health, strengthen communities, and foster a culture that respects Nature, people, and place.
Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar Cultural Ecologist Director, Watershed Management Group
Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar
Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar, PhD, is the Cultural Ecologist Director at Watershed Management Group (WMG) since 2013. WMG is a local nonprofit organization that develops community-based solutions to ensure the long-term prosperity of people and health in the environment. Joaquin is responsible for managing a variety of community-based projects, with an emphasis on the interface of water, people, and culture. Specifically, Dr. Murrieta looks at the role of urban-built environments in the overall management and health of watersheds and communities. Primary responsibilities of the job include managing the schoolyard and Faith Based Organizations program, international and U.S.-Mexico border region, expanding and coordinating activities with Native cultures of the Sonoran Desert, and leading rain water management project implementation and strategies.
06/05/2025 03:00 pm
to 03:45 pm
Missing Money - Funding for Water Conservation
Location: 309
This session will examine the current landscape of water conservation funding. While established and robust financing mechanisms are available for energy efficiency programs, water conservation efforts frequently face fragmented funding, limited program visibility, and regulatory hurdles. The session will discuss the challenges water-focused projects encounter in securing financial support, and explore strategies to elevate water’s profile in sustainability and infrastructure investment conversations.
Kevin Reidy Senior State Water Efficiency Specialist, Colorado Water Conservation Board
Kevin Reidy
Kevin is the Senior State Water Efficiency Specialist at the Colorado Water Conservation Board and has worked in this position since 2009. He provides technical and financial assistance to water providers across Colorado for water efficiency planning and implementation, assists local governments on land use and water efficiency integration, works on long range statewide water supply and demand forecasting and develops statewide water efficiency policy through research and projects. Kevin received his Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University in Recreation Resources Management and an M.S. degree in Forest Ecology and Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In between he served in the Peace Corps in Honduras, Central America working in Pico Bonito National Park. During graduate school, he focused on social and cultural aspects of forest management and conducted his Master's thesis research in Colorado, surveying landowners on their knowledge of and orientation to wildfire mitigation education and practices. Kevin worked for Aurora Water for 7 years as the Water Conservation Supervisor overseeing all aspects of the water conservation division.
Andrew Erdmann Water Planner, New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission
Andrew Erdmann
Andrew Erdmann is the water planning program manager for the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission. Planning for New Mexico’s water future is guided by the Water Security Planning Act that passed the state Legislature unanimously in 2023. Prior to this work, Andrew held other positions in the water field including Water Resources Coordinator with the City of Santa Fe’s Water Division, in the fisheries biology program for the US Forest Service and in water rights adjudication and administration at the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer. Andrew has a BA degree from Bard College in upstate New York and MA degrees in both Water Resource Policy and Natural Resources Planning from the University of New Mexico.
06/05/2025 03:00 pm
to 03:45 pm
Water-Energy/Energy-Water Nexus
Location:317
Amanda Hatherly CEO, Building Performance Institute
Amanda Hatherly
Amanda Hatherly is the CEO of the Building Performance Institute. Prior to joining BPI in 2024, she managed a workforce education and training energy efficiency and electrification program for a California utility. She has over 15 years’ experience in the home performance industry and, as Director of the EnergySmart Academy at Santa Fe Community College, helped develop WERS, commercial and restaurant training. She was also part of the original WERS development team in Santa Fe.
Holly Cannon Environmental Scientist, Eastern Research Group, Inc.
Holly Cannon
Holly Cannon is an environmental scientist with ERG who has dedicated her career to promoting water efficiency and sustainable facilities management. As a contractor to EPA, she has supported all technical aspects of the WaterSense program since 2006, with expertise in commercial and institutional, residential, and outdoor water use. Highlights of her WaterSense support include co-authoring WaterSense at Work and conducting a pre-rinse spray valve field study. She has completed field water use and conservation assessments at many large facilities, and, in doing so, helped EPA reduce its water use by 40 percent Agencywide. More recently, Holly has focused on illustrating the connection between water, energy, and carbon at a community level.
06/05/2025 04:00 pm
to 04:45 pm
Top 10 Ideas for Water Conservation Research Projects
Location: 307
Doug Pushard Founder, KuelWater
Doug Pushard
Doug is a lifetime American Rainwater Catchment System Association (ARCSA) member, an Accredited Professional and an ex-Board member of ARCSA. He is a prolific writer and his articles have appeared in The New York Times, Water Efficiency Magazine, Home Power, Taos News and Water News, among others. He also has a regular monthly column in the Santa Fe New Mexican. He is co-author of two water studies that have been widely published: “Rainwater Harvesting Industry Market Size and Trends” and “First-Ever Long-Term Water Conservation Rebate Study”. Doug is also a Co-Chair of the Next Generation Water Summit.
06/06/2025 08:30 am
to 10:00 am
Friday Keynote: What I Dream
Location: 307
This presentation will explore key policy and research areas in water sustainability and climate resilience that have been talked about for years, but which still remain unfinished work. I will give my own perspective on what I think is most important.
Mary Ann Dickinson Director, Land and Water Policy for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
Mary Ann Dickinson
Mary Ann Dickinson is the Director of Land and Water Policy for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, where she works on the better integration of land and water policy in the US and globally. Prior to joining the Lincoln Institute, she was the founder and President/CEO for 15 years of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water in the United States and Canada. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in environmental planning and Master’s coursework in environmental management with over 50 years of professional experience in the water and land conservation fields, Mary Ann has served in numerous local, national, and international organizations.
She is the past Chair of the Efficient Urban Water Management Specialist Group for the International Water Association, past Chair of the American Water Works Association National Water Conservation Division, past President of the California Irrigation Institute, past President of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District, and past Treasurer of the Texas Water Foundation. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Water and Planning Network at the American Planning Association, and as the Executive Director of the California Irrigation Institute.
06/06/2025 10:15 am
to 11:15 am
IAPMO National Water Auditor Certification Program
Location: 309
The commercial water sector represents a large water conservation target, but to date it has been illusive in building a cost-effective program to capture this potential savings. Part of the problem has been a lack of broad professional training for professionals to perform assessments in a consistent, repeatable and verifiable way. In this presentation you will hear from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) new first-ever Commercial Water Auditing Certification Program. This program trains water professionals in how to conduct water assessments for commercial systems, the role of water audits in addressing water scarcity, and practical strategies for improving water efficiency in the CI sector. IAPMO has partnered with top professionals from Maddaus Water Management, HW (Bill) Hoffman & Associates LLC, and Doug Pushard of KuelWater to provide hands-on, expert-led training. You will also hear from Carlos Bustos, from Maddaus Water Management on topics covered during this training as well as information on a companion class on How to Build a Successful CII Water Conservation Program.
Tony Marcello Senior VP, Training and Credential Services for IAPMO
Tony Marcello
For the past 18 years, Mr. Marcello has worked for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) where he currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Training and Credential Services where he oversees all of the organization’s training and professional certification programs across several departments and subsidiaries. He also serves on several organizational committees and is the staff liaison for many of IAPMO’s volunteer committees. Additionally, he serves on the executive management committee for the International Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH), IAPMO’s charitable foundation.
Carlos Bustos Senior Water Resources Project Manager
Carlos Bustos
Carlos is a Senior Water Resources Project Manager at Maddaus Water Management with 18 years of experience in water resources management and community development. He specializes in utility operations, environmental and social governance, demand management, water loss, CII conservation, non-functional turfgrass strategies, climate resiliency, policy, and strategic planning. His expertise includes conducting water loss audits, developing conservation plans, and managing integrated water resources and demand management strategies.
Before joining Maddaus, Carlos served as Water Conservation Manager for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA), where he managed conservation projects and developed policies.
06/06/2025 10:15 am
to 11:15 am
Overcoming Barriers to Greywater Adoption
Location: 307
Graywater is a critical tool for a secure water future. However, many barriers impede the use of this resource. To address this, key industry leaders met to discuss these barriers and how to advance the market. This session will review the results from this pre-conference working meeting to share next steps and invite your participation in the future of graywater reuse.
Laura Allen Co-founder, Greywater Action
Laura Allen
Laura Allen is the co-founder of Greywater Action, where she educates about sustainable water solutions through trainings and online classes. She authored Greywater, Green Landscape and The Water-Wise Home: How to Capture, Conserve, and Reuse Water in Your Home and Landscape. Laura is a technical advisory committee member for the International Association of Mechanical and Plumbing Officials’ (IAPMO) Water Efficiency Standard (We-STAND).
06/06/2025 11:30 am
to 12:15 pm
Innovative Product Panel
Location: 309
New water savings technology will be part of our future. The technology thus far has enabled us to grow in many communities over the last decade without increasing water supplies. This panel will introduce three new technologies that may fit into our water conservation strategies.
RainStick Shower revolutionizes showering with innovative recirculating technology, saving up to 80% water and energy while delivering double the flow rate.
OMGEN is a conglomerate of water technologies and technology partners spanning wastewater and environmental clean-ups, solving municipal water quality challenges, including pharmaceutical waste, PFAS (microscopic plastics), and chemical wastewater treatment contaminants.
Water Catchment Technologies is developing drought ending catchment solutions, including rainwater harvesting for PV panels.
Alisha McFetridge CEO, RainStick Shower
Alisha McFetridge
Alisha is co-founder and CEO of RainStick Shower, a clean technology company committed to cutting residential water usage in half. Rainstick is a high-flow shower system of 3GPM that saves 80% water and 80% energy through point-of-use recirculation and real-time cleansing. Alisha holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development and a Bachelor in International Business, majoring in Sustainability. In 2020, she came first place in the Communitech's Fierce Founder's Competition and is also the recipient of the Caldwell Partner's Future CEO Award, Royals Roads Leadership Award, and the TD Sustainability Award. She has spent time working, studying and living in Kenya, China, The Netherlands, the United States and Canada, where she currently lives today.
JP Nickell Founder, OMGEN
JP Nickell
Jamie Nickell, Founder of OMGEN, has spent decades developing water technologies that address some of the world’s toughest contamination challenges — from PFAS and chemical waste to municipal wastewater and desalination. His innovations combine microbiology, frequencies, polarity, and microorganisms to transform polluted water into clean, life-supporting ecosystems. Backed by a global network of experts, Jamie is on a mission to heal both water and the planet at scale.
James Kazmarek Founder, CEO @ Water Catchment Technologies, Inc.
James Kazmarek
James Kazmarek, based in Carlsbad, CA, US, is currently a Founder, CEO at Water Catchment Technologies, Inc.. James Kazmarek brings experience from previous roles at Ember Deflector Systems, inc. and Martin Marietta, Orlando Aerospace. James Kazmarek holds a PhD,, Summa Cum Laude in STEM @ USA School of Hard Knocks. With a robust skill set that includes New Business Development, Product Development, Strategic Planning, Marketing Strategy, Business Strategy and more.
06/06/2025 11:30 am
to 12:15 pm
Graywater Multi-family and Commercial Regulations Across the US
Location: 307
This session will provide an overview of emerging greywater regulations for multi-family and commercial buildings across the United States. Attendees will learn how different states and municipalities define, permit, and regulate greywater reuse, with a focus on key variations in code requirements, system design standards, and approval processes. Also, hear about the partnerships with ICC, IAPMO and NSF. The session will also examine common challenges in implementing greywater systems at scale, including plumbing code limitations, health and safety concerns, and maintenance considerations. Case studies will highlight successful projects and innovative approaches to navigating regulatory landscapes. Finally, learn about oversight and management strategies as well and the latest from the National Blue Ribbon Commission (NBRC) and Building Infrastructure Locally for Decentralized Water Systems (BILD). This session is ideal for designers, builders, and policymakers seeking to expand greywater reuse in larger buildings.
Paula Kehoe Director of Water Resources, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Paula Kehoe
Paula Kehoe is the Director of Water Resources for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). She is responsible for diversifying San Francisco’s local water supply portfolio through the development and implementation of conservation, groundwater, and recycled water programs. Paula spearheaded the landmark legislation allowing for the collection, treatment, and use of alternate water sources in buildings and districts within San Francisco. Paula also leads the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Water Systems, leading the industry in onsite non-potable water systems. Previously, she worked as the Assistant to the General Manager of the SFPUC and supported the utility’s $4.8 billion capital improvement program designed to rebuild and repair the third largest water delivery system in California. As Public Education Director for the SFPUC’s Water Pollution Prevention Program, Paula received six state and national awards. Paula holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Master of Science from the University of San Francisco.
06/06/2025 01:00 pm
to 01:45 pm
Building Infrastructure for the Water Reuse Revolution
Location: 307
As extreme drought continues across the U.S., cities are protecting public freshwater resources with an innovative new strategy: by having buildings recycle their own wastewater. In 2024, Austin, TX adopted a comprehensive program to increase the use of recycled water in new commercial and multi-family developments through a mix or ordinances, incentives, and new funding mechanisms. Hear how one city in the semi-arid Southwest is changing the way buildings are designed and operated with non-potable water reuse systems to conserve precious drinking water supplies.
Katherine Jashinski Supervising Engineer, Austin Water
Katherine Jashinski
Katherine Jashinski manages the Onsite Water Reuse & Reclaimed Water Development Program for the City of Austin. Her team is responsible for implementing the City’s onsite water reuse and reclaimed water initiatives through ordinance development, plan review and permitting, and regulatory oversight. Katherine has a Master of Science in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from University to Texas at Austin and has held various water reuse planning and regulatory roles at Austin Water for the past 14 years. She is a member of the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems which was created to advance the best practices of onsite water reuse systems in the U.S.
06/06/2025 01:00 pm
to 01:45 pm
Measuring the Community’s Savings from Water Efficiency in Santa Fe
Location: 309
Since the early 1990s, water conservation has been an important part of the city of Santa Fe’s growth strategy. Using water efficiently has allowed the city to avoid or delay costly infrastructure projects by stretching its existing water resources further. Per capita water use has decreased by more than 40%, all while supporting more than a 25% increase in population since 1995 and helping to keep city and customer costs low. At the same time, using water efficiently has saved a tremendous amount of energy costs as well. The topography and sources of water available to the city means that every gallon of water delivered is accompanied by a significant electric bill. This study looks at detailed records across a three-year period 2021-2023. It considers variations in the various sources of water the city uses, water and energy consumed, and more to paint a detailed picture of what it takes to keep the taps on. It also presents a picture of just how large this bill may have been at 1990 consumption levels, and on what future trends may hold.
Jonah Schein National Program Manager, EPA WaterSense
Jonah Schein
Jonah Schein is National Program Manager for Homes & Buildings for the EPA's WaterSense Program. Jonah is an experienced water efficiency professional working on national and international water issues. Jonah has spent over a decade leading the technical direction and development of WaterSense, the EPA's water efficiency program. He holds a Master's degree in Environmental Science & Policy from The Johns Hopkins University.
06/06/2025 02:00 pm
to 02:45 pm
Recirculating Shower Systems
Location: 307
Recirculating Showers offer water and energy savings by capturing, filtering, and reusing shower water in real time. This session will introduce and explore the potential of recirculating showers to contribute to high-efficiency building goals and drought resilience, as well as practical considerations for adoption in residential and commercial applications. The session will also discuss the development of IAPMO Z1398, the nascent standard for recirculating shower systems, and discuss how Z1398 supports the design, installation, and certification of compliant systems.
Alisha McFetridge CEO, RainStick Shower
Alisha McFetridge
Alisha is co-founder and CEO of RainStick Shower, a clean technology company committed to cutting residential water usage in half. Rainstick is a high-flow shower system of 3GPM that saves 80% water and 80% energy through point-of-use recirculation and real-time cleansing. Alisha holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development and a Bachelor in International Business, majoring in Sustainability. In 2020, she came first place in the Communitech's Fierce Founder's Competition and is also the recipient of the Caldwell Partner's Future CEO Award, Royals Roads Leadership Award, and the TD Sustainability Award. She has spent time working, studying and living in Kenya, China, The Netherlands, the United States and Canada, where she currently lives today.
John Higdon Director of Standards Development, IAPMO
John Higdon
John currently serves as the Director of Standards Development for ASSE International and IAPMO. He has served on numerous ASSE Committees, including the Code Committee, Product Standards Committee and Seal Control Board, and on ASSE’s Board of Directors as the Manufacturer’s Representative. A Registered Professional Engineer in North and South Carolina, he received his B.S in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University. He is also the Mayor of Matthews, NC.
06/06/2025 02:00 pm
to 02:45 pm
Solar Hot Water - Save Water, Save Energy
Location: 309
In this session, Rob draws on over 25 years of experience in designing and building solar and sustainable structures to explore the intersection of renewable energy and water conservation. Focusing on solar hot water systems, Rob will share practical strategies for reducing water use in residential and commercial buildings. Topics will include system design considerations, integration with efficient plumbing and recirculation technologies, and real-world examples of successful installations. Attendees will gain insights into how solar hot water can play a key role in sustainable building and long-term water resource savings.
Rob Althouse SolarWise
Rob Althouse
Robert Althouse heads SolarWise, bringing 45 plus years of experience, designing and building solar and sustainable structures, both commercial and residential. He studied Solar Energy at The University of New Mexico. He also has worked in sustainable planning, watershed restoration, and cut the irrigation use at the NM Governor’s mansion by over 50%. He’s @Solmanrob on Facebook and Instagram.
06/06/2025 03:00 pm
to 03:45 pm
Closing Plenary
Location: 307
This session puts a bow on the 2025 Next Generation Water Summit, and includes the opportunity to get feedback from our attendees and thoughts on next year's Summit.
Doug Pushard Founder, KuelWater
Doug Pushard
Doug is a lifetime American Rainwater Catchment System Association (ARCSA) member, an Accredited Professional and an ex-Board member of ARCSA. He is a prolific writer and his articles have appeared in The New York Times, Water Efficiency Magazine, Home Power, Taos News and Water News, among others. He also has a regular monthly column in the Santa Fe New Mexican. He is co-author of two water studies that have been widely published: “Rainwater Harvesting Industry Market Size and Trends” and “First-Ever Long-Term Water Conservation Rebate Study”. Doug is also a Co-Chair of the Next Generation Water Summit.
Mike Collignon Executive Director
Mike Collignon
Mike Collignon is the Executive Director of the Green Builder® Coalition, an organization he co-founded in 2010. He engages in national and state-level advocacy and periodically writes for Green Builder® Media. Mike is also the Chair of the WERS Development Group and the Co-Chair of the Next Generation Water Summit. Finally, he has served as the voice of Green Builder® Media’s online and in-person events from 2012–present.
Glenn Schiffbauer Executive Director
Glenn Schiffbauer
Glenn Schiffbauer, a native New Mexican, received his BBA from New Mexico State University and his MBA from the Robert O. Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico. In 2005, he was hired as liaison and project manager for Robert Redford in New Mexico working on a variety of projects in film, government and sustainable construction. In October of 2012, he became the Executive Director for the newly founded Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce (SFGCC). The Green Chamber has grown to 180 business members. Mr. Schiffbauer has co-chaired the organization to co-host the Next Generation Water Summit for 7 years, a conference dedicated to water conservation that attracts speakers and attendees from around the world. Arising from that conference came a partnership between the SFGCC and the City of Santa Fe to develop and institute the country’s only Restaurant Water Conservation Program, that expanded to other businesses in 2023. Mr. Schiffbauer was also appointed to the NM Economic Department Sustainable Economic Advisory Council.
06/06/2025 10:15 am
to 11:15 am
Water Use and Conservation in Santa Fe: Past, Present and Future
Location: 317
Jesse Roach, City of Santa Fe’s Public Utilities Department Director, will provide an overview of the past, present, and future of water use and conservation in Santa Fe. Topics covered will include the development of our diverse water supply portfolio, a nationally renowned conservation program, and how the City plans to continue to provide a safe, reliable and resilient water supply to meet the needs of the community into the next century.
Jesse Roach Director of City of Santa Fe Water
Jesse Roach
Jesse Roach P.E. Ph.D. is Director of City of Santa Fe Water, a position he has held since July 2019. At City of Santa Fe Water, Jesse has led a strategic planning effort, led development of a long range water resources planning process, and provided leadership in support of new water resources development. Jesse’s technical areas of expertise include municipal operations and demand, potential climate change impacts on water resources, surface water – groundwater dynamics, and agricultural operations and demand. Jesse was the technical lead on an assessment of potential climate change impacts to water resources, and possible resulting changes to water operations in the Upper Rio Grande basin and a contributor to technical evaluation of water utility scale adaptation to potential hydrologic impacts of climate change in Santa Fe. Jesse holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford, and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in Hydrology and Water Resources.
06/06/2025 11:30 am
to 12:15 pm
Santa Fe City Update: What's Going on with Water
Location: 317
City of Santa Fe officials will be discussing the latest on their water conservation efforts. They will also take your questions.
Carol Romero-Wirth Councilor
Carol Romero-Wirth
Carol is serving in her second term on the Santa Fe City Council. Her maternal roots span generations in the Mora Valley of New Mexico. She has degrees from Colorado College, the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas in Austin, and the University of New Mexico Law School. For over thirty years, Carol has worked as a public policy consultant on water, environment, and sustainability issues. She has been active in the Santa Fe community serving on many non-profit boards. Carol and her husband, Peter, raised two children in Santa Fe and practice law together at The Wirth Law Firm, PC. Her City Committee Assignments include: Chair, Finance Committee; Chair, Water Conservation Committee; Vice Chair, Buckman Direct Diversion Board; Member of Public Works, and Public Utilities Committee, as well as Governing Body Parliamentarian.
Christine Chavez Water Conservation Manager, City of Santa Fe
Christine Chavez
Christine Y. Chavez is the Water Conservation Manager for the City of Santa Fe and is a certified Energy Auditor with the Building Performance Institute, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor with the Irrigation Association and Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper through EPA WaterSense. Christine has a background in water rights administration and energy & water conservation program management in the state of New Mexico. She is a graduate of New Mexico State University (B.S. in Environmental Science and M.S. in Biology).
Jesse Roach Director of City of Santa Fe Water
Jesse Roach
Jesse Roach P.E. Ph.D. is Director of City of Santa Fe Water, a position he has held since July 2019. At City of Santa Fe Water, Jesse has led a strategic planning effort, led development of a long range water resources planning process, and provided leadership in support of new water resources development. Jesse’s technical areas of expertise include municipal operations and demand, potential climate change impacts on water resources, surface water – groundwater dynamics, and agricultural operations and demand. Jesse was the technical lead on an assessment of potential climate change impacts to water resources, and possible resulting changes to water operations in the Upper Rio Grande basin and a contributor to technical evaluation of water utility scale adaptation to potential hydrologic impacts of climate change in Santa Fe. Jesse holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford, and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in Hydrology and Water Resources.
06/06/2025 01:00 pm
to 01:45 pm
New Mexico Legislative Update
Location: 317
This session will focus on 2025 water management legislation, the funding approved, and an overview of forward-looking actions being taken to reform water governance structures, agencies, and mechanisms to secure our waters future.
Peter Wirth State Senator
Peter Wirth
Senator Peter Wirth is a fourth term state Senator and the Senate Majority Leader. He serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Conservation Committee. When he is not working at the Legislature, Peter is a lawyer in Santa Fe. He graduated from Stanford University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Spanish and then went to law school at the University of New Mexico where he obtained a Juris Doctorate in 1990. His current civil law practice emphasizes mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
06/06/2025 02:00 pm
to 02:45 pm
Residential Green Building Code Update
Location: 317
Santa Fe has had a Green Building Code for over a decade. This code is above and beyond the standard building code that applies to all builders in the state of New Mexico. This Green code is mandatory and ensures our local buildings are more energy and water efficient than the National codes. The Santa Fe Green Building Code is being updated to adopt the latest state codes as well as increase the water and energy efficiency of new residential, multi-family and homes that are being remodeled. This session will cover these updates that will go into effect next year.
Steve Onstad Founder, EverGreen Building Solutions
Steve Onstad
Stephen has been involved in the building industry since 1965. In 2009, he started EverGreen Building Solutions to support the new green building codes adopted by the city and county of Santa Fe, NM. He has rated and advised on green building for hundreds of homes in NM and served on the committees that developed the Santa Fe Green Building Code and the NM Residential Energy Conservation Code.
Stephen is a certified WERS Verifier, RESNET HERS H2O rater, and Water Sense verifier. He has served on the Green Builder Coalition's Board of Directors and the WERS Development Group.
He is an IECC Certified Residential Energy Inspector and RESNET HERS, EPA Energy Star, and Indoor Air Plus rater. He has certified homes for LEED, National Green Building Standard, Build Green New Mexico and PHIUS (passive house).
Thomas Graham Deputy Land Use Director, City of Santa Fe
Thomas Graham
A public servant since 2018 and currently a Deputy Land Use Director for the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Previously the ADA Coordinator for the City and worked as an Architectural Access Specialist for the State of New Mexico to begin public service. Also, a Registered Architect with a history of almost 17 years of experience working in the private sector architecture & planning industry. In the private sector, he worked on a variety of projects including large healthcare facility additions and remodels, commercial buildings, as well as residential additions and remodels.
Skilled in Civic, Institutional, Commercial and Accessibility related design, from conception through Construction Administration. Certified as an Accessibility Specialist by the State of California and as an ADA Coordinator by the Great Plains ADA Center through the University of Missouri.
Agendaof the virtual event schedule
We would like to thank our Sponsors for their support
The in-person sessions will take place inside the New Mexico State Capitol building (also known as The Roundhouse), located at 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
Yes. The Drury Plaza Hotel, which is within walking distance of the New Mexico State Capitol building, provides you with daily, complimentary breakfast and an evening happy hour with both food and drinks. We will have a group number available soon, along with a custom link to reserve a room.