Betty Olson Reappointed to Regional Water Quality Board

The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) congratulates Board President Dr. Betty H. Olson on her reappointment to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board and serves as the Vice Chair. The Board is responsible for protecting the water quality relied upon by millions of Southern Californians.

"It is an honor to continue serving on the Regional Board," said Dr. Olson. "Every decision we make impacts the health of our communities and environment."

Dr. Olson brings an extraordinary record of service in both academia and public water leadership. She was first appointed to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board in 2014. She recently retired as a full professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, where she taught for more than four decades and advanced research in environmental biotechnology impacting water quality, and sustainability. At UC Irvine, she served as the founding Director of the Urban Water Research Center. She has also been actively engaged in California water policy and legislation for more than two decades. She currently serves as President of the SMWD Board of Directors and as President of the Association of Clean Water Administrators' Water Quality Committee.

"Betty's reappointment reflects her lifelong commitment to providing clean, reliable water for Southern California," said Robert Grantham, SMWD General Manager. "It also reaffirms our board's dedication to active leadership within the regional water community and beyond."

The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board plays a vital role in safeguarding water quality across San Diego, southern Orange, and southwestern Riverside counties. Dr. Olson's reappointment ensures that the region continues to benefit from her deep expertise and collaborative approach to water management.