Recycled Water Terminology: Why the Words We Use Matter - On Demand

Patricia Tennyson, executive vice-president, Katz & Associates, has developed and managed communication, government/community relations, and public affairs/media strategies for water, recycled water, potable reuse and wastewater projects for agencies including the City of San Diego, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, El Paso Water and many more.  She has a B.A. from Southern Methodist University, M.L.S. from Texas Woman’s University and M.P.A. from San Diego State University.  Ms. Tennyson is a member of American Waterworks Association, the Water Environment Federation and WateReuse California.

Mark is the founder of Data Instincts, a professional consultancy specializing in public outreach for implementing recycled water projects (purple pipe & potable reuse). He has coordinated public outreach for dozens of recycled water projects throughout the United States and has advised on reuse internationally. 

Mark co-authored the Water Research Foundation’s Developing Model Communication Plans for Advancing Awareness and Fostering Acceptance of Potable Reuse. And was a contributing writer to the World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Potable Reuse published in 2017. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for WateReuse CA.

Melanie lives in Santa Cruz County and is a graduate from Cal Poly, SLO (BSCE) and Golden Gate University, San Francisco (MPA). Since 2016, she has been the Program Director for Pure Water Soquel where she’s learned the importance of technology/science needing to be coupled with education/outreach.  Every day on the Project is a ‘Lessons-Learned’ moment as she’s heard comments ranging from “Melanie- drink your own poop water” to “Melanie-recycled water is fantastic”.   She’s proud of her agency’s mobile educational trailer which embodies many of the District’s core outreach principles: factual, accessible, and easy to understand.

Bryan has 27 years of sanitation industry experience.  Since 2016, he has overseen his agency’s public relations and outreach.  Previously, he worked as an engineer in planning, design and operations. 

Ardurra Director – Public Affairs & Community Relations

Gabriela’s 20 years of experience in community relations, public affairs and media relations includes work at two CNN bureaus, service as an Intergovernmental Affairs Officer for a US Governor and White House Office of Public Engagement. She is a lead consultant for the East County Advanced Water Purification and Pure Water Oceanside programs.

 Gabriela has been honored as a “SDCWA Influencer of the Year,” San Diego Union Tribune’s “People to Watch” and Latina Style Magazine “Entrepreneur of the Year.”  She currently serves on the San Diego City College Industry Advisory Board (School of Business and Accounting), and as a board member for “FLOW” (the Fellowship of Latinos in Water). A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, Gabriela brings bilingual and bicultural expertise to all water programs.