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Today's Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
A video with no sound highlighting memorable moments of past First Wednesdays events.

The Story of Flow: Recycled Water in Southern California

Only 3% of water on earth is freshwater, and of that 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers, leaving just 1% of water for all humanity needs – including agricultural, residential, industrial, community and personal use. So how do we make the most of this limited resource? Beyond reducing use, a growing strategy is to use water more than once. How is this being done?

Join us for an informative panel discussion with experts from the Long Beach Utilities Dept and Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts on recycled water. Discover how Southern California is reclaiming water, treating it, and then using it for a second purpose. Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of this process and specific examples of where it is being used around you. Recycled water is a necessary part of our future. It enhances local water security, embodies sustainability, and builds resilience.

Following the talk, guests will be invited to a cocktail and social hour in our Art Gallery, enjoy music, crafts, and a cash-bar. Guest will also have the opportunity to visit our live animal exhibit: FROGS “Our Neighbors” Gallery and experience our interactive exhibits Paint-a-Frog and Paint-a-Fish.

TICKETS
DATE
Wednesday
November 6, 2024

7:00–9:00 pm PT
COST
$5.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door (pending availability. Please check first).

Parking is $6.00 for the for 2.5 hours in the structure located directly across from the Aquarium. Cash bar.

Panelists

Heather Rhee is a California Professional Engineer and brings 15 years of experience in the utilities industry, specializing in water and wastewater infrastructure planning and design. As an Engineering Manager at the City of Long Beach Utilities Department, she oversees the Engineering Bureau’s contracts management, develops long-term engineering facilities planning, and leads the development of a 10-year Capital Improvement Plan that complements the Department’s Long Range Finance strategy. As a Project Management Professional and Envision Sustainability Professional, Heather is dedicated to delivering sustainable, resilient, and equitable infrastructure. Beyond her professional life, you can often find Heather in the Sierras exploring the outdoors with her husband Benjamin, their two kids and border collie.

Monica Sanchez, Supervising Engineer, leads the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts’ Reuse Group, overseeing the agency’s recycled water program, which includes the production of 150 MDG of recycled water at ten water reclamation plants, with beneficial use at over 900 reuse sites. She has 22 years of agency experience focused on recycled water treatment and operations; regulatory development, review, and compliance; demand management; and project development. Monica holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, an M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a licensed professional engineer in California.

Tai Tseng has nearly 30 years of diverse experience spanning both public and private sectors. As the Assistant General Manager of the Long Beach Utilities Department, Mr. Tseng is responsible for ensuring the reliable delivery of natural gas, maintaining a dependable supply of high-quality drinking and recycled water, and overseeing the environmentally responsible collection of sewage. His leadership role includes developing and executing strategies to strengthen the integrity of water, gas, and sewer systems, while also managing a complex portfolio of water resources to guarantee quality and sustainability. A licensed civil engineer, Mr. Tseng holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering. He is also certified as a T5 Water Treatment Operator and D5 Water Distribution Operator in the State of California, underscoring his technical expertise and commitment to public safety and environmental stewardship.

Moderator

Jennie Dean, VP or Education and Conservation, Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesays series focuses on animals, nature and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signing or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high school and college students, young professionals, and adults of all ages. Lectures are also live streamed.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays series focuses on animals,nature and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signing or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high school and college students, young professionals, and adults of all ages. Lectures are also live streamed.

Event Highlights

Woman at bar ordering drinks

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Andrew Reitsma

Audience member asking questions

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Andrew Reitsma

Three women at a cocktail table laughing

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Andrew Reitsma

Man and woman at craft table drawing

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Andrew Reitsma

Woman at a craft table drawing

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Andrew Reitsma

Couple at computer station drawing a fish

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Andrew Reitsma

EVENT DETAILS

November 6, 2024 7:00–9:00 pm PT
$5.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door (pending availability. Please check first).

Parking is $6.00 for the for 2.5 hours in the structure located directly across from the Aquarium. Cash bar.
(562) 590-3100
Recommended for Ages 14+
Honda Pacific Visions Theater