Water specialists to gather May 8 for technology conference

Science and water technology will again converge for a variety of technical sessions, exhibits and networking opportunities at the 2014 BlueTechValley Water Technology Conference coming to the Fresno area next month.

The annual event is slated for May 8 in the Clovis Veteran’s Memorial Building. It will highlight the latest research and product development being conducted to help ensure water supplies for California’s agricultural industry, water districts and municipalities in spite of the continuing drought conditions plaguing the state.

During the morning plenary session, two panels of speakers will provide an overview of our unprecedented water challenges and how we can meet them.

Panel A. Water and Sustainable Agriculture: Panelists include Eduardo Montoya, California State University, Bakersfield; Rob Negrini, California State University, Bakersfield; and Tom Tomich, University of California, Davis.

Panel B. Water Supplies and the Future: Panelists include Kamyar Guivetchi, Department of Water Resources; Martin Querin, City of Fresno; and Andrew Stone, American Ground Water Trust.

Keynote speaker Bill Phillimore, executive vice president for Paramount Farming Co., will address Challenges for Irrigated Agriculture. As executive vice president for Paramount Farming Co., Phillimore manages the company’s water and power divisions, a job he has held since 1987. He also serves as president of Belridge Water Storage District and chairman of the Kern Water Bank Authority. 

Phillimore is active in the California water arena, in particular with the Coalition for a Sustainable Delta and the Committee for Delta Reliability. During his address he will share experiences and provide insights into the future of irrigated agriculture under the current drought conditions and beyond.

Following lunch, three concurrent sessions will address groundwater, on-farm irrigation technology, and urban water use and treatment.

Registration is $125 per person (or $99 before April 23). For sponsorship and exhibitor prices and information, as well as registration and further information about the conference, visit Fresno State’s Center for Irrigation Technology website at http://www.fresnostate.edu/jcast/cit/.

Geographically located in California’s Central Valley, the BlueTechValley is developing as the world’s Water Hub, providing business and intellectual support for sustainable water technology businesses focused on regional and global growth. The valley offers opportunities for start-ups and established companies, creating a supporting environment for testing, development, and commercializing of innovative water and energy technology. For more information visit http://bluetechvalley.org/