SMWD’s Stewart Recognized for Exemplary Leadership by Santa Margarita Water District Jul 11, 2025 Member Submitted News California Water Environment Association (CWEA) recently recognized Bryan Stewart as the 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year. Bryan’s strategic mindset, coupled with his strong interpersonal skills, has enhanced SMWD’s operational efficiency, which continues to drive innovation at Santa Margarita Water District. Bryan notes, “I am truly honored to receive this award and could not have done it without the support and collaboration of the exceptional team here at SMWD.” Since joining the SMWD in 2021 as a Management Analyst, Bryan has been a driving force behind several key operational improvements. He led the upgrade of the District’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection software, which is used to visually assess the condition of underground pipelines. In addition, he introduced new geographic information system (GIS) capabilities—digital mapping technology used to visualize and analyze infrastructure data. One of Bryan’s most impactful achievements was integrating GIS data with the CCTV system for the first time in the field. This advancement allowed inspection crews to initiate pipeline inspections directly from GIS maps, significantly improving accuracy, coordination, and overall efficiency. Beyond technology, Bryan has also contributed to refining internal policies, procedures, and reporting practices, helping the District modernize its approach to infrastructure management. Bryan’s work was highlighted in the feature article, Reclaiming History, Rebuilding Infrastructure – How SMWD Uses GIS for Smart Trenchless Rehab, which appeared in the May 2025 issue of Trenchless Technology.
