Chief Engineer Dr. Maryam Bral Elevated to Assistant General Manager by United Water Conservation District Jan 16, 2025 OXNARD – Accomplished engineer and leader Dr. Maryam Bral is United Water Conservation District’s (UWCD) new Assistant General Manager, bringing over 20 years of expertise in water resource management to the role. As Assistant General Manager, Dr. Bral will guide UWCD’s strategic initiatives, ensuring the delivery of reliable and sustainable water resources to the communities it serves. Dr. Bral embodies out-of-the-box thinking and innovative spirit that set UWCD apart as a water industry leader. “I am honored to step into this new role to further serve the water needs of Ventura County,’” Dr. Bral said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to build a sustainable water future for all. I will work with my colleagues at UWCD to form strong partnerships, shape sound public policy, and deliver high-quality water to our community now and in the future.” Dr. Bral joined UWCD in 2018 as Chief Engineer and Chief Dam Safety Engineer, leading several transformative projects. Her career at UWCD includes advancing the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project at Lake Piru, a $330 million effort to protect the region from the threat of dam failure while ensuring the continued operation of the dam and other UWCD facilities, securing groundwater recharge and surface water delivery to our customers. As a lead contributor to the newly-constructed El Rio Iron and Manganese Treatment Facility Project, Dr. Bral and her team have helped improve regional water quality and mitigate water scarcity in the face of future drought conditions. Additionally, Dr. Bral has been instrumental in realizing the Extraction Barrier and Brackish Water Treatment Project from concept to design and implementation. Her close collaboration with the U.S. Navy has pioneered an innovative solution to seawater intrusion along the Pacific Coast in pursuit of a “new” local water supply. Dr. Bral also played a key role in diversifying supply sources by adding recycled water to UWCD’s water supply portfolio and expanding the use of recycled water in Ventura County through the Laguna Road Recycled Water Interconnection Project. Her ability to deliver sustainable and cost-effective solutions has been a hallmark of her leadership. “On behalf of UWCD and our Board of Directors, I congratulate Dr. Bral on her well-earned promotion,” said General Manager Mauricio Guardado. “Her dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in advancing our mission and making a meaningful impact on the region’s water landscape. We are excited to see the even greater contributions she will bring in her new role.” Dr. Bral holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, with her research work and thesis focused on membrane filtration and artificial recharge of humic groundwaters. She obtained her master’s degree in Chemical/Civil Engineering and bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark. Her research centered on innovative methods for improving water quality, tapping into unused water sources, and advancing sustainable water treatment technologies. For more information about UWCD and its leadership team, visit www.unitedwater.org. ### About United Water Conservation District Since 1927, United Water Conservation District (District) has served as a leader among water agencies by managing, protecting, enhancing and securing the water resources of the Santa Clara River and Oxnard Coastal Plain. The District works to protect the environment’s natural attributes and conserves runoff from all major tributaries of the Santa Clara River, including Piru, Hopper, Sespe, and Santa Paula Creeks. Committed to managing the area’s water supplies through groundwater replenishment and the construction and operation of efficient water supply and delivery systems, the District serves as the conservator of groundwater resources that are utilized by the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Santa Paula, and Fillmore, as well as Naval Base Ventura County and several mutual water districts, farms, and individual pumpers. The District also provides surface water for agricultural irrigation and treated drinking water to the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. www.unitedwater.org
