Eric Smith Creates a Legacy of Leadership, Leading & Learning by Santa Margarita Water District Jul 22, 2026 Member Submitted News For nearly three decades, Eric Smith has helped shape the culture, operations, and people of Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD). As he prepares for retirement after almost 30 years of service, Eric leaves behind more than an impressive career—he leaves a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence that will continue to influence SMWD for years to come. Throughout his career, Eric has earned the respect of colleagues across the organization by leading from the front. Whether working alongside crews in the field, mentoring the next generation of leaders, or helping bring major infrastructure projects online, Eric has always been known as someone who is willing to roll up his sleeves, solve problems, and support his team. “Half of my life has been spent enjoying what I do at the District, so the time has gone by quickly,” Eric says with a smile. That passion for the work—and for the people who perform it—has defined his career. Eric began his journey at SMWD as a Customer Service Field Representative, reading water meters and learning the District from the ground up. Over the years, he worked through nearly every operational role, building an unmatched understanding of the systems, facilities, and people responsible for delivering high-quality drinking water and wastewater services to the community. His fingerprints can be found on many of SMWD’s most significant operational achievements. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of bringing major facilities online, including Upper Chiquita Reservoir and Trampas Reservoir,” Eric reflects. “I’ve also had the opportunity to help improve water quality by testing reservoir management systems and learning the water chemistry needed to keep our customers safe. Being able to share that knowledge with our crews has been especially rewarding.” While infrastructure projects stand as visible milestones, Eric is quick to point to the people behind the work. Over the past several years, Operations has managed everything from complex pressure-reducing vault rehabilitations in San Juan Capistrano to supporting new reservoirs, pump stations, and other critical facilities as the District continues to grow. Eric credits the team’s willingness to collaborate and support one another as the key to those successes. “We have a great team,” he says. “Everyone is willing to help however they can. That respect for each other and willingness to learn from one another is what makes this organization special.” That philosophy extends directly into Eric’s approach to leadership. Rather than focusing on being the smartest person in the room, Eric believes great leaders build teams that are even stronger than themselves. “I try to hire people who are better than I am and help them succeed in any way I can,” he explains. “When someone is promoted, I remind them that their job is no longer just to know how to do the work. Their job is to help the people they lead become the best they can be.” His emphasis on mentorship has helped develop countless employees throughout the organization. Eric is equally quick to acknowledge those who helped shape his own career. “I’ve had so many mentors at SMWD that it’s impossible to name just one,” he says. “From Customer Service to Operations, everyone taught me something. I learned just as much from the people I supervised as I did from those who supervised me.” That humility and commitment to continuous learning have become hallmarks of Eric’s leadership. His advice for anyone entering the water industry is simple: “Learn. If you’re interested in what happens here, there is no end to what you can learn. I’m still learning today, and I’m grateful I was given every opportunity to keep growing throughout my career.” As Eric retires, he leaves SMWD stronger than he found it—not only through the infrastructure and operational improvements he helped advance, but through the leaders he mentored, the teams he strengthened, and the culture he helped build. His legacy also reflects something larger than any one individual. Over nearly 30 years, Eric has helped establish operational practices, develop talented employees, and foster a culture of continuous improvement that positions the District for continued success. Customers can remain confident that the dedicated professionals Eric helped mentor will continue delivering the safe, reliable, high-quality drinking water and wastewater services the community depends on every day. Outside of work, Eric looks forward to spending more time with his family, traveling, fishing with his son, mountain biking, and, true to form, continuing to learn new skills and tackle new projects. As one chapter closes, the impact of his leadership will continue to be felt throughout the organization and the communities SMWD serves. Thank you, Eric, for nearly 30 years of exceptional service, steadfast leadership, and your enduring commitment to the people of Santa Margarita Water District. Your contributions have helped shape not only the District’s operations, but also the culture of teamwork, excellence, and service that will carry SMWD into the future. Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.
