For SMWD’s Kenny Sanatar, Service to Community Runs Deep by Santa Margarita Water District Mar 6, 2026 Member Submitted News Every time customers turn on the tap, they depend on a complex system working behind the scenes to deliver reliable, high-quality water to their homes and businesses. At Santa Margarita Water District, Kenny Sanatar plays a key leadership role in keeping that system operating smoothly. Kenny serves as Crew Chief for System Operations, leading the team responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure across the District. This includes managing 59 reservoirs, 25 water treatment boosting sites, three open-water lakes, more than 300 pressure control valves, and over 45 pump stations. His team also coordinates major infrastructure projects and works with neighboring agencies to import water supplies that support the region’s needs. Together, this work helps maintain consistent water pressure, system reliability, and operational readiness for the community every day. Kenny joined SMWD in 2008 as a Maintenance Technician supporting wastewater facilities and has advanced through multiple operational roles over the years. His career progression reflects deep technical expertise, hands-on experience, and a strong commitment to public service. “What I enjoy most is the opportunity to give back to my hometown,” Kenny shared. “Because I live here and have family who live throughout the service area, the work is personal. It’s rewarding to know that what we do supports the daily lives of our community.” As the region has grown, Kenny has seen the District evolve as well. When he first started, Rancho Mission Viejo communities had not yet been developed, and the San Juan Capistrano system had not yet been integrated into SMWD operations. Today, he helps lead a much larger and more complex system serving approximately 210,000 customers. Kenny credits much of his success to the collaborative culture within SMWD’s operations teams. “I’ve learned the most from working alongside my crew,” he said. “We rely on each other’s experience and knowledge every day. That teamwork helps us perform at a high level for the community.” Outside of work, Kenny enjoys spending time with his family, especially his two young daughters. While his earlier years included competitive sports and outdoor activities like racing motorcycles and mountain biking, his free time now centers around family activities at local parks and Lake Mission Viejo. Many colleagues are surprised to learn that Kenny once competed professionally in snowboarding as a teenager — an experience that reflects the determination and discipline he continues to bring to his work today. Kenny’s leadership represents the experienced professionals working behind the scenes to support reliable water service for the community. His work — and that of his team — reflects Santa Margarita Water District’s commitment to operational excellence, infrastructure reliability, and to providing high-quality water customers can depend on every day. Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.
