The Who, What, When, Where, Why & How Water Restrictions in MA

Jennifer Pederson is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Water Works Association (MWWA).  MWWA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the advancement of the drinking water profession.   Jennifer oversees MWWA’s drinking water operator education programs, volunteer committees, public relations and is responsible for coordinating the association’s legislative and regulatory affairs.   Prior to being hired by MWWA, Jennifer worked at a municipal light and water department doing public outreach regarding conservation.  She is a member of American Water Works Association, New England Water Works Association, and various county water works associations.  She is a public member of the Water Management Act Advisory Committee, participates on New England Water Works Association’s Sustainability Committee and was a participant in the Commonwealth’s Sustainable Water Management Initiative.  Jennifer received a Master’s Degree in Political Science from Suffolk University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy/Public Policy and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. 

At the time of this training Randy Brown held the title of Public Works Director for the Town of Southwick for the past 9 years.  His responsibilities include overseeing the water, sewer, highway, solid waste, and engineering divisions.  He is a Professional Engineer registered in Massachusetts, a Grade 2D operator, and certified in Green Infrastructure.

Vicki Halmen has worked for the Ipswich Utilities Department for 24 years and has served as the Water and Wastewater Director for the past 8 years.  Her experience includes project management, engineering design, construction administration and field inspections.   As director she is responsible for oversight of all water and wastewater distribution, collection and treatment and business operations as well as budget development and rate setting.

At the time of this training Dan Pelletier  was the Water-Wastewater Superintendent for the Town of Harwich 2015. As Superintendent, Dan was responsible for the management and oversight of the Public Water System which provides potable drinking water to over 13,000 year-round residents and an estimated summer population of 40,000. The Harwich Water Department is a regular recipient of MassDEP’s Annual Public Water System Awards in the “Beyond Compliance” category and received official citations from the Governor of Massachusetts, House of Representatives, and Senate. 

Dan is a licensed T3/D3 Drinking Water Operator, Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO), License Construction Supervisor and holds a BS in Civil Engineering Technology from Wentworth.  Dan now works in the private sector.

At the time of this training Todd Melanson  was the Environmental Compliance Manager for the Chelmsford Water District.  He was responsible for compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations.  He oversaw the water conservation program and oversaw customer education outreach and education.  He also was in charge of energy management and emergency spill response.  He has 18 years of experience as an Analytical Chemist and Microbiologist and a 12 year verteran of the US Army and MA National Guard.  He served two terms on his local water commission and is an active member of MWWA and NEWWA.  He holds a MA T2 and D3 Drinking Water License.   Todd is currently the manager for the Billerica Water Dept.