PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Past, Present, Future
SEPTEMBER 15th
The ARCSA International Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Mojave Learning Center, Additonal Cost - $35
This three-hour Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting Class is meant for those wanting to get an ideal of what the four steps of a rainwater harvesting systems include, what they can provide in a water supply, and what they require for design and construction. The basics for determining a water budget will be discussed to provide an attendee an idea of their potential for rainwater capture. Be sure to order the ARCSA Rainwater Harvesting Manual (you can purchase during your registration process for $35) for a detailed guide to rainwater harvesting.
The ARCSA Interational Rainwater Harvesting Systems Advanced Class
Mojave Learning Center, Additonal Cost - $150 (Advanced Class only - no test); $505 (Recertification + with test)
This course will be combined with the ARCSA International Recertification Class which is required for renewing a professional ASSE 21000 Series Certification.
The advanced four-hour class will delve deeper in the requirements for a rainwater catchment system. This class will provide an overview of the latest requirement for both active and passive systems, discuss both outdoor and in-building rainwater use, discuss sanitation for potable uses, and discuss rules and regulations. There will be several seasoned rainwater harvesting professionals, in addition to the instructor to answer questions that may arise.
For those taking the class for Recertification, this course qualifies for renewing one or all three ASSE 21000 certifications, one course, one exam, renews ASSE 21110, 21120 and/or 21130. You will have 30 days to register for the ASSE 21000 Series Rainwater Catchment Systems Designer, Installer, and Inspector Recertification Exam. It is anticipated that the student will additionally review their ARCSA Rainwater Harvesting Manual, the Plumbing Engineering and Design Standards ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63-2020: Rainwater Catchment Systems, and ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 78-2023: Stormwater Harvesting Systems Design for Direct End-Use Applications.
SEPTEMBER 16th
Registration
Smoketree F
ARCSA Joint Board of Directors Meeeting
Pasadena, Open Meeting
ARCSA Open House: Networking Reception
Oasis 3A, Join ARCSA for an Open House Reception with light appetizers, drinks, and a chance to learn more about ARCSA. Open to all attendees!
SEPTEMBER 17th
Registration
Smoketree F
Breakfast & Coffee
Oasis 3A, Attendees will enjoy a breakfast spread each morning with a variety of options.
ARCSA Conference Opening
Oasis 3A
David Crawford, President ARCSA International; Tamim Younos, PhD (Green Water-Infrastructure Academy) Conference Committee Co-Chair, ARCSA Research & Education Council
IAPMO/ASSE/ARCSA Co-Located Companion Program
San Jacinto, Join us for a thoughtfully curated Thursday companion program designed to nourish the mind, body, and senses. The day begins with a peaceful Reiki Sound Bath experience led by the talented Betty Colombo. Come in comfortable clothing and prepare to unwind—towels will be provided for your relaxation. After the morning session, companions are invited to enjoy lunch on their own, with a variety of nearby dining options available. The afternoon brings a creative twist with a custom fragrance-making class, where each participant will blend their own signature scent to take home—perfect as a personal keepsake or a unique gift.
Beneficial Uses of Rainwater
Oasis 3A, Session Moderator: TBD, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sustainable Water Management Systems at Local and Global Levels
Atef Swelam, Ph.D., Director of UC Kearney and West Side Research Centers; Khaled Bali, Ph.D., Irrigation Water Management Specialist, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR)
Indigenous Rainwater Harvesting Practices in California: Relationship to Food Resilience and Climate Change
Rosalind Haselbeck, Ph.D., Executive Director, Dwelling on Carbon
Rainwater Harvesting Partners Project for Fire Safety, Irrigation, and Livestock Use
Gesse Bullock, Fire Management Specialist, Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; Jacob Shaffer, District Conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture; Sheena Schemm, Southern Plains/Eastern Oklahoma Regional Climate Resilience Coordinator, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Lunch on Your Own
Beneficial Uses of Rainwater
Oasis 3A, Session Moderator: TBD, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Project: Dove Ridge Vineyard Water Harvesting Weatherford, Texas
Jacob Shaffer, USDA NRC District Conservationist
Break
Case Studies of Using Rainwater for Irrigation in Gardens and Greenhouses
Billy Kniffen, Texas A&M University Extension Water Resource Specialist (retired)
Urban Stormwater Use: Opportunities and Challenges
Tolessa Deksissa, Ph.D., Director, Water Resources Institute, University of the District of Columbia
Wednesday Closing
EVENING EVENT
IAPMO/ASSE/ARCSA Co-Located Evening Outing at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Meet in the Convention Center Lobby at 5:30 PM to board buses departing at 5:45pm to the Palm Springs Air Museum, where we'll have live music, dinner and fun activities.
SEPTEMBER 18th
Registration
Smoketree F
Breakfast & Coffee
Convention Center Lobby, Attendees will enjoy a breakfast spread each morning with a variety of options.
ARCSA Conference Opening Second Day
Oasis 3A
Bill Rickard, Conference Committee Co-Chair and ARCSA International Board of Directors
Advances in Rainwater Harvesting Research & Technology
Oasis 3A, Session Moderator: TBD, 8:30 AM - 1:55 PM
Advanced Geospatial Technologies Applications in Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Tammy E. Parece, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Geography, The Ohio State University
Smart Solutions: Advanced Technologies in Rainwater Harvesting
Sarah Sojka, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Studies and Science, Randolph College; Kathy Gee, Ph.D., P.E., Director of Regulatory Affairs and Alliances, OptiRTC, Inc.
Controlling and Monitoring Microbial Contamination in Rainwater Harvesting System
Benjamin Sojka, Vice President, Rainwater Management Solutions (RMS), Inc.
Lunch on Your Own
Modern Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Resilient Approach for Water & Energy Conservation and Food Security
Katherine O’Neil, Ph.D., Director Environmental Studies Program, Roanoke College; Tamim Younos, Ph.D., President, Green Water-Infrastructure Academy
Panel Discussion
Oasis 3A, Panel Moderator: Bob Boulware, 2:00 PM - 3:55 PM
Off-grid Rainwater Harvesting Systems- Water Quality Management
Panelists: Bob Boulware, Markus Lenger, Billy Kniffen, and Charlee Myers
ARCSA 2025 Conference Wrap Up