SoCal Water Solutions President Norma Lara Honored with Prestigious WQA Regents Award

We are thrilled to announce that our Founder and President, Norma Lara, has been recognized with the Water Quality Association (WQA) Regents Award for her outstanding contributions to the water quality industry and her lifelong commitment to public health. The award will be presented at the 2026 WQA Convention & Expo in Miami Beach, FL, April 28–30.

The Regents Award is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution at the state or local level in areas affecting the industry — including ethics, legislation, and educational efforts. It is one of the most distinguished honors the WQA bestows upon its members, and it reflects Norma's decades of meaningful impact across California and beyond.

With nearly 30 years of hands-on experience, Norma Lara has become a cornerstone of the water treatment community in California. This award serves as a testament to her dedication to elevating industry standards and ensuring that safe, high-quality drinking water is accessible to all, including underserved rural households.

A "Field-First" Approach to Leadership

Unlike many executives, Norma's leadership is defined by her "field-first" philosophy. She believes that the best solutions are found on-site, not behind a desk. Her expertise is grounded in real-world system evaluations, performance verification, and a rigorous commitment to compliance-driven implementation. She is frequently found onsite at many of SoCal's projects, ensuring the solutions designed are suitable for the real-world application once in use.

Under her guidance, SoCal Water Solutions has successfully led grant-funded public health projects. These initiatives have been vital in protecting vulnerable families by improving water safety and infrastructure where it is needed most.

"Clean water is not just a service; it's a fundamental necessity for a healthy community," says Norma Lara. "Receiving this award is a great honor, but the true reward is seeing the measurable impact our work has on the lives of our clients and neighbors."

Championing Education and Mentorship

Norma's influence extends far beyond our company. As a woman-owned business leader, she is passionate about mentoring the next generation of water professionals. She actively works to bridge the gap in the industry by encouraging diversity and advocating for higher educational standards.

Her service on both the WQA national board and the Pacific Water Quality Association (PWQA) regional board allows her to champion:

• Accountability: Ensuring that water professionals are held to the highest ethical and technical standards.

• Practical Innovation: Turning complex water challenges into simple, effective, and sustainable solutions.

• Community Impact: Using her platform to advocate for environmental justice and safer drinking water for all Californians.

  
  

About SoCal Water Solutions

Serving California for over two decades, SoCal Water Solutions is a premier water treatment company specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial needs. As a woman-owned business, we pride ourselves on being skilled enough to handle complex water treatment projects and attentive enough to care about the water you get from your tap.