Alumni Highlights
Gordon A. Hess
Cal Poly experience:
B.S. Agricultural Engineering, 1977
What he does now:
Director of Imported Water, San Diego County Water Authority
Mr. Hess has been with the Authority for 17 years. Prior to becoming Director of Imported Water he served as Planning Director for the agency. He has 30 years of public and private sector experience in water resource development, management, engineering, and water quality issues. He works closely with the Metropolitan Water District, the California Urban Water Agencies, the Colorado River Board of California, and similar agencies to promote the Authority's interests. In the past two years he has spent much of his time on the QSA, and is responsible for implementation of the water transfer, related mitigation, and canal lining projects.
Why he recommends Cal Poly's BRAE department:
"Cal Poly's Agricultural Engineering program laid the foundation for success in my professional life. The majority of California's developed water supplies are used by agriculture; but urban demands are increasing and a variety of ways to meet these demands need to be found. Transferring conserved water from agriculture, by lining canals or making on-farm irrigation improvements, is one of the tools we have to meet future demands. For me, understanding the needs of agriculture has been a tremendous advantage in implementing successful water transfers and developing win-win solutions for all interests."
Contact:
4677 Overland Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
ghess@sdcwa.org