Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) has named Carrie Oliphant, Professional Engineer, as its new Director of Engineering.
“Carrie will lead a department that plays a crucial role in the water infrastructure needs of the Coachella Valley,” said Jim Barrett, general manager of CVWD. “I am confident that she will use her vast experience with the district and the valley to lead our strong engineering team toward even more accomplishments.”
Oliphant previously served as assistant director of engineering and has been with the district for more than 20 years. During her tenure, she has overseen the design of many well drilling projects, pipeline projects, improvements to wastewater treatment plants, and more recently, the new Palm Desert Groundwater Replenishment facility. She also leads the monthly Disadvantaged Community Infrastructure Task Force meetings.
“I am excited to utilize my experience and training on water projects that are so important to my community,” Oliphant said. “This is a tremendous opportunity.”
CVWD’s engineering department includes about 20 fulltime engineers working on irrigation, sanitation, domestic water, stormwater and recycled water projects. The director also oversees engineering services, which supports the engineering department, as well as other CVWD departments, and external customers with work in survey, right of way, development services, technical services and construction inspection.
A California native, Oliphant holds dual degrees from the University of California, a B.S. in civil engineering and a B.A. in literature.
The Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of directors. The district provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and reclamation services, regional storm water protection, groundwater management and water conservation. It serves approximately 108,000 residential and business customers across 1,000 square miles, located primarily in Riverside County, but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties.