PNCWA2025 Opening Session

 Sharing Our Water Stories – Why Wastewater Work Matters

Behind every flush, every storm drain, and every treatment plant is a story—one of science, service, and stewardship. In this compelling keynote, Maia D. Bellon, environmental leader and former Director of the Washington Department of Ecology, invites us to explore the human side of wastewater work through the power of storytelling.

“Sharing Our Water Stories” centers on the idea that what we do in the wastewater sector is essential—but why we do it is just as important. From protecting public health to restoring ecosystems, our work touches every corner of our communities. Yet, it often goes unseen and underappreciated. Maia challenges us to change that by making our work personal, relatable, and visible.

How would you describe your job to your neighbor? Your child? A city council member? Through personal reflection and practical insights, Maia will show how sharing our motivations and experiences can build trust, foster understanding, and elevate the value of wastewater services in the public eye.

Join us for a keynote that celebrates the people behind the pipes and pumps—and reminds us that every story we share helps strengthen the connection between our communities and the critical work we do.

Maia D. Bellon is a Partner at Cascadia Law Group and its consulting affiliate Cascadia Policy Solutions where she advises Tribal government, municipal, and private clients on a wide array of complex environmental matters, including water quality, climate and energy policy, air quality, toxics cleanup, water resources, and Tribal law. Prior to joining Cascadia, Maia was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee, and unanimously confirmed by the Washington Senate, to serve as the director of the Department of Ecology (2013-2019). She was the longest-serving Ecology director in state history and led the agency to great achievements in environmental protection, including intentional integration of environmental justice and climate change policy into the management and regulation of land, air, and water. Before serving as director, Maia was on Ecology’s Executive Leadership Team and held positions as the Deputy and Program Manager of the Water Resources Program (2010-2012). Prior to working at Ecology, she represented the agency for 15 years as an Assistant Attorney General at the Washington Attorney General’s Office providing client advice and litigation support on a broad range of environmental and natural resources matters. Maia received her J.D. from Arizona State University, College of Law in 1994, and was presented a Dean’s Award upon graduation. She was also awarded the Joseph Albert Dear Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015 from her undergraduate institution, The Evergreen State College (‘91 graduate).