The AWWA Pacific Northwest Section (PNWS) Conference continues to be one of the most energizing gatherings for water professionals in our region, and this year was no exception. Our Keller team was proud to participate, present, and celebrate alongside the many dedicated individuals who help strengthen water systems and communities across the Pacific Northwest. The event offered a blend of technical learning, meaningful conversations, and memorable moments that highlight why this conference remains such an important annual touchpoint for our industry.
Let’s look at the key takeaways from this year’s conference.
1. Connecting with Leaders, Partners, and the Water Community
One of the greatest values of the PNWS Conference is the opportunity to connect face‑to‑face with community leaders, operators, suppliers, and industry partners. These conversations—whether in technical sessions, at our own booth, or over coffee between events—help us stay aligned with the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
Our team also enjoyed cheering on participants in the conference’s popular competitions and hands‑on demonstrations. These events not only showcase the skill and dedication of water professionals but also reinforce the camaraderie that makes the Pacific Northwest water community so strong. Every year, we walk away with new insights, new relationships, and renewed appreciation for the people who keep our water systems running.
For Sanaz Malaki, PE, our Kent Office Manager and Project Manager, the conference provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with water industry leaders and connect directly with the communities she serves.
“To be at PNWS is to feel the heartbeat of our industry—collaboration, curiosity, and a genuine dedication to the communities we serve.” — Sanaz Malaki, PE
2. Sharing Expertise: Presentations by Peter Olsen and Zack Wallin
We were honored to have Professional Engineers Zack Wallin, PE, and Peter Olsen, PE, present at this year’s conference. Their session, centered on innovative approaches to water system planning and infrastructure resilience, sparked thoughtful discussions and provided practical tools for communities navigating growth, regulatory changes, and aging infrastructure.
Reflecting on the experience, Peter shared, “Presenting at PNWS is always a highlight. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who are passionate about solving real challenges and improving the way our communities access and manage water.”
We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the technical program and support the ongoing exchange of knowledge that strengthens our industry.
3. Celebrating Excellence: Silver Creek Intake Project Award
A standout moment from the conference was the recognition of the City of Silverton and our Keller team for “Excellence in Engineering–Best Small Works Project” for the Silver Creek Intake project. This project improves system reliability, protects critical infrastructure, and supports long‑term water security for the community.
As Project Manager Shannon Williams, PE, shared, “This project represents the best of what collaborative engineering can achieve. Being recognized for the Silver Creek Intake is an honor, and it reflects our team’s commitment to delivering solutions that truly matter for our clients and their communities.”
Learn more about the project here.
We look forward to future PNWS conferences and the continued opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the work happening across our region. If you’d like to connect with our team before the next event, reach out anytime.