John Helminski named Senior Director of Water Resources in California

Led San Diego’s Pure Water Program, the city’s largest infrastructure project; will advance WSP USA’s national initiatives on advanced wastewater treatment.

SAN DIEGO — John Helminski, a former public utilities assistant director for the City of San Diego, has been named senior director of water resources in California for WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy.

In his new position, Helminski will support the firm’s national initiative on advanced wastewater treatment, bringing a focus to clients and communities seeking to sustainably manage their water supply with the addition of advanced water purification.

“WSP is committed to supporting agencies to help them achieve their visions for diversifying their water supply portfolios, and to address the impacts of climate change and drought throughout the West,” said Karen Block, director of WSP’s national water business. “With the addition of John, we are well positioned to contribute to the reliability of water supply for future generations.”

Helminski has more than 30 years of experience managing large infrastructure programs for California’s second largest city and has held senior management positions, including assistant director/programmatic and design leader for the $5 billion Pure Water San Diego Program. He led the engineering and consultant staff responsible for the programmatic startup, which included the development and design of a 30-million-gallons per day advanced water purification facility, designed to recycle wastewater into a potable drinking water supply.

Throughout his career, Helminski has been involved in industry professional organizations, including the American Water Works Association, Water Reuse – California, and the Construction Management Association of America.  He is also a founding board member of the U.S. Green Building Council, San Diego Chapter. He is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Helminski graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology.

WSP provides full-service water, transportation and urban redesign consulting services in California for clients such as the City of San Diego, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, San Diego Association of Governments, San Diego County, Riverside County Flood Control District, East Valley Water District, and the Coachella Valley Water District.