Yamada H2O Consulting, LLC, was formed to assist public agencies and private clients with water resources and water supply matters, including the planning, development and delivery of water supply and water infrastructure projects, particularly desalination facilities.

About Yamada H2O Consulting

About the Principal

Bob Yamada is the Principal/Owner of Yamada H2O Consulting. Most recently, Mr. Yamada served as the Special Projects Director for the San Diego County Water Authority. Prior to that, he served and retired as the Director of Water Resources for the Water Authority. The San Diego County Water Authority is the regional water agency providing a safe and reliable water supply for 3.3 million people in San Diego County. 

Mr. Yamada supported the Water Authority’s engagement as the public sector partner in the Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. During his tenure as Director of Water Resources, his responsibilities included leading the water supply planning, drought response, Integrated Regional Water Management planning, facility planning and environmental and regulatory compliance activities for the Water Authority. Mr. Yamada led the negotiation of the technical aspects of the Water Purchase Agreement for the Carlsbad Desalination Project and oversaw Water Purchase Agreement compliance for the Water Authority.

Bob Yamada, P.E.
Principal, Yamada H2O Consulting

Ocean Desalination Experience in California

For most of his 30 years at the Water Authority, Mr. Yamada was engaged in the development of desalination as a new water supply for San Diego County. His efforts included the following:

  • Desalination siting and feasibility studies at various locations along the San Diego County coastline

  • Studies to support new brackish water desalination and concentrate management facilities

  • Lobbying efforts to secure federal funding for Water Authority desalination programs and projects

  • Working with the State Water Resources Control Board and staff to formulate the state’s Ocean Plan Amendment for desalination in 2015

  • Working with Poseidon Water to successfully permit the intake for the Carlsbad plant under the new Ocean Plan regulations (the first permit under the OPA regulations) in May 2019

Currently, Mr. Yamada is supporting the Water Authority’s engagement with Poseidon Water to implement the new Ocean Plan compliant intake modifications for the Lewis Carlsbad Plant, including water purchase agreement contract modifications and construction monitoring. 

Mr. Yamada served on the State’s Water Desalination Task Force convened in the early 2000’s.

Mr. Yamada was elected in 1995 to serve as a Board member of the American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA) and served as President of AMTA from 2004-2006. He currently serves as a Director Emeritus for AMTA. Mr. Yamada was also a founding member of CalDesal and served on the Executive Committee until 2018.