Ashli Desai

Ashli has over 25 years of experience in watershed management, TMDL development and implementation, and stormwater quality assessment and management. Ashli specializes in facilitating stakeholder processes and coordinating between multiple agencies and stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions. Ashli has led the development of watershed management plans, TMDLs, and integrated monitoring programs to address complex water quality issues. She has significant experience supporting municipalities with MS4 permit compliance and negotiations, particularly in incorporating TMDL requirements into permits. 

Her primary work efforts for the past ten years have focused on guiding regulatory agencies and municipalities across Southern California on progressive approaches to bacteria and nutrient management. Her cutting-edge work is redefining how these pollutants are regulated through TMDLs and permits in San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties. She played an integral role in the ground-breaking 2022 Bacteria Summit and represented CASQA on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Statewide Biostimulatory and Biointegrity Provisions development. 

Her expertise in watershed planning, compliance strategies, and regulatory negotiations make her a valuable advisor for addressing challenging water quality problems. Ashli is currently serving as a member of CASQA’s Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. Ashli has a Master’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Sciences and Engineering from Stanford University.