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Highlights from July 2026

The Orange County Water District (OCWD) and its retail water agency partners have reached a major milestone: 100 billion gallons of groundwater have been treated to remove PFAS from the local supply.

Since PFAS were first detected in the Orange County Groundwater Basin, OCWD has taken a proactive approach that includes extensive monitoring, building treatment facilities, research, regulatory coordination, funding advocacy, and collaboration with our 19 cities and retail water districts.

We’ve restored half of our impacted wells, strengthening the reliability of Orange County’s groundwater supply, and ensuring that drinking water continues to meet all state and federal standards.

OCWD’s latest quarterly PFAS update provides additional information on this progress, including a $1.75 million grant for PFAS treatment in Santa Ana, recent engineering awards for local projects, findings from the Orange County Grand Jury’s PFAS report, and new research led by OCWD scientists.

OCWD runs one of the most comprehensive PFAS mitigation programs in the country and we’re proud to share our efforts and lessons learned with the community and beyond. I encourage you to learn more about OCWD’s PFAS program by visiting the PFAS Education Center.

General Manager John Kennedy was featured in Smart Water Magazine in an in-depth interview highlighting the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) and OCWD’s continued leadership in water reuse. 

The article highlights the GWRS’s transition from major expansion to long-term operational excellence, with an emphasis on reliability, water quality, research, efficiency, and workforce development. John also discusses the value of OCWD’s partnership with the Orange County Sanitation District, the role of the groundwater basin, the District’s PFAS response, and the importance of sharing OCWD’s experience with water agencies worldwide. 

Read the full article in Smart Water Magazine.

Congratulations to Andrew D. Wiesner, P.E., who was named the new general manager of Serrano Water District (SWD). Andrew brings nearly two decades of experience in water system planning, design, construction, and management, including previous roles with Mesa Water District and as an engineering consultant. 

As one of OCWD’s 19 retail water agencies, SWD is part of a regional partnership that helps ensure a high-quality, sustainable groundwater supply. Together, OCWD and these agencies work collaboratively to plan for the future, address shared challenges, and support one another with an all-for-one approach that is unique in the water industry.

OCWD extends its appreciation to retiring General Manager Jerry Vilander for his many years of service at SWD and looks forward to partnering with Andrew to continue this tradition of regional collaboration and advancements in water management.

Registration is now open for the 2026 OC Water Summit, co-hosted by the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and OCWD.

Taking place on September 25, 2026, the Summit will bring together hundreds of elected officials, water leaders, business professionals, and community stakeholders to explore this year’s theme, "Flow Forward: Securing Water Supply Through Innovation." Hear about critical issues in water supply reliability, policy innovation, emerging technologies, and sustainable solutions - while connecting with hundreds of professionals shaping the future of water in the region. 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations interested in supporting this important regional event.

OCWD is pleased to recognize Janice Kovacevic, General Manager’s Office/Executive Assistant, as the 2026 Employee of the Second Quarter. 

Janice was selected for her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to improving the workplace experience for employees across the District. In addition to supporting executive leadership and managing a wide range of administrative responsibilities, she plays an important role in planning employee events that strengthen workplace relationships and foster a positive organizational culture. 

Janice actively listens to employee feedback and works collaboratively across departments to address concerns and advance meaningful workplace improvements. Her responsiveness, initiative, and ability to bring people together have made a lasting impact throughout OCWD. 

Congratulations, Janice, on this well-deserved recognition!

OCWD welcomes thousands of visitors annually to the GWRS, providing participants with an inside look at the advanced treatment processes used to produce a reliable, high-quality water supply for Orange County.

Recent visitors included members from the Orange County Environmental Justice, students from Beijing Huaxia Girls’ Middle School, and nursing program students from Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, and the University of San Francisco.

These tours provide an opportunity to learn about water reuse, water quality, and the important role the GWRS plays in Orange County’s water supply. Learn more about OCWD's tour program and sign up for a future facilities tour!

OCWD honors the life and legacy of Jan Debay, who served on the District’s Board from 2001-2010, holding terms as President (2006-2007), 1st Vice President (2005) and 2nd Vice President (2010).

During her tenure, OCWD achieved several significant milestones, including the operation of the GWRS, completion of the Prado Wetlands Reconstruction Project, opening of the Advanced Water Quality Assurance Laboratory, and the inaugural OC Water Summit. Director Debay's dedication to public service and water reliability left a lasting impact on OCWD and Orange County.

Learn about OCWD's role in providing a safe, reliable, local water supply by attending an event, webinar or tour. Individuals and groups are invited to tour the award-winning GWRS and other District facilities.

Through our active speakers bureau program, you may request for our staff to come speak to organizations and schools, as well as conferences and events.