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Highlights from January 2026

Orange County Water District (OCWD) recently reached a major milestone at the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS): more than half a trillion gallons of water have been produced since operations began in 2008 – that’s over 1.5 million acre-feet of water for those in the water industry. For 18 years, this facility, the largest of its kind in the world, has strengthened Orange County’s water supply through long-term planning and a proven partnership with the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San).  

Each day, the GWRS takes treated wastewater from OC San that would otherwise be discharged to the ocean and purifies it through a multi-step advanced treatment process. The result is up to 130 million gallons of highly purified water per day – enough to meet the needs of nearly one million people. That water is then used to replenish the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which provides about 85% of the drinking water supply for 2.5 million residents across 19 cities and retail water agencies. 

The GWRS also plays a critical role in preventing seawater intrusion. By sending GWRS water to the District's coastal injection wells, it’s protecting the groundwater basin by keeping nearby Pacific Ocean water from infiltrating inland and affecting groundwater quality. In addition, by maximizing locally controlled supplies, GWRS helps reduce reliance on imported water sources and provides meaningful cost benefits for the communities we serve. 

The GWRS is widely recognized as a model for how advanced treatment, sound governance, and public outreach can come together to support a reliable local water supply. I’m proud to have been a part of this project since the very beginning, years before it even came online. To see it become the world-renowned facility it is today has been a true honor. 

As part of ongoing efforts to engage academic partners and support applied research, OCWD has launched a new collaboration with engineering students from University of California, Irvine through a Master of Engineering capstone project.

The effort, co-funded by Supervisor Katrina Foley, focuses on evaluating feasible sediment removal concepts at Prado Dam, including assessing the viability of rail-based transport solutions. The project will inform OCWD’s long-term sediment management strategy by identifying approaches that support water supply reliability and beneficial reuse opportunities. Additional project partners include Orange County Transportation Authority, OC Parks and OC Public Works.

2025 Employee of the 4th Quarter and Employee of the Year

Principal Programmer Analyst Vickie Nguyen has been named Employee of the Fourth Quarter and Employee of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership and service during a critical transition period for the District. During October–December 2025, Vickie served as Interim Director of Information Services, providing steady leadership that ensured continuity, stability, and uninterrupted service delivery.

Beyond overseeing daily operations, Vickie made lasting contributions that will continue to benefit the District, including the development of Standard Operating Procedures and clear system documentation to support knowledge transfer and continuity. Her calm, thoughtful leadership exemplifies the highest standards of public service. As Vickie has now retired, the District extends its sincere appreciation for her nearly 35 years of dedicated service and wishes her the very best in her retirement.

2025 Employee Service Recognition



In January, we recognize those celebrating service milestones with the agency beginning with 5 years and in 5-year increments. Congratulations to the 30+ employees recognized this year. We appreciate all that you do for the District!

5 years

Jeff Boudreau

Miguel Chavez

Raymond Hernandez

Claire Johnson

Bill Leever

John Merlo

Jonathan Mok

Mia Nguyen

10 years

Alexander Adams

Alicia Harasty

Phil Jacobs

Cameron Macbeth

Erin Marshall

Richie Ojeda

Christopher Owens

Megan Plumlee

15 years

Pedro Barrera

Patrick Hollinden

Elizabeth Mosher

Curtis Sanders

Danny Simala

Chris Vu

20 years

Darla Cirillo

Pete Doplito

David Field

Christina Fuller

Jim Hammersmith

Janice Kovacevic

Rae Krause

Dave Mark

Don Supernaw

Sterling Vamvas

25 years

John Bonsangue

Adam Hutchinson

Esmeralda Uribe

30 years

John Kennedy

35 years

Lily Sanchez

OCWD is saddened by the passing of Larry Kraemer, who served as an OCWD director from 1978 to 2004. Director Kraemer was a public servant and a member of the Board of Directors that guided the District through several milestones.

During his tenure, the Board provided leadership on initiatives including operation of the Green Acres Project; an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to store Santa Ana River stormwater flows behind Prado Dam; the approval and groundbreaking of the GWRS; and the expansion of the Prado Wetlands, the largest constructed wetlands on the West Coast. OCWD appreciates Director Kraemer’s years of service and contributions to the District.

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.