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Highlights from April 2026

At our April 15 Board meeting, the Orange County Water District (OCWD) took what I consider our most important vote each year: setting how much groundwater can be used and what it costs.

For the 2026–27 water year, we set the Basin Production Percentage at 85%. This allows our 19 cities and retail water districts to rely on local groundwater for most of their supply – while only having to import 15% of their water supply from the Colorado River or from northern California. That matters because groundwater is the one supply we can control, and it provides a stable and dependable foundation for our region. 

We also raised the Replenishment Assessment 2.4% to $728/acre-foot, which remains about half the cost of imported water. That difference is significant as it allows our water providers to minimize their rate increases for the communities they serve.

Finally, we adopted a $300 million budget, developed since January with input from our Board, staff, and member agencies. While substantial, this budget reflects careful planning and prioritization. Over the decades, OCWD has made sound investments in protecting the groundwater basin and in developing additional local water supplies to increase the region’s water reliability. The FY 2026-27 budget is a fiscally responsible plan that focuses on essential investments while managing costs and protecting ratepayers.

At the end of the day, these decisions are about maintaining a secure, high-quality, and locally controlled water supply for the 2.5 million people we serve.

In partnership with Supervisor Katrina Foley’s Office and the University of California, Irvine (UCI), OCWD recently hosted a Sediment-by-Rail Feasibility Assessment Mixer at the OCWD office in Fountain Valley. The event brought together regional partners, researchers, water professionals and UCI’s Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) team where they showcased their findings on the feasibility of transporting sediment by rail to coastal areas, where it could be beneficially reused for beach nourishment.

The discussion highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in addressing sediment accumulation, which can impact flood control operations and water supply. OCWD continues to support forward-looking studies and partnerships that advance practical solutions for managing natural resources across the watershed.

Specially trained biologists recently conducted a wellness check on the three eaglets - two females and one male - born to resident bald eagle pair Lucy and Ricky at the Prado Wetlands, confirming that all are healthy! During the visit, the eaglets were also carefully banded, a process that allows researchers to track their movements, monitor survival rates, and better understand bald eagle populations over time.

At approximately seven weeks old, the eaglets are continuing to develop as they approach fledging, which typically occurs between 10 and 14 weeks of age. They are expected to remain near the nest for several weeks after taking flight before venturing further and finding another southern California territory to call home.

Lucy and Ricky have successfully nested at Prado for several years, and the wetlands continue to provide important habitat for a variety of species. The continued success of their nest reflects OCWD’s primary commitment to water resource management, carried out in a manner that also supports and sustains valuable habitat.

Adam Hutchinson, OCWD’s recharge planning manager, received the 2026 Herman Bouwer Award at the 19th Biennial Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge (BSMAR19). The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have significantly advanced the understanding or application of managed aquifer recharge. 

Adam was honored for more than 30 years of dedication to the field, including his work at OCWD where he has evaluated new replenishment methods and enhanced groundwater recharge operations that support the long-term reliability of the Orange County Groundwater Basin.  

19th Biennial Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge (BSMAR19) Staff Presentations

At the Symposium, the following presentations were also delivered by OCWD staff in attendance highlighting the District’s ongoing recharge programs and innovations. 

“Lessons Learned from 18 Years of Recharging Highly Purified Recycled Water” - Ben Smith, P.E., Director of Recharge and Wetland Operations

“Demonstrating Site-Specific Virus Removal in Groundwater During Water Recycling” - Julio Polanco, Scientist

“Testing Water Banking Policy Settings to Secure Drought Water Supply in Semi-Arid Areas” - Adam Hutchinson, PG, CHG, Recharge Planning Manager

Field Headquarters Maintenance Supervisor Danny Simala has been named the District’s 2026 Employee of the 1st Quarter in recognition of his dedication in supporting essential water management operations. 

During the 2025 rainy holiday season, Danny played a key role in responding to two urgent operational issues on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day that helped ensure the continued capture of valuable stormwater supplies. He led efforts to troubleshoot and replace an instrument at the Five Coves Rubber Dam and coordinated emergency repairs to a damaged trash rack cable, enabling the capture of more than $3 million worth of water resources.

In addition to his leadership during emergency situations, Danny oversees the repair and maintenance of more than 100 vehicles and pieces of equipment, often completing complex work in-house to improve efficiency and reliability.

Congratulations, Danny! 

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.