Highlights from May 2025

I had the privilege of joining local, state and federal representatives recently as the Orange County Water District (OCWD) and the City of Tustin dedicated a new PFAS treatment plant – an important milestone in delivering high-quality, reliable water to our communities. Bringing this treatment plant online reinforces our commitment to addressing PFAS in a swift and proactive manner and maximizes use of the Orange County Groundwater Basin.  

The facility, located at the existing Main Street Water Treatment Plant, features advanced ion exchange technology to treat up to 6,400 gallons of groundwater per minute. It joins several PFAS treatment facilities already in operation that OCWD has helped bring online with its retail partners. Our collective efforts have brought back nearly 50 out of more than 100-impacted groundwater wells.

This project was made possible in part by a $10 million grant from the State Water Resources Control Board through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, along with a $5 million Community Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We’re proud of our collaborative efforts to help bring critical funding to support the construction and operations of PFAS treatment plants like this one. 

If you’re interested in learning more about OCWD’s PFAS treatment program, visit the PFAS education center. 

OCWD recently participated in the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, where General Manager John Kennedy joined a panel of international industry experts to explore strategies for establishing a circular water economy on a global scale.

During the discussion titled "Global Ambition for Reuse," John highlighted the District’s success with advanced water reuse technologies as a model for sustainable water management. The panel also examined the role the private sector can play in scaling such efforts and contributing to a global water reuse alliance.  

John’s participation reinforced OCWD’s reputation as a global leader in water innovation and underscored our ongoing commitment to advancing water reliability – both regionally and worldwide. 

OCWD and Executive Director of Operations Mehul Patel were recently featured in Water Online for the District’s leadership in water reuse and its cost-saving approach to energy management. 

Following the completion of the GWRS, OCWD enrolled in Southern California Edison’s demand response programs, which offers financial incentives for reducing energy use during peak demand periods. 

“We were interested in helping with statewide electrical grid emergencies while also finding a potential outside revenue source to offset operating costs of the new GWRS facility,” Mehul said.  

OCWD’s strategy temporarily reduces plant water production, without compromising groundwater replenishment, helping ease strain on California’s electric grid. Since 2014, OCWD has earned approximately $12.5 million in demand-response payments.   

This effort reflects OCWD’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship of resources, while delivering significant financial returns. 

Read the article titled: "How Water Utilities Can Support The Electric Grid While Reducing Costs"

OCWD leaders recently presented at the virtual VIII Columbia Hydrogeology Congress, highlighting the District’s leadership in water reuse and groundwater management.

General Manager John Kennedy opened his session with an overview of OCWD and the GWRS, emphasizing its role in ensuring a reliable water supply. Chief Hydrogeologist Roy Herndon discussed the sustainable management of the region’s groundwater basin. Jason Dadakis, Executive Director of Water Quality and Technical Resources, covered state regulations and advanced treatment technologies for water reuse. Executive Director of Operations Mehul Patel highlighted the financial sustainability of GWRS and shared updates on research, workforce training and public education initiatives. 

Registration is now open for the 17th annual OC Water Summit, an interactive forum that fosters discussion of new and ongoing water supply challenges, water policy issues, and other critical topics impacting the water industry.

Join master of ceremonies Fritz Coleman and hundreds of business professionals, elected officials, water industry stakeholders, and community leaders as the OC Water Summit explores "Turning the Valve: Abundance for Orange County.”

OC Water Summit 

Friday, September 5, 2025 

8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa 

The 28th Annual Children’s Water Education Festival continued its tradition of inspiring students to engage with local water issues through a fun-filled day of interactive learning. Check out the highlights from the 2025 Festival and see the impact in action!

Congratulations to Arturo Garcia, Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator, for being named OCWD’s Employee of the First Quarter!  

Arturo’s outstanding productivity and efficiency is an inspiration to the rest of the heavy equipment operations team. His positive attitude and willingness to support his colleagues promote a collaborative and encouraging work environment. 

Arturo plays a vital role in maintaining and optimizing recharge operations. He specializes in cleaning the sides of recharge basins – critical areas where the majority of percolation occurs – and skillfully operates a bulldozer to level sediment buildup in the Santa Ana River.  These efforts significantly enhance recharge efficiency, particularly in the lower reaches of the Santa Ana River. 

Thank you, Arturo, for your dedication and hard work in helping ensure a reliable, high-quality water supply for our community!

OCWD's latest webinar, "Planning for a Resilient Water Future in Orange County" is now on demand, highlighting how the District and its retail water agencies are planning today to ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for generations to come. 

During the webinar, OCWD offered an inside look at its newly released Resilience Plan: Adaptive Strategies for Securing Abundant and Reliable Water Supplies, and Mesa Water shared an update on the Local Groundwater Supply Improvement Project – a feasibility study exploring the benefits of brackish groundwater desalination to enhance local and regional water supplies.

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.