Highlights from November 2023

I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve as President of the Orange County Water District (OCWD) and newly elected President of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). In both roles, I appreciate the ability to collaborate with our communities and stakeholders to advance water issues. 

It’s important for us to come together, discuss concerns that are impacting us statewide and locally, embrace innovation and new ideas, and find solutions – collaboratively. OCWD takes this objective to heart, serving in leadership roles at many national and international organizations that support these efforts. Our board members and staff serve on committees and boards and are frequently invited to speak at conferences to share our expertise and best practices with others. Being a part of these conversations allows us to hear from others, stand united on issues, and speak with one consistent voice. 

I look forward to working with the industry and our partners further to address important matters affecting our region. For OCWD, our priorities are to continue to remove PFAS from impacted areas within the groundwater basin, hold polluters accountable, seek funding to offset cost to our ratepayers, and advocate for an exemption from cleanup liability to protect water and wastewater agencies and their ratepayers. Other priorities are to protect our basin from seawater intrusion and implement Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) at Prado Dam to increase stormwater capture. We are committed to making significant progress on these initiatives that protect and enhance Orange County’s water supplies. 

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season ahead. 

OCWD is mourning the loss of Kelly Rowe, who passed away on November 22, 2023 at the age of 70.

Director Rowe was a water resources technical professional with more than 40 years of experience specializing in the design, construction and management of groundwater wells and basin operational facilities, including working at OCWD as a technical consultant addressing local groundwater conditions.

Director Rowe had a passion for water and geology from an early age. He studied at San Diego State University to become a hydrogeologist. He was the founder and president of American Water Resources Association, Southern California Section and active in many industry organizations. In 2020, he was appointed commissioner to represent OCWD on the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority.

ACWA Fall Conference & Expo

At the ACWA Fall Conference, OCWD President Cathy Green was welcomed as the newly elected ACWA President for the 2024-25 year. ACWA is the largest statewide coalition of public water agencies in the country. Its 470+ public agency members collectively are responsible for 90% of the water delivered to cities, farms, and businesses in California. 

As ACWA President, Cathy will ensure ACWA brings water together and continues to provide comprehensive leadership, advocacy, and resources. OCWD is a proud ACWA member, and its staff and board serve on many committees and workgroups that advocate for sound legislation and regulation, encourage information sharing, and advance local and statewide water issues.

(Pictured here is Cathy alongside OCWD Director Bruce Whitaker at the conference.)

WateReuse California Annual Conference

OCWD also participated in the annual WateReuse California conference in November, where several staff attended and presented on a variety of topics including the future of direct potable reuse (DPR), lessons learned from past water reuse projects including the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the impact of AI on public outreach, managing the evolving regulations surrounding PFAS, and sharing scientific and technical information from various research and development studies.  

The OCWD Board of Directors announced the appointment of John Kennedy as general manager, effective January 27, 2024. John, who currently serves as the District’s executive director of engineering and water resources, was selected by the Board to succeed Mike Markus, who will retire in January 2024.

With more than 40 years of experience in the water and civil engineering industry, John’s career with OCWD began in 1995. His expertise has been vital in developing and administering groundwater basin management programs and establishing District water rates for groundwater pumping.

Thank you to the many organizations who have been recognizing General Manager Mike Markus as he prepares for his upcoming retirement. Over his 40+ year career in water resource management, Mike has become a respected leader and global expert on groundwater and water reuse issues and is called upon often to share his knowledge and expertise with others.

Recent honors include:

• Southern California Water Coalition’s Harriett M. Wieder Water Leadership Award
• WateReuse California’s Lifetime Achievement Award
• California Data Collaborative’s “Making Waves”

Derrick Mansell, GWRS operations manager, was named Outstanding Large Plant Operator of the Year by the Southwest Membrane Operator Association. This accolade is a testament to Derrick’s dedication to excellence and underscores OCWD’s pioneering work in water reuse. For more than 15 years, Derrick has played a pivotal role in advancing operations of the GWRS.

Alongside Derrick stands a team of more than 60 GWRS personnel who support this award-winning project, including operators, maintenance technicians, injection wells system operators and instrumentation and electrical technicians.

In early 2023, the GWRS achieved a remarkable milestone: recycling 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows and producing 130 million gallons of high-quality water every day – enough to meet the needs of nearly one million people. This project is a great success story showcasing a decades-long partnership between OCWD and OC San who had the leadership and foresight to do what was once unthinkable: purifying wastewater into drinking water quality standards. Today, the GWRS augments local water supplies and serves as a model for the rest of the world.

Recent recognition includes:

• WateReuse California Large Recycled Water Agency of the Year
• U.S. Water Prize Outstanding Public Sector Organization
• Southwest Membrane Operator Association's 2023 Large Plant of the Year

OCWD works closely with its 19 cities and retail water districts to ensure high-quality water is provided to the 2.5 million people that reside in its service area in north and central Orange County. Check out these water quality videos from the cities of La Palma and Seal Beach as they take you behind the scenes of delivering safe and clean water to local residents and businesses. 

Catch a replay of our latest webinar, “Lessons Learned in Stormwater Capture and Groundwater Recharge in 2022-2023” where we talk about this past year’s rainfall, stormwater capture and preparing for what’s ahead.

Whatever Mother Nature delivers to us, OCWD is ready to maximize groundwater recharge opportunities and increase drinking water supplies for Orange County.

We're back! The 27^th annual Children's Water Education Festival, the largest of its kind in the U.S., will be held March 27-28, 2024, at the University of California, Irvine. Since its inception, more than 147,000 Orange County students have experienced the Festival and all it has to offer. Here are a couple of ways to get involved.

Present

Calling all water, science and environment-based organizations! The Festival educates third, fourth and fifth grade students about protecting water supplies and the environment. Join us as we educate over 5,000 Orange County students through hands-on presentations and activities.

Sponsor

Hosting an event of this magnitude is made possible by many generous sponsors. Multiple sponsorship levels are available to meet your organization's needs. Donations are tax-deductible and may be made online or by mail.

Volunteer

Sign up as a volunteer and help make the Festival a success. The Festival is a great opportunity to earn volunteer/ community service hours. Spread the word to your family and friends!

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 expert staff to come speak to organizations and schools, as well as local, national and international conferences.