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Highlights from June 2025

OCWD continues to lead the way in water reuse, and I’m proud to share that The Guardian recently featured the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) in an in-depth article highlighting its success and global relevance. Developed in partnership with the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), the GWRS is not only a local solution—it’s a proven model for regions across the country and around the world.

As a professional engineer and longtime water advocate, I had the opportunity to personally guide the journalist through the facility. We discussed how the GWRS, now in its 17th year of operation, represents a practical, scalable answer to the growing need for local, reliable water supplies. I shared a message that underscores our work:

“This is going to be a blueprint for any community that’s facing water scarcity or wants to have more locally controlled water.”

At OCWD, we know that sharing knowledge is essential to the future of water reuse. We provide in-person and virtual tours of the GWRS, operate a speakers bureau, and our staff and board members regularly present at national and international conferences. Our goal is to ensure others can learn from our experience and move their own projects forward.

This recognition in The Guardian is a testament to the hard work of our team and the vision of our board. It reaffirms OCWD’s position as a global leader in water reuse—and our ongoing commitment to water sustainability, innovation, and partnership.

Read the article: "'Tastes Like Water’: How a U.S. Facility is Recycling Sewage to Drink.”

For more information and a virtual facility tour, visit the GWRS website. 

As part of its ongoing leadership in addressing PFAS contamination, OCWD Executive Director of Water Quality and Technical Resources Jason Dadakis joined national leaders at a congressional briefing to advocate for liability reform for water and wastewater utilities—public agencies that do not produce PFAS but are impacted by widespread contamination.

Despite bearing no responsibility for the release of PFAS, OCWD has made significant investments to remove these substances from groundwater supplies and safeguard public health. The District launched the nation’s largest PFAS Treatment Pilot Project, became the first public agency in California certified to detect PFOA and PFOS and has constructed PFAS treatment plants that have brought 49 wells back online.

OCWD continues to lead efforts to address PFAS contamination through legal actions against polluters, advocacy for federal cleanup funding and support for legislative reforms that protect water agencies and ratepayers from financial liability.

To learn more, read the WateReuse summary or visit OCWD's PFAS education center.

Fountain Valley police detectives visited the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) for a presentation and guided tour.

The visit was part of OCWD's ongoing outreach initiative to strengthen community relations with first responders through education and appreciation.

The detectives were accompanied by Directors Van Tran and Cathy Green, along with District staff.

Firefighters from the Huntington Beach Fire Department also paid a visit to OCWD's Fountain Valley campus to tour the GWRS.

They learned about the District's advanced water purification process and discussed future opportunities for collaboration, including a proposed joint confined space drill to enhance emergency preparedness.

OCWD is proud to support our local first responders and values the strong partnerships that enhance safety, readiness and community connection.

Director of Public Affairs Gina Ayala shared best practices for effective PFAS outreach during a workshop at the American Water Works Association's 2025 Annual Conference & Expo in Denver, Colorado.

OCWD continues to lead in industry collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Chief Hydrogeologist Roy Herndon presented the webinar “60 Years of Controlling Seawater Intrusion in Orange County, CA” to the Ground Water Protection Council. The session was moderated by Principal Hydrogeologist Bill Leever.

Watch the webinar here.

OCWD hosted a career panel and GWRS tour as part of a career event by the California Water Environment Association's Santa Ana River Basin Section.

The District's participation highlights OCWD's commitment to community outreach and education.

OCWD is excited to share that all three bald eaglets at the Prado Wetlands have successfully fledged!

Born to resident eagle pair Lucy and Ricky, the eaglets have since been spotted staying close to home. They'll remain nearby for about another month as they continue learning to fly and hunt under their parents' guidance.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at how the City of Fountain Valley delivers high-quality, reliable drinking water to its community—earning both the “People’s Choice” and “Best of the Best” honors at the 2025 Water Conference of the West, hosted by the AWWA CA-NV Section. Fountain Valley sources 100% of its water from the Orange County Groundwater Basin, managed by OCWD.

This video is part of an OCWD series showcasing the commitment of its member agencies to providing exceptional water service.

Learn more at www.ocwd.com and www.fountainvalley.gov/199/Water-Division.

Congratulations to OCWD Director of Research Dr. Megan Plumlee on being named Chair of the Water Research Foundation’s (WRF) Unsolicited Research Program.

In this role, Megan will lead WRF’s efforts to fund forward-thinking research projects that advance scientific knowledge and deliver practical solutions to water quality challenges.

Megan’s appointment reflects both her individual expertise and OCWD’s active participation in research that advances the water industry and promotes knowledge sharing that benefits communities worldwide. 

Learn more about OCWD's research and development efforts here.

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.