Highlights from November 2024

I’m proud to share that the Orange County Water District (OCWD), in collaboration with our local cities and retail water districts, has reached a significant milestone: treating over 50 billion gallons of water to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from local water supplies. This collective effort underscores our shared commitment to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to the communities we serve.

PFAS are a large group of third-party chemicals used since the 1940s in common household and commercial products. They have been detected in the Orange County Groundwater Basin in very tiny amounts (parts per trillion), forcing the temporary shutdown of local groundwater wells and the use of more expensive imported water supplies until treatment systems are constructed. Despite playing no role in releasing PFAS into the environment, we have been steadfast in our efforts to remove it from local water supplies in order to comply with new state and federal regulations.

From researching effective treatment techniques and expanding water quality testing to advocating for holding polluters accountable and constructing treatment facilities, we are committed to addressing this issue proactively and swiftly – an issue that comes with an estimated $1.8 billion price tag over 30 years.

We are proud to have brought 45 groundwater wells back online, with more on the horizon. This milestone reflects our dedication to exceptional water quality and reliable service to our 19 cities and retail water districts, and the 2.5 million people they serve.

The Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (OC LAFCO) released a study evaluating the benefits and feasibility of consolidating OCWD and the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). This effort aims to improve government efficiency, reduce redundancies, and better serve ratepayers.

OCWD requested this study following a June 2022 Orange County Grand Jury report recommending the consolidation of the two agencies. OC LAFCO’s unbiased analysis examines whether consolidating MWDOC, a smaller agency, with OCWD’s larger operation could yield benefits. With both agencies already sharing a headquarters in Fountain Valley, the potential for integration may be simplified.

Consolidation offers improved coordination of imported water and local groundwater, operational efficiencies through cost savings, enhanced accountability with a unified water agency, and stronger advocacy at state and federal levels. OCWD believes it is worth exploring consolidation to assess whether these benefits align with the best interests of ratepayers and the community.

The public is encouraged to review the study and share their feedback. Written comments will be accepted through December 30, 2024 until 5:00 p.m. Feedback can be submitted via email to ltapia@oclafco.org.

Addressing the impacts of PFAS to the groundwater basin and water systems that pump water from the basin remains a top priority for OCWD. As new state and federal regulations have been developed and adopted over the last several years, the monitoring requirements and the complexity of planning, tracking, and reporting to ensure we meet water quality compliance has increased. Rest assured, our expert water quality and lab staff have remained vigilant to keep up with the evolving landscape. 

In recent years, many PFAS treatment facilities have been designed, constructed, and become operational. As the treatment facilities continue to come online, our staff have adapted to meet the increased demands of water quality monitoring and sampling at these sites, as required by state and federal regulations. Once collected, samples are transported to the laboratory, where chemists analyze them and report results which are thoroughly reviewed and then shared with our local water providers and regulatory agencies. This process ensures all facilities remain compliant with drinking water standards, protecting the community’s health and safety.

Monitoring of these drinking water treatment facilities includes many monthly and quarterly requirements at all of the production wells that are pumped to the treatment facility, all of the separate treatment vessels in the facility, and at the final effluent water that leaves the treatment facility. In addition, special water quality monitoring is required during the initial resin or media filling at each vessel and any time there a change-out when used media is replaced with new treatment media such as the ion exchange resin or granular activated carbon.  

The growing demands of the PFAS monitoring require significant planning and coordination to meet strict regulatory requirements set by the state’s Division of Drinking Water (DDW). As OCWD continues working with water agencies to design and construct more PFAS treatment facilities, our staff are committed to meeting the challenge of these increasing demands of PFAS monitoring with precision and dedication.

Many agencies face challenges with sediment – some have a surplus and are faced with finding sediment to dispose of, while others urgently need it for critical projects. Often, these issues are addressed in isolation, missing opportunities for beneficial reuse. SediMatch is an online planning tool that bridges this gap and fosters collaboration and efficiency. It connects sediment providers with those who need it for projects like beach replenishment, construction or habitat restoration. Check out the SediMatch website to add your organization's details and look for a match today!

OCWD recently welcomed water reuse leaders from across California for the WateReuse California (WRCA) Reuse Implementation Workshop. Organized by the National Water Research Institute (NWRI), the event brought together experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders to address key challenges and accelerate the implementation of potable reuse projects in the state.

The workshop featured an engaging agenda with presentations from thought leaders, including OCWD speakers, who discussed the potential of online monitoring and AI in potable reuse and managing contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in potable reuse projects.

OCWD is proud to have played a key role in this important dialogue, which aligns with our mission to lead in water reuse innovation and ensure a sustainable water future for Orange County and beyond.

At OCWD, every individual plays a vital role in safeguarding the region’s water supply. Through our “Meet the Staff” video series, we’re proud to showcase our diverse career paths and the people that make OCWD a leader in innovation and excellence.

These videos highlight the stories of employees from various departments, showcasing how their unique skills and dedication contribute to the District’s mission of delivering high-quality water to the 19 cities and retail water districts we serve. Meet professionals like the lead auto and equipment mechanic in the Recharge Operations Department, who ensures critical equipment is always running smoothly; a scientist in the Research and Development Department, piloting new research and technologies to solve complex water challenges; and a regulatory affairs specialist, working to navigate compliance and permitting issues. 

OCWD’s culture is rooted in collaboration, high performance, and a commitment to innovation. We empower employees to make meaningful contributions and foster an environment where individuals can reach their full potential while working together to achieve the District’s goals.

Learn more about the rewarding opportunities at OCWD by visiting our careers webpage.

Join us at the upcoming Children's Water Education Festival on April 23 & 24 at Oak Canyon Park (Silverado) as a sponsor, presenter, or volunteer. Around 6,000 OC elementary students will attend to learn about protecting water, STEM, and more. Hosting an event of this size is made possible by many generous supporters. Each year, we take great pride in partnering with such dedicated organizations and individuals and we encourage you to get involved!

Visit www.childrenwaterfestival.com to learn more or sign up today.

Missed our recent webinar? You can now watch the recording and discover how OCWD is using innovation to boost water supply and support local wildlife at the Prado Wetlands.

This webinar highlights how OCWD is integrating cutting-edge technology to meet both wildlife and regional water needs, including the development of a “digital twin” tool that will provide a quantifiable method to monitor habitats and track species recovery, while optimizing water management. 

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.