Highlights from October 2024

I am pleased to announce that the Orange County Water District (OCWD) has received the prestigious District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). This recognition highlights OCWD’s commitment to transparency, strong governance, and community trust – foundational values that we uphold every day as we work to deliver a reliable, high-quality water supply to over 2.5 million residents across Orange County.

Transparency is not only a cornerstone of OCWD’s mission but also essential to the integrity of our operations and the trust we build with the communities we serve. From ensuring public access to information and adhering to California’s public meeting laws to providing ethics training for our board members, OCWD consistently meets and exceeds the high standards SDLF sets for water districts across the state. Achieving this certificate validates our dedication to keeping our community informed, engaged, and confident in our work.

As stewards of the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which provides 85% of the water supply for 19 cities and local water retailers, OCWD has embraced innovative approaches to water management since its founding in 1933. Receiving this certificate reflects our continuous effort to evolve, stay accessible, and be accountable. I am proud of our board and staff for their commitment to these principles, now and into the future.

OCWD’s transparency initiatives not only highlight our commitment to governance excellence but also underscore our role as a leader in California’s water industry. For more details about these initiatives, I invite you to visit www.ocwd.com/about/transparency.

City of Anaheim Dedicates Linda Vista PFAS Treatment Plant



Congratulations to the city of Anaheim for dedicating the Linda Vista PFAS Treatment Plant! Using advanced ion exchange technology, this new facility can treat up to 23 million gallons of groundwater daily, enough to supply nearly 80,000 homes. The Linda Vista facility is one of several PFAS treatment plants in Orange County, highlighting the region's proactive leadership in addressing PFAS. In the OCWD service area, a total of 45 impacted wells have been brought back online, with more on the way. For more information on OCWD’s robust response to PFAS, visit our PFAS education center. 

Yorba Linda Water District’s Commitment to High Quality Water

We invite you to take a look at the essential work of the Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD) in delivering safe and clean water to the community. In this video, YLWD Board President Trudi Kew DesRoches and General Manager Mark Toy discuss their partnership with OCWD and guide viewers through the meticulous efforts and standards that ensure high-quality water for local residents and businesses.

The annual Groundwater Adventure Tour brought together around 100 attendees for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Orange County’s water resources. Led by OCWD experts, participants toured essential sites across Fountain Valley, Anaheim, and Corona, delving into the history, technology, and environmental stewardship that sustain the region’s water supply.

Highlights included the world-renowned Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) – the largest advanced water purification system on the planet – as well as a scenic drive along the Santa Ana River where attendees learned how OCWD diverts and recharges water into the Orange County Groundwater Basin. Guests also learned about the District’s water quality sampling, monitoring and testing programs and visited the scenic Prado Wetlands, where they explored local wildlife and learned about OCWD’s commitment to sustainable water management. Thanks to everyone who joined!

OCWD’s 28th annual Children's Water Education Festival is back and bigger than ever! The 2025 event will take place in the scenic Oak Canyon Park on April 23-24. The new venue will offer an enriched experience for Orange County’s 3rd-5th graders, featuring hands-on activities and interactive lessons that bring the importance of water to life.

Since its inception, the Festival has reached over 152,000 students, and we aim to inspire even more young minds this year. Teachers, sponsors, presenters, and volunteers can register now to join us at www.childrenwaterfestival.com.

We’re excited to welcome you to our final two workshops as we dive into SediMatch, an online tool designed to connect sediment providers with those in need. These hands-on sessions will demonstrate how SediMatch helps organizations managing sediment connect with those needing it for projects like beach replenishment, construction or habitat restoration. Participants will learn how to navigate the platform, input sediment data, and provide feedback to optimize its use for southern California.

Thursday, Nov. 7 from 9:00am - 1:00pm

Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority

11615 Sterling Ave, Riverside, CA 92503

Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 9:00am - 1:00pm

Ganahl Lumber

25865 Stonehill Dr, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

We hope you can join us! Please contact OCWD Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources Lisa Haney at lhaney@ocwd.com for more information.

OCWD took part in the recent ACWA Region 10 Event, where leaders from across the industry gathered to discuss the evolving challenges of water quality. OCWD Board President Cathy Green, who also serves as ACWA President, opened the event with remarks on the need for proactive strategies in tackling water quality issues, emphasizing OCWD's dedication to innovative solutions and collaboration.

General Manager John Kennedy joined a panel of industry experts to address the impacts of PFAS on local agency operations. The panel focused on the challenges posed by emerging contaminants like PFAS and discussed strategies agencies can adopt to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining affordability. John shared insights into OCWD’s robust PFAS response and commitment to safeguarding Orange County's groundwater supply.

Congratulations to Dave Field, Senior Hydrogeologist and OCWD’s Employee of the Third Quarter! Dave served as project manager for a challenging monitoring well project in Huntington Beach, navigating complex hydrogeologic conditions and the site’s close proximity to a residential neighborhood. Dedicated to ensuring community satisfaction, Dave even took time on his days off to address neighbor concerns, earning complimentary feedback from the residents.

Thank you, Dave, for your exceptional commitment to OCWD’s mission and reputation!

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.