MWDOC eCurrents Newsletter Header

August 2025

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Poster of a pelican saying Save every drop.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Oranges

Welcome to the latest issue of MWDOC eCurrents newsletter, your source for fresh water news, updates, and inspiration! In this edition, discover how one Irvine resident transformed their yard into a California Friendly® garden, saving water, time, and money. Thinking of your own landscape upgrade? Check out the 5 ways to improve your irrigation and take advantage of our rebate programs. You’ll also learn how Urban Water Management Plans are focused on ensuring a reliable water future.


Book a water expert through Speakers Bureau, gear up for the OC Water Summit, and learn how our Leak Detection Program is helping save water. We’re also spotlighting two OC events where Ricky RaindropSM made a splash with local students. And, August is National Water Quality Month, so answer the poll to tell us how you feel about your tap water.


Thanks for reading! If you have ideas for future topics, please contact us at info@mwdoc.com.

Header board of directors
Board room

MWDOC is governed by a seven-member

Board of Directors. To learn more, visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.

header calendar
Calendar

For a complete list of upcoming and archived MWDOC meetings, or visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

picking up trash on a beach

JOIN US FOR COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

Saturday, September 20


Ready to make waves for cleaner waterways? Join thousands of volunteers across the state for California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., a powerful movement to protect our beaches, rivers, and oceans. Find your local meetup or join us at Huntington State Beach, Tower 8 to connect with your community, help remove marine debris, and explore earth-friendly informational tables. Each year, Orange County Coastkeeper teams up with the California Coastal Commission for this impactful event because every piece of trash collected makes a difference.


CLICK HERE to get involved and help remove trash from our waterways! 

OC WATER SUMMIT

Friday, September 5


Join us Friday, September 5, for the 17th annual OC Water Summit, Orange County’s leading water conference. With the theme “Turning the Valve: Abundance for Orange County,” the event brings together water experts, community leaders, and policymakers to explore critical issues shaping our water future.


CLICK HERE to learn more and register today!

Turning the Valve OC Water Summit Poster

DID YOU KNOW?

Man installing sprinkler

5 WATER-SMART WAYS!

To Improve Irrigation This Summer

Jasmine Orozco, Public Affairs Coordinator, MWDOC


Improving irrigation is one of the most effective ways to save water! Outdoor landscapes can be one of the biggest sources of water use—so they also offer the greatest opportunity for savings. Residents and businesses can help save water, reduce runoff, and protect our environment.


CLICK HERE to check out ways to improve your irrigation.

5 THINGS TO KNOW!

Planning for a Resilient Water Future

Sarina Sriboonlue, Principal Engineer, MWDOC


How do we plan for a reliable water future in a changing climate? Long-term planning and regional collaboration are in the works to secure reliable and resilient water resources for generations to come.


CLICK HERE to learn about the Urban Water Management Plan.

Areal view of OC Beach and city

REAL OC TRANSFORMATIONS

Photo of real savings details

REAL PEOPLE, REAL SAVINGS

City of Irvine


See sustainability in action! One OC homeowner replaced 197 sq. ft. of unused grass with a vibrant garden of California Friendly® plants and a high-efficiency drip irrigation system. The new landscape supports local pollinators while saving water and money.


CLICK HERE to learn more about this garden transformation and find inspiration for your next garden project!


CLICK HERE to start saving with our water-smart rebates!

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Water Smart savings and rebates flyer
Water Smart savings and rebates flyer

SPEAKERS BUREAU

NEED A WATER EXPERT FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING?

Book One Today!


MWDOC’s Speakers Bureau offers knowledgeable staff who can present on critical water topics impacting Orange County, including water supply, conservation programs, local resources, and more. Book a water expert for your next community meeting, small group, or local business.


CLICK HERE to request a speaker.

Director Karl Seckel speaking at an event

RICKY ON THE ROAD

Mascot Ricky Raindrop with student

YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT DAY

Wednesday, June 4


Ricky the Rambunctious RaindropSM joined the City of Fountain Valley and the Fountain Valley School District for the Youth in Government Day on June 4. Third grade students from five campuses had the opportunity to engage directly with all facets of the City including Public Works, Fire, and Police. It was an amazing day of education and opportunity for Ricky and all the students who attended.


CLICK HERE to learn more.

SANTA MARGARITA WD WATER FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 7


Ricky joined the community at Santa Margarita Water District’s Water Festival in June! The event attracted more than 2,700 attendees and featured water-wise activities like infrastructure tours, butterfly gardens, reptile encounters, and more. Ricky connected with festivalgoers throughout the day, promoting the importance of water conservation and sustainable habits. Stay tuned for more Ricky sightings across Orange County!


CLICK HERE to read more about the event.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Ricky.

mascot ricky raindrop with kids at event

IN THE NEWS

Commercial building with no grass

$100,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING

To Advance Regional Water Conservation Planning


MWDOC has been selected to receive up to $100,000 in federal funding to advance responsible water stewardship efforts that support Orange County businesses, institutions, and water providers. Learn how this grant strengthens our region’s water resilience and what it means for the future.



CLICK HERE to read more.

POLLING PLACE

Did you know? August is National Water Quality Month! Water agencies work year-round to deliver safe, clean drinking water to your tap.

Do you trust the quality of the water that comes out of your faucet?
Results from our last poll question

ARE YOU FOLLOWING US ON SOCIAL?

Joe Berg speaking

FACEBOOK, JUNE 20


Celebrating a Legacy of Water Savings! After more than 33 years of dedicated service, Joe Berg, Director of Water Use Efficiency, is retiring from Municipal Water District of Orange County — leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of impact across Orange County and beyond.

 

 60,000 acre-feet of water saved annually

 $40 million secured in state & federal grants

 29 million sq. ft. of turf transformed

 200,000 high-efficiency toilets & washers installed

 5,627 miles of pipeline surveyed for leaks

 2,800 leaks repaired — saving water drop by drop

 

Thank you, Joe, for your incredible contributions and commitment to a sustainable water future!


CLICK HERE to view the post.

LINKEDIN, JULY 3


"I think WEROC [Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County] is the gold standard that we look for." - Troy Edgar, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.


Thank you to Deputy Secretary Edgar for taking the time to meet with MWDOC, WEROC (Vicki Osborn) and the Yorba Linda Water District to discuss how Orange County is leading the way in emergency preparedness, planning, response, and recovery efforts!


CLICK HERE to view the post.

helicopter

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Full room of attendees at Water Policy Forum & Dinner

MWDOC WATER POLICY FORUM & DINNER

Thursday, June 26


MWDOC’s Water Policy Forum & Dinner welcomed several first-time attendees, including Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes and OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer. The keynote speaker, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, The Honorable Troy Edgar discussed federal strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure, emphasizing the key role of local water agencies in ensuring resilience against threats like cyberattacks, natural disasters, and supply chain disruptions. He highlighted how national policies align with local priorities, offering insights for enhancing water system security and emergency response coordination.


CLICK HERE to watch the full video.

LEAK DETECTION PROGRAM RECOGNITION

Finding Hidden Leaks Helps Save Water


On June 11, MWDOC’s Leak Detection Program received an honorable mention at the Association of California Cities – Orange County’s Golden Hub of Innovation Awards. Since 2019, leak detection technicians have surveyed more than 5,627 miles of water mains, which is enough pipe to stretch from Los Angeles to New York and back. Fixing the leaks found during these surveys saved more than $671,000. MWDOC’s Water Loss Control Programs are a sustainable, shared service available to all water suppliers in Orange County.


CLICK HERE to discover more about the Leak Detection Program.

MWDOC Staff and Directors at event

Municipal Water District of Orange County

Phone: (714) 963-3058 Fax: (714) 964-9389

mwdoc.com