WATER POLICY FORUM & DINNER

Monday, January 26

Ready for an evening of insight and inspiration? Join us for the Water Policy Forum & Dinner at The Westin in Costa Mesa. This event offers an invaluable opportunity for professionals committed to water policy, environmental sustainability, and regional planning. Connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and water experts as we explore innovative strategies to secure our region’s water resources.

We’re excited to welcome keynote speaker Shivaji Deshmukh, the newly appointed General Manager of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan). We look forward to an inspiring evening of collaboration, insight, and forward-thinking solutions.

5 EASY WAYS!

To Save Water During the Holidays

Jasmine Orozco, Public Affairs Coordinator, MWDOC

Make the season bright and water smart! The holidays bring joy, gatherings, and extra water use at home. With a few simple changes, you can enjoy the season while keeping your water use in check. MWDOC offers easy tips and rebates to help you save water, time, and money from kitchen prep to leak checks and winter landscape adjustments.

Discover five simple ways to stay water-smart this holiday season!

5 REASONS TO PARTICIPATE!

In MWDOC's Water Awareness Poster Contest

Katie Vincent, Public Affairs Coordinator, MWDOC

MWDOC’s Annual Poster Contest is open to all Orange County K-12 students, now until Wednesday, March 11! This year’s theme, “Water Connects Us All,” invites everyone to reflect on the importance of water and its essential role in our lives. By participating, young people become part of a long-standing tradition that brings communities together to promote good water stewardship.



Check out these five reasons to participate in the Poster Contest.

WEEA/WATER UCI WEBINAR

Thursday, November 6

How do we make waves in California’s water workforce? By diving in together! The Water Energy Education Alliance (WEEA) and Water UCI recently teamed up to host Access, Visibility, Opportunity (AVO) for All in the Water Sector, and the response was overflowing, with 175 registrants spanning utilities, education, human resources, and community partners.

Speaker Victor H. Lopez, J.D., author of the HR Playbook, and moderator Dr. David Feldman explored how to widen entry points, modernize hiring, and build cultures that retain top talent. Missed it? Stay tuned! More workforce-driven conversations are in the pipeline!



Watch and share the meeting recording.

CAREER-CONNECTED WATER EDUCATION

Tuesday, November 4

Imagine transforming everyday water lessons into powerful learning pathways that inspire students to explore meaningful careers in the water industry. At the recent Department of Water Resources Water Education Committee Meeting, MWDOC’s Education and Workforce Development team led an engaging, hands-on session for water educators from across California.

MWDOC and WEEA staff and sponsors guided a series of career-focused activities, empowering educators to bring career awareness directly into their classrooms. Through an interactive deep dive into the RIASEC model, which aligns student interests with potential careers, participants collaborated in real time to tackle real-world challenges, reimagine curriculum, and discover practical strategies to help students connect water concepts to the diverse professions that power the water industry.

Want to learn more about how MWDOC is shaping the next generation of water leaders? Explore our K–16 water education initiatives.

SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT

A Unique Coastal Water Agency

South Coast Water District (SCWD) keeps water flowing and wastewater treated for coastal communities in South Orange County — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this 4-minute MWDOC Member Agency Spotlight, you’ll meet the team behind the taps, learn what makes SCWD unique as a coastal utility, and see how investments in local projects help protect public health, the environment, and our quality of life.

The video also highlights how SCWD partners with MWDOC on water reliability, conservation, education, and emergency preparedness to better serve the region. Watch the video.

MWDOC HONORS DIRECTOR LARRY D. DICK AFTER MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF SERVICE AT METROPOLITAN

MWDOC announced that Director Larry D. Dick will retire from Metropolitan after an extraordinary 22 years of service as MWDOC's representative on Metropolitan's Board of Directors. Although he's retiring from Metropolitan, Director Dick will continue his local work on the MWDOC Board of Directors to help ensure Orange County’s voice remains strong in regional water planning.

Learn about Director Dick's service.

MWDOC DIRECTOR RANDALL CRANE SWORN IN AS NEWLY SELECTED ORANGE COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE TO METROPOLITAN

MWDOC announced that Director Randall Crane, Ph.D., was officially sworn in as MWDOC’s newest representative to Metropolitan. Director Crane was appointed by the MWDOC Board of Directors on November 19, 2025, by unanimous vote. "Randy brings a rare blend of technical expertise, policy insight, and community-minded leadership to the Metropolitan Board,” said MWDOC Board President Robert R. McVicker, P.E.

Learn about Director Crane.

REAL PEOPLE, REAL SAVINGS

City of Huntington Beach

Efficiently beautiful! One Huntington Beach resident transformed 2,171 sq. ft. of grass into a stunning water-saving garden through MWDOC’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program. With drip irrigation and rock garden additions, this project is expected to save 103k gallons of water annually.

See how simple design choices can create a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape that saves water year-round. Explore this garden transformation and find inspiration for your landscape!



Learn about residential rebates to start saving with our water-smart rebates!

RAIN BARRELS:

A Simple Way to Capture and Save Water

Did you know? MWDOC offers rebates to help residents install rain barrels and cisterns that collect roof water runoff for use in gardens and landscapes. This easy, sustainable practice supports water-use efficiency, reduces stormwater pollution, and promotes healthier plants by providing naturally untreated water. Learn how rain barrels can help you conserve water and support a more resilient community.



Apply today to get your rebate!

FULLERTON GARDEN CLUB

Tuesday, October 14

Water Use Efficiency Program Supervisor Rachel Waite-Harvey and Water Use Efficiency Analyst II Tina Fann represented MWDOC at a speaking engagement with the Fullerton Garden Club on October 14. They spoke to a group of gardening enthusiasts about the water conservation and landscape transformation resources offered by MWDOC, highlighting successful grass replacement rebate projects. In addition to being shown before-and-after landscape photos, the club learned about the comprehensive plant list resources available on OCWaterSmartGardens.com.

Learn about MWDOC’s Water Use Efficiency programs, or book a speaker for your next event or meeting. 

FACEBOOK, OCTOBER 14

Congratulations to more than 20 LandscapePros who graduated from the Water Efficient Landscape Dual Certification Program! These landscapers participated in a three-day workshop series presented in partnership with MWDOC, Metropolitan, California Landscape Contractors Association, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper program. They gained tools to design, manage, and maintain sustainable, water-efficient landscapes.

Discover landscape rebates and resources.

WATER EMERGENCY RESPONSE ORGANIZATION OF OC

Emergency Responder Training

MWDOC staff recently completed a hands-on Emergency Responder Training, and MWDOC is excited to offer this interactive experience to your agency or community group. This light, scenario-based activity helps participants strengthen preparedness and quick-thinking skills while exploring real-world dynamics of emergency response. No prior emergency operations experience is required.



Reach out to Vicki Osborn for more information: weroc@mwdoc.com.

HOOVER DAM & CRA INSPECTION TRIP

Friday & Saturday, November 7-8

Experiencing a behind-the-scenes look at vital water infrastructure! MWDOC Director Karl Seckel co-hosted an Inspection Trip with Eastern Municipal Water District’s Director Joe Grindstaff this November that embarked on an educational journey tracing the Colorado River’s path to California. The two-day journey, facilitated by Metropolitan, offered attendees a rare look at dams, reservoirs, pumping plants, and other key facilities that make delivering water to Southern California possible.

The trip also created valuable opportunities for attendees to connect with water professionals from across the industry, including operators, engineers, planners, and emerging leaders. It was a successful showcase of the importance of strong partnerships among local and regional water agencies and how shared learning can support the region’s water future. Learn about water inspection trips hosted by Metropolitan.

H2O FOR HOAs

Thursday, October 23

Moulton Niguel Water District hosted the 9th Annual H2O for HOAs event in partnership with 11 cities, the County of Orange, and eight water districts. More than 220 attendees gathered at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in Mission Viejo for a half-day event focused on learning and collaboration.

HOA board members, community managers, landscapers, and residents joined in interactive discussions on water management and emergency preparedness. MWDOC hosted an informational booth with rebate resources and giveaways. The booth also featured a tabletop activity where participants could design their own sustainable landscape.

Learn about rebates for commercial, industrial, and institutional properties.