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February 2025

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Welcome to the February issue of MWDOC's eCurrents newsletter! This month, we highlight two (2) stories shaping Orange County’s water and education landscape. First, we dive into MWDOC’s response to a key consolidation report, reinforcing our commitment to reliable water service across the region. We also feature the inspiring transformation of a local school garden that not only cultivates sustainability on campus but serves as a model for the OC community. On the education front, we’re excited to announce two (2) hands-on clinics that will give OC Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts the chance to learn about good water stewardship. Plus, the 2025 Water Awareness Poster Contest is now open for young artists to showcase their creativity. Finally, the Water Energy Education Alliance Leadership Roundtable will feature insights from a workforce development expert on career pathways in California’s water and energy industries.


Our latest issue includes all this and more! If you have any comments or suggestions for future topics, please contact us at info@mwdoc.com. Thank you for subscribing!

MWDOC is governed by a seven-member

Board of Directors. To learn more, click on the image above, or visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.

For a complete list of upcoming and archived MWDOC meetings, click on the image above,

or visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OC SCOUTS BSA CLINIC

Saturday, February 22, 2025


Have you heard? MWDOC will co-host a hands-on clinic with El Toro Water District (ETWD) for OC Scouts BSA to earn their Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge. The clinic includes interactive lessons, activities, and an exclusive tour of ETWD’s water recycling treatment plant and water quality lab. All seven (7) merit badge requirements are completed during the 4-hour clinic!



CLICK HERE to find out more!

OC GIRL SCOUTS CLINIC

Saturday, March 22, 2025


How can learning good water stewardship inspire lifelong conservation habits? Find out at our upcoming MWDOC Water Resources & Conservation Patch Clinic at the NEW Mesa Water Education Center on Saturday, March 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. With hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, Orange County Girl Scouts will learn why caring for our water today is essential for tomorrow. This $5 clinic is open to all levels of Girl Scouts and includes a special patch upon completion!


CLICK HERE to download the flyer and register!

FIX A LEAK WEEK

March 17-23, 2025


Mark your calendars! The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix a Leak Week is happening March 17–23, 2025. This is the perfect time to check for leaks that may be wasting water and money. Start by inspecting faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems for drips or hidden leaks. A simple fix could save thousands of gallons of water each year! Join the movement to save water and protect our vital resources.


CLICK HERE for quick tips and step-by-step guidance.

MWDOC WATER AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST

Deadline: March 12, 2025


MWDOC is now accepting entries for the 2025 Water Awareness Poster Contest (Contest)! Open to all K-12 Orange County students, this year’s theme is Water Heroes: Saving Every Drop. Show how you can be a water hero by creating a hand-drawn poster focused on saving water and protecting our planet. Forty (40) winners will be celebrated with an awards ceremony, hands-on, nature-based activities, and more. Four (4) grand prize winners (one (1) per grade band: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) will win an iPad!



CLICK HERE to download the Contest flyer in English and Spanish.

CLICK HERE for the Contest rules.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION TRIP

Friday, January 24, 2025


MWDOC is making water education a priority for Orange County! On January 24, Orange County residents embarked on a local inspection trip with The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) and MWDOC/Metropolitan Directors Karl Seckel and Dennis Erdman. The day started with a tour of the Orange County Water District’s Ground Water Replenishment System, followed by a tour of Metropolitan’s cutting-edge Pure Water Southern California facility. Each facility uses recycled water to produce high-quality water that is drought-resilient. These innovative facilities are looking toward the future to ensure OC residents have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water.


CLICK HERE to learn more about your water.

MCVICKER & THOMAS REELECTED AS BOARD OFFICERS

2025 Elections


MWDOC has reappointed Director Robert (Bob) McVicker as President of its Board of Directors, with Director Jeffery M. Thomas serving as Vice President. McVicker, who previously served as Vice President, has been on the Board since 2019 and was elected in 2020. He represents Division 3, covering several Orange County communities. With over 40 years of experience in the water industry, he has contributed significantly to professional organizations and has held various public service roles. Vice President Thomas, an investment management professional, has been on the MWDOC Board since 2009 and represents Division 6. His background includes serving as Mayor and Councilman of Tustin, and he holds a law degree from Western State University.

DID YOU KNOW?

5 KEY BENEFITS!

Of a Water-Smart Garden

Jasmine Orozco, Public Affairs Coordinator, MWDOC


Want to transform your yard into a beautiful, water-smart oasis with lasting benefits? RH Dana Elementary in Dana Point did just that, converting 2,600 square feet of grass into a thriving outdoor learning space. With the help of MWDOC’s rebate programs, the school’s garden now supports student learning, saves water, attracts wildlife, and fosters environmental stewardship.


CLICK HERE to discover the five (5) key benefits of their transformation!

6 CRITICAL INSIGHTS!

To the LAFCO Consolidation Study

Damon Micalizzi, Director of Public Affairs, MWDOC


Did you know? MWDOC has provided a comprehensive review of the recent Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) study on the potential consolidation of MWDOC and the Orange County Water District (OCWD). In its response, MWDOC highlights significant flaws in the study, particularly regarding its conclusions on governance, financial viability, and operational impacts.


CLICK HERE to read the six (6) critical insights.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

WEEA LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE #20

Tuesday, February 11, 2025


Unlock the future of our water and energy workforce! Mark your calendar for February 11, 2025, and join us for the next Water Energy Education Alliance (WEEA) meeting. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from Don Jones of Cuyamaca College’s Center for Water Studies—a celebrated industry leader and workforce development expert with 60 years of experience as a skilled tradesperson, trainer, safety officer, organizational development manager, educator, and workforce advocate. Don brings unmatched expertise to what is sure to be an inspirational, informed discussion.


CLICK HERE for the registration link and to view and share the event flyer.

CLICK HERE to learn more about WEEA and discover sponsorship opportunities.

SPEAKERS BUREAU

WOMAN'S CLUB OF SEAL BEACH

Wednesday, January 15, 2025


Engaging with our community is where meaningful conversations begin. MWDOC/Metropolitan Director Karl Seckel recently spoke to the Woman’s Club of Seal Beach, sharing insights on water reliability, sustainability, and the cutting-edge initiatives shaping Orange County's water future. Through MWDOC’s Speakers Bureau, our water experts interact with community groups to discuss the vital work of Orange County water providers to ensure a sustainable water supply for generations to come.


CLICK HERE to book a speaker for your next meeting.

POLLING PLACE

Did you know? The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix a Leak Week is March 17-23. CLICK HERE for tips on how to check for leaks. 

How will you participate in Fix a Leak Week?
Replace your old toilet flapper.
Check and fix your leaky faucets or showerheads.
Inspect your outdoor irrigation system for leaks and fix them.
Find and fix leaks outside of your home, like work or school.
Other ideas? Share with us at PublicAffairs@mwdoc.com!

FAVORITE POSTS

Education is the foundation for creating a sustainable future! Through our K-16 programs, students learn about our local water supply and discover the importance of using this vital resource wisely. By fostering curiosity and critical thinking, we’re empowering the next generation of water stewards to create solutions for a sustainable tomorrow. || Discover more about our water education resources here. www.mwdoc.com/EducationInitiatives

#environment #education #sustainability #waterstewards

-Facebook, Jan. 26

Community engagement is at the heart of what we do. Today, Director Karl Seckel had the pleasure of speaking with the Woman’s Club of Seal Beach, diving into the critical topics of water reliability, sustainability, and the innovative work being done across Orange County. #OrangeCountyWater

#WaterReliability #SealBeach #OCisWaterSmart || Learn more about your water at www.mwdoc.com/your-water

-LinkedIn, Jan. 15

Did you know? The annual Water Awareness Poster Contest is now open! This year’s theme, “Water Heroes: Saving Every Drop,” invites you to share what water means to you through your creative artwork. Submit your original piece to by March 12 for a chance to win exciting prizes, including an iPad! || Learn more: www.mwdoc.com/postercontest

#OCisWaterSmart #waterhero #water #art

-Instagram, Jan. 9



Municipal Water District of Orange County

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

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