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As the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) marks its 75th Anniversary, this issue of eCurrents reflects on a legacy built on service, reliability, and regional partnership. We are sharing voices from past and present Directors and staff, looking back at where we have been, how we have evolved, and the values that continue to guide our work today.
You will also find the latest on regional water conditions. While California’s reservoirs and Orange County’s groundwater supplies are in good shape this winter, below-average snowpack and ongoing uncertainty on the Colorado River underscore the long-term challenges ahead. We highlight a sustainability success story in the City of Irvine, where a local business transformed 5,193 square feet of turf into an eye-catching, water-wise landscape through MWDOC’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program. The project features more than 3,500 OC-friendly plants and is expected to save 228,000 gallons of water each year. You can also watch the January 26 Water Policy Dinner video featuring keynote speaker Shivaji Deshmukh.
Service, reliability, and regional partnership shape MWDOC’s work. We welcome your ideas for future topics at info@mwdoc.com.
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........BOARD OF DIRECTORS........
| MWDOC is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, who are elected by the public to represent a specific portion of Orange County. | ........MEETINGS CALENDAR........ | | |
5 MID-WINTER WATER SUPPLY FINDINGS
A Look at the Current Findings and Projections
Kevin Hostert, Senior Water Resources Analyst, MWDOC
What does the rest of winter mean for water supply reliability in Orange County and beyond? From strong reservoir levels in Northern California to ongoing concerns around snowpack and the Colorado River, several key trends are worth watching closely.
Dive deeper into the trends, data, and regional context.
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MWDOC IS CELEBRATING
75 Years of Service!
In honor of MWDOC's 75th Anniversary, member agencies from across Orange County share heartfelt messages recognizing MWDOC’s leadership, partnership, and lasting impact on regional water reliability. Here’s to 75 years of service and regional collaboration — and to many more ahead.
Watch the video.
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MWDOC REFLECTIONS
Celebrating 75 Years of Service
From orange groves and lima bean fields to a thriving region of more than three million residents, Orange County has transformed over the past 75 years. This Reflections video celebrates MWDOC's 75th anniversary, highlighting how decades of innovation, collaboration, and stewardship have supported the county’s growth and shaped water management.
Watch the video.
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6 WAYS WE'RE MAKING AN IMPACT
Through MWDOC Education Initiatives
Tiffany Baca, Education & Workforce Development Manager & WEEA Executive Director
Sarah Wilson, Education & Workforce Development Supervisor
From classrooms to communities, water education plays a key role in securing Orange County’s water supply. Explore six (6) ways MWDOC’s education initiatives are building water-smart habits today and supporting long-term resilience.
Discover how MWDOC is strengthening a water-smart future.
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MWDOC RECOGNIZED ON THE HOUSE FLOOR
Representative Young Kim
On the House floor, Representative Young Kim (R-CA) recognized MWDOC's 75th anniversary and its legacy of service. During her remarks, she highlighted the district’s founding vision — that regional collaboration is stronger than working alone. As Orange County looks toward the future, MWDOC remains well-prepared to meet the challenges of the next 75 years with the same integrity and commitment that have defined its legacy.
Watch the video.
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MWDOC CELEBRATES 75 YEARS
Service, Reliability, and Regional Partnership
MWDOC is celebrating its 75th anniversary, marking decades of leadership, collaboration, and planning to secure reliable water for Orange County. Founded in 1951, MWDOC continues to support water reliability through regional planning, conservation programs, education, and emergency preparedness.
Read the full 75 Years of Service press release.
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NEW MWDOC BOARD LEADERSHIP
Larry D. Dick and Jeff Thomas
MWDOC’s Board of Directors has selected new leadership for the year ahead. The Board appointed Larry D. Dick as President and re-elected Jeff Thomas as Vice President to help guide the District’s work on water reliability, efficiency, and regional partnerships.
Read the full Board Leadership press release.
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WEEA LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE #22 PART TWO
Tuesday, February 24 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
It’s time to turn insight into action. Part Two of the Water Energy Education Alliance (WEEA) Leadership Roundtable #22 builds on the momentum of Part One by bringing regional industry and education professionals back together to dive deeper into shared water workforce challenges, successes, and opportunities. Hosted in partnership with the Water UCI student-centered research team, this interactive session will focus on collaboration, shared investment, and practical next steps to strengthen California’s water workforce.
Missed Part One? There’s still time to join the conversation!
Register today!
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UNLESS SOMETHING GOES TERRIBLY WRONG
Documentary Screening and Water Career Networking Event | Tuesday, February 24
What if the biggest challenge facing our water workforce is simply being seen? Join MWDOC, WEEA, and Santiago Canyon College for a special Orange County screening of Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong. This smart, funny, and heartfelt documentary follows a wastewater team on the frontlines of aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and the everyday pressures of keeping communities running. Every ticket purchased supports student attendance and sparks meaningful connections between students curious about careers in water and industry professionals.
Reserve your seat today!
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LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES!
Deadline: Wednesday, March 11
MWDOC’s Annual Poster Contest is open to all Orange County K–12 students, with just one month left to submit entries before the March 11 deadline. This year’s theme, “Water Connects Us All,” invites students to explore the vital role water plays in our daily lives and communities. By participating, students join a long-standing tradition that encourages creativity, learning, and responsible water stewardship.
Learn how to submit your artwork!
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OC WATER SUMMIT
Save the date: Friday, September 18
Join us for this premier annual event bringing together water industry leaders, elected officials, business professionals, and community stakeholders to tackle pressing water challenges. Explore critical topics in water supply reliability, policy innovations, emerging technologies, and sustainable solutions—while building valuable connections through dedicated networking opportunities.
Mark your calendar for an engaging day of insightful discussions and meaningful collaborations shaping the future of water in our region.
More details and registration coming soon, sign up to receive updates.
| | EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT | |
FROM CLASSROOMS TO CAREER PATHWAYS
January 21-22
One school. Two days. Nearly 1,500 students were introduced to new possibilities. Through a pilot initiative focused on awareness, connection, and possibility, Orange County high school students were introduced to water industry careers, many for the very first time. Thanks to a small but dedicated group of presenters, students engaged in meaningful conversations about water career pathways they may never have considered. Together, this collective effort helped spark curiosity and expand how students see their future. This experience was made possible through collaboration with Orange Unified School District, Villa Park High School, and WEEA, with presentations from the MWDOC, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Golden State Water Company, Orange County Water District, and Orange County Sanitation District.
Learn more about MWDOC's education initiatives.
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REAL PEOPLE, REAL SAVINGS
City of Irvine
This business in the City of Irvine transformed 5,193 sq. ft. of grass into an eye-catching sustainable landscape through MWDOC’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program. This project features over 3,500 OC friendly plants and is expected to save 228,000 gallons of water annually.
MWDOC staff continue to receive thanks from businesses, city staff, and residents who go through the process to receive water-saving rebates! If you’re interested in learning how to save money while you transform your landscape, connect with our team. Email turfremoval@mwdoc.com.
View the project and learn more about rebates for commercial, industrial, and institutional properties.
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TIBURON SOUTH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
MWDOC’s Water Use Efficiency Program Supervisor, Rachel Waite-Harvey, provided a presentation in Fountain Valley for the Tiburon South Homeowners Association on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The presentation focused on AB 1572, which prohibits potable irrigation for Non-Functional Turf. In addition to learning about the regulation, the group received information about MWDOC and the resources available to their attendees.
Interested in MWDOC programs and water issues affecting our area? Learn about changes coming to your neighborhoods with AB1572 implementation. Spread the word, book a MWDOC speaker for your next event or meeting.
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MWDOC'S WATER POLICY FORUM & DINNER
Monday, January 26
The Water Policy Forum & Dinner welcomed approximately 300 water professionals, policymakers, and community leaders for an engaging evening of discussion and connection. Guests heard from keynote speaker Shivaji Deshmukh, General Manager of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, who shared insights on regional water priorities and Southern California’s water future.
Watch the video.
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BUILDING THE NEXT 20 YEARS OF WATER SECTOR MUTUAL AID
Source Magazine Article
A Source Magazine feature spotlights MWDOC’s own Vicki Osborn and her leadership role in helping shape the future of the California Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN). The article highlights how CalWARN is evolving to strengthen mutual aid, improve emergency coordination, and ensure water and wastewater agencies are prepared to respond to increasingly complex emergencies.
Read the Source Magazine article.
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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY OF SERVICE
Saturday, January 24
Inside the Outdoors hosted a Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., bringing volunteers together to support cleanup efforts at Upper Newport Bay, one of California’s last remaining coastal wetlands. Students and families gained hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, while MWDOC supported the event with an informational booth focused on litter sorting, an important practice for resource conservation. Community cleanups like this help protect sensitive ecosystems for future generations.
See more pictures in the Facebook post.
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Giving back this holiday season! MWDOC and WEROC came together to spread holiday cheer by donating food to the Thomas House Family Shelter, supporting families in need here in Orange County.
A heartfelt thank you to Thomas House Family Shelter for the incredible work they do, providing hope to local families. Together, we can all make the season brighter for our community.
Learn more about MWDOC and WEROC.
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INSTAGRAM, JANUARY 28
Customer Service is Key! A resident in the City of Orange was so happy with her landscape transformation and the customer service she received that she stopped by the MWDOC office to meet and thank the Water Use Efficiency team!
Project highlights:
-Replaced 2,628 sq. ft. of grass with a Sustainable Landscape
-Earned an additional $1,000 through the Landscape Design Rebate Program
-Completed two Spray-to-Drip conversions, improving irrigation efficiency for 7,679 sq. ft.
By upgrading her landscape and irrigation, she’s saving water and helping strengthen Orange County’s long-term water reliability.
Ready to start your own water-smart makeover? Learn about residential rebates.
| | For 75 years, MWDOC has championed smart water use. When it comes to your daily water habits, what’s your vibe? | | | | |
