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Welcome to this edition of eCurrents, highlighting the Municipal Water District of Orange County's (MWDOC) regional planning efforts and the events that strengthen connections across our communities.
In this issue, we continue celebrating MWDOC's 75 years of service, partnership, and value. You'll also find insights from the latest Urban Water Management Plan, along with an overview of two bills aimed at improving State Water Project infrastructure.
Looking ahead, our upcoming Water Policy Forum and Dinner will feature a panel discussion on the Sites Reservoir Project, where experts will explore the project's benefits, costs, and next steps. In addition, sponsorship opportunities are now available for the OC Water Summit.
Together, these stories reflect MWDOC's ongoing commitment to collaboration, innovation, and public service. We welcome your ideas for future topics and encourage you to contact us at info@mwdoc.com.
| | MWDOC is governed by a Board of Directors, elected by the public to represent a portion of Orange County. | View meeting agendas and minutes. | |
ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Annual Water Magazine Feature
MWDOC was featured in California Water Magazine for its 75 years of service and leadership in water reliability, emergency management, and public education. Through shared services, leak detection programs, and regional coordination, MWDOC helps local agencies save money, conserve water, and improve efficiency while strengthening long-term water resilience and sustainability.
Read the full article on page 8.
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LEGISLATURE CONSIDERING BILLS TO IMPROVE STATE WATER PROJECT
California’s water infrastructure is facing unprecedented pressure from climate change, aging systems, and growing environmental threats. Two important bills currently before the California Legislature, AB 2215 and SB 872, aim to strengthen and modernize the State Water Project by extending critical water rights timelines and investing in essential levee and canal repairs.
Read the full article.
| | MWDOC 75TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO SPOTLIGHT | | |
75 YEARS OF SERVICE
Video Series
MWDOC FACES: 75 Years of Service is a video series that highlights the people behind MWDOC’s enduring legacy. As MWDOC celebrates 75 years, current and former staff members share personal stories, career experiences, and reflections on what public service means to them.
Through their firsthand perspectives, the series honors the dedication, teamwork, and impact of the employees who have helped shape MWDOC and continue to serve our communities every day.
Watch the videos!
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WATER OUTLOOK: WHAT THE LATEST PLAN SHOWS
Sarina Sriboonlue, Principal Engineer, MWDOC
Every five years, California water agencies are required to prepare an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), a long‑range water resource planning document. MWDOC just finalized the 2025 UWMP, evaluating how much water Orange County will need over the next 20–25 years and whether supplies are expected to meet that demand under normal and dry conditions.
Catch up on OC's long-term water reliability.
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LOCAL CHURCH DISCOVERS FOUR BENEFITS OF GRASS REPLACEMENT
Jasmine Orozco, Public Affairs Coordinator I, MWDOC
A church in Irvine recently replaced over 36,000 square feet of grass with a beautiful, water-wise landscape featuring native plants.
Through MWDOC’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program, they created a sustainable, community-focused space that includes a labyrinth walking path.
Read more about this project.
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WATER SUPPLY FINDINGS & OUTLOOK
Kevin Hostert, Senior Water Resources Analyst, MWDOC
After a record heatwave in March and the Department of Water Resources' latest snow survey finding no measurable snow in the Northern Sierra Mountains, what does this mean for the region’s water supply as we move into the typically dry summer months?
Read the updated snapshot.
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FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM CALIFORNIA'S NEW WATER WORKFORCE RESEARCH REPORT
Tiffany Baca, Education & Workforce Development Manager, MWDOC / Executive Director, WEEA
What happens when workforce research is built alongside the field instead of about the field? A new statewide report from the Water UCI research team in partnership with the Water Energy Education Alliance highlights the challenges, gaps, and opportunities shaping California’s water workforce pipeline.
Read on to explore the findings.
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WATER POLICY FORUM & DINNER
Monday, June 15
Join water industry leaders, policymakers, and regional experts for an evening of insightful discussion and networking focused on the future of California water management. The forum will feature a panel discussion on the Sites Reservoir Project, with experts exploring water rights, regional benefits, costs, and next steps for this key infrastructure effort.
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ORANGE COUNTY WATER SUMMIT
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support one of Southern California’s premier water policy events by becoming a sponsor of the 18th Annual OC Water Summit on September 25 in Costa Mesa! This year's event will bring together more than 300 business leaders, elected officials, academics, and water professionals to explore the future of water reliability, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Sponsorship offers visibility through event signage, attendee communications, social media promotion, exhibit opportunities, and on-site recognition, showing your organization’s commitment to regional water resilience. View the PDF brochure and submit your sponsorship!
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REAL TRANSFORMATIONS, REAL SAVINGS
City of Huntington Beach
This resident replaced over 1,000 square feet of grass with a sustainable landscape filled with California native plants. The garden features two rain barrels that collect rainwater for watering the plants, and a dry riverbed for stormwater capture. It also includes a permeable decomposed granite pathway to walk along and seating to enjoy their natural space.
Learn more about this project.
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SMART IRRIGATION TIMER
Rebates Available!
Plants do best with efficient irrigation. Look for a US Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense-labeled Smart Irrigation Timer and water smarter! They use information about your plants, soil, and weather conditions to deliver the right amount of water to your landscape year-round.
Smart Irrigation Timers allow for more accurate, customized irrigation by automatically adjusting the schedule and amount of water in response to changing weather conditions.
Discover Smart Irrigation Timers rebates.
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OCDE HARBOR LEARNING CENTER EARTH DAY EVENT
Wednesday, April 29
The future of Orange County’s water workforce begins with inspiring students today. At the Orange County Department of Education’s (OCDE) Harbor Learning Center South Earth Day event, our Education and Workforce Development team used an EnviroScape model to help approximately 50 ACCESS students, teachers, and families learn about the people and careers behind safe, reliable water in Orange County. Through interactive demonstrations and thoughtful conversations, students explored how water professionals help protect public health, support the environment, and keep our communities running strong every single day.
Learn about MWDOC’s education initiatives.
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CALIFORNIA WATER EFFICIENCY PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE
May 27-28
At the California Water Efficiency Partnership’s Peer to Peer Conference in Napa, MWDOC's Water Use Efficiency Programs Analyst II, Sam Fetter, moderated a dynamic session focused on navigating compliance with the Making Conservation a California Way of Life regulation.
In another session, Water Loss Control Programs Manager Rachel Davis presented insights into integrating water loss and water efficiency, highlighting how cross-disciplinary collaboration strengthens conservation efforts.
Learn about MWDOC’s programs.
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SANTA MARGARITA WATER FESTIVAL
May 16
Ricky the Rambunctious Raindrop℠ attended the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Water Festival for a day of education, exploration, and family fun! SMWD offered garden and reservoir tours, animal encounters, and hands-on activities. Residents learned about water, wildlife, and sustainability. Ricky had a blast at this interactive community event!
Request Ricky at your next event!
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Advocating for California’s Water Future! MWDOC Director Randall Crane joined a coalition of State Water Contractors representatives in Sacramento to advocate for support of SB 872 (McNerney) and AB 2215 (Calderon), key legislation focused on maintaining California’s water infrastructure.
Check out the full Facebook post.
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MWDOC was proud to support the California Native Plant Society’s 24th Annual Orange County Native Plant Garden Tour, showcasing beautifully designed landscapes that highlight the power of California Native Plants. These landscapes don’t just save water, they also create vital habitat for pollinators, birds, and local wildlife.
Check out the full Instagram post.
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