|
Welcome to this edition of eCurrents, highlighting the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) partnerships, programs, and outreach efforts supporting Orange County’s water community.
In this issue, we explore what a potential “Super El Niño” could mean for Orange County and recap the 18th Annual Orange County Water Summit, which brought together regional leaders and gave students a chance to connect with industry professionals.
You’ll also see how Yorba Linda is helping to save water with a landscape transformation. Looking ahead, educators and water industry partners can connect at the next WEEA Leadership Roundtable, and OC teachers have the opportunity to attend a Project WET workshop.
Together, these stories reflect MWDOC’s continued commitment to 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. | |
WHAT A “SUPER EL NIÑO” COULD MEAN FOR ORANGE COUNTY’S WATER SUPPLY
Kevin Hostert, Senior Water Resources Analyst, MWDOC
The above average temperatures that began in the spring and dominated the summer months all point toward a powerful El Niño taking shape in the Pacific Ocean.
What is a “Super El Niño,” and does it have the potential to reshape Southern California’s water supply? As we enter a new water year, it is important to examine the possible impacts to local groundwater, statewide supplies, and regional water planning. Read the full article.
|
MWDOC CELEBRATES WATER PROFESSIONALS APPRECIATION WEEK
October 3-11
MWDOC joins water agencies across California in celebrating Water Professionals Appreciation Week and recognizing the dedicated professionals whose expertise, creativity, and commitment help secure Orange County’s water future.
At MWDOC, reliable water begins with people. Read the full article.
| |
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION WATER WORKFORCE
WEEA Leadership Roundtable #24 | October 13
What does it take to turn career awareness into opportunity? Join the Water Energy Education Alliance for a Sponsor Spotlight featuring the Water Replenishment District, Tomorrow’s Talent, and Compton Unified School District. Learn how their 2-week Water Leaders Academy connected students with hands-on experiences, water professionals, and meaningful career pathways, then join peers statewide to explore how similar models can grow across California.
Download the Meeting Flyer.
Register for the October 13 meeting.
| |
PROJECT WET WORKSHOP FOR OC EDUCATORS
Saturday, November 14, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Looking for fresh ways to teach water? Orange County K–12 educators are invited to join MWDOC and partners for a hands-on Project Water Education Today (WET) workshop featuring Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned activities ready for the classroom. Through interactive lessons and real‑world examples, participants will explore creative ways to build essential water knowledge while introducing students to the people and careers that keep water flowing in our communities.
In just one Saturday, educators will gain 20+ ready-to-use lessons, classroom supplies, Project WET certification, and practical tools to make water education memorable and fun!
Space is limited. Reserve your spot. Email: mwdoceducation@mwdoc.com
| |
REAL TRANSFORMATIONS, REAL SAVINGS
City of Yorba Linda
The City of Yorba Linda replaced almost 5,000 square feet of grass at the intersection of Las Palomas and Via Azafran. This will save approximately 197,560 gallons per year. A mix of OC friendly plants and trees were in the design.
Check out before and after pictures!
| |
TURF REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Rebates Available!
MWDOC, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan), and your local water agency are proud to offer the Turf Replacement Program to residents and businesses across Orange County. Use up to 50-70% less water outdoors by replacing thirsty turf grass with a beautiful, climate-appropriate landscape!
Replacing your grass with a sustainable landscape will enhance your curb appeal and save water! Learn more and apply.
| | |
2026 OC WATER SUMMIT
Friday, September 25
Roughly 350 water, business, and civic leaders filled The Westin South Coast Plaza on September 25 for the 18th Annual Orange County Water Summit, co-hosted by MWDOC and the Orange County Water District.
This year's theme, Flow Forward: Securing Water Supply Through Innovation, framed four panel discussions: the changing math of the Colorado River, the workforce shortage facing water agencies, where California should invest next, and how cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and drones are reshaping the security of our water systems.
Charley Wilson of the Southern California Water Coalition served as master of ceremonies. New this year, live audience polling let attendees weigh in before each panel began. Check out event photos and session videos, and learn about the 2027 event.
| |
THE FUTURE WORKFORCE STOOD TALL
WEEA Students at the OC Water Summit
The Water Energy Education Alliance (WEEA) opened the door, and 20 students walked through it. At the OC Water Summit, students from colleges and universities across Southern California practiced networking, met water professionals, asked questions, and explored career possibilities firsthand.
With support from WEEA sponsors and student advocates, the experience helped turn access into confidence and showed why creating intentional pathways into water careers is important. Learn more about WEEA.
| |
STATE WATER PROJECT & DELTA ISLANDS INSPECTION TRIP
September 18-19
MWDOC Director Karl Seckel hosted a group of water industry professionals, interested community members, and regional decision-makers in September for an in-depth look at the water infrastructure system that delivers water across the state.
Metropolitan facilitated the trip, giving the group the chance to see large pieces of water infrastructure in action, learn about potential water storage projects, and get a behind-the-scenes look at efforts to improve Delta habitats. It was an exciting educational opportunity to see firsthand the complexity and importance of securing a sustainable water future for all of California. Learn more about water inspection trips.
| |
COASTAL CLEANUP
Saturday, September 19
MWDOC joined the OC Coastkeeper at the annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to noon in Huntington Beach. MWDOC offered rebate resources and reusable giveaways.
Coastal Cleanup Day is California's largest annual volunteer event. The California Coastal Commission organized its first statewide cleanup in 1985, and it has continued for more than 40 years.
Request MWDOC at your next community event!
| |
AN INVOCATION BY DIRECTOR CRANE
Tuesday, August 18
In a recent invocation, MWDOC/Metropolitan Director Randall Crane reflected on the role public investment has played in securing Southern California’s water future—from the voter-backed financing of the Colorado River Aqueduct to the rates, reserves, assessments, and infrastructure decisions being made today.
His remarks also highlighted the responsibility that comes with investing public funds, including balancing reliability, affordability, transparency, and the long-term needs of future generations. Watch Director Crane’s full remarks.
| |
YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, October 3
Yorba Linda Water District hosted its 2026 Open House featuring a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees participated in a tour, discovered how Yorba Linda delivers high-quality drinking water to our community every day, and met Ricky the Rambunctious Raindrop℠.
Request Ricky for your next event!
| | |
Ricky the Rambunctious Raindrop℠ recently stopped by Santa Margarita Water District for a House Tour, and he found a favorite spot along the way!
Their Water Works Garden stole the show!
Watch the House Tour video.
| |
LINKEDIN, SEPTEMBER
MWDOC staff members recently shared their expertise with water industry audiences.
Need a water expert for your next event? Explore MWDOC’s speaker resources.
| |
| How interested are you about the Super El Niño forming in the Pacific Ocean? | | | | | | |
