Highlights from March 2024

I’d like to take a moment to reflect on a trio of significant observances celebrated in March: Groundwater Awareness Week, Women's History Month, and World Water Day. These occasions serve as important reminders of our actions and shared responsibility to protect water resources and the environment.

Groundwater Awareness Week

Orange County’s groundwater basin is the only major non-adjudicated basin in southern California and the District has doubled its annual yield through careful planning and investments in infrastructure. From operating the world’s largest potable reuse project, to managing an advanced aquifer recharge system to maximizing stormwater capture, OCWD ensures a healthy basin that provides 85% of the drinking water supply for 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. Kudos to our talented staff who make this all happen; we truly couldn’t do it without you.

Women’s History Month

As president of OCWD and the Association of California Water Agencies, I’m proud to work alongside many talented women as we address critical water issues impacting our region and the state. Let us recognize and honor the women who have led advancements in water research, engineering, policy, advocacy, and more.  

World Water Day

This day serves as a global call to action, highlighting the critical need for safe, reliable water supplies. California water leaders continue to advance groundbreaking technologies that can be used worldwide. And, right here at OCWD, we are at the forefront of innovation – leading the way in addressing PFAS, enhancing water reuse and groundwater management, and so much more. 

Thank you to all who made the 27th annual Children's Water Education Festival, held on March 27-28 at UCI, a huge success! 

The Festival continues to be a unique opportunity to educate third, fourth and fifth grade students about local water issues and the environment through hands-on activities and presentations.

This year’s Festival brought together more than 5,000 students, 60 presentations including nine from our talented OCWD staff, 16 sponsors and hundreds of volunteers. We are proud of the ongoing success of this event, which cannot be done without the help of our amazing presenters, generous sponsors, and dedicated volunteers.

Keep an eye out for more photos coming soon! 

Congratulations to the City of Santa Ana who secured its third gold medal in the municipal water category at the prestigious Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition, demonstrating its commitment to providing high-quality tap water.

Santa Ana’s award-winning water is drawn from the vast groundwater basin managed by OCWD. The groundwater is pumped to the surface through city-owned wells, and tested and treated before it is distributed throughout Santa Ana’s water system.

Year after year, Santa Ana ensures it meets or surpasses stringent federal and state drinking water regulations that protect public health. The City of Santa Ana works closely with the District to ensure water is not only high in quality but a reliable and plentiful source.

Thank you, OC San General Manager Rob Thompson, for joining us as a special guest speaker during our ongoing webinar series.

For decades, our agencies have partnered to advance water and wastewater issues with projects like the Groundwater Replenishment System. Our agencies are also on the forefront of addressing issues like PFAS through increased lab testing, researching effective treatment options and finding ways to remove PFAS in water and wastewater. 

During the webinar, Rob provided an update on the agency’s Supercritical Water Oxidation project. This pilot project will address the need to treat PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern in biosolids and advances OC San’s objectives to investigate new technologies to protect public health and the environment by providing effective wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling.

Missed the webinar? Don't worry, we've got you covered with a recording.

OCWD and OC San were selected by the WateReuse National Association to receive the 2024 “Community Water Champion Award.” This award recognizes our agencies for the completion of the world’s largest potable reuse project of its kind, the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), and for our continued dedication and commitment to water reuse.

During the final expansion of the GWRS, completed in early 2023, two major milestones were achieved: recycling 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows and producing 130 million gallons of high-quality water every day. The purified water is recharged into the Orange County Groundwater Basin, managed by OCWD, and eventually becomes part of the region’s drinking water supply that serves 2.5 million people.

Take a tour and see it for yourself! Please join us for one or more of our tour experiences. We hope to welcome you soon. 

Our friends at the National Water Research Institute (NWRI) are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Clarke Prize. The Clarke Prize is awarded annually to thought leaders in water research, science, technology, or policy. Clarke Prize nominees and laureates are from wide-ranging disciplines including civil and environmental engineering, water science, biological science, health science, political science, physical and chemical science, and public policy.

Nominations must be received by May 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. PST. To learn about the Clarke Prize or to download nomination forms, visit the NWRI Clarke Prize website.

Congratulations to Mehul Patel, P.E., BCEE for becoming a Board-Certified Environmental Engineer with the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. This specialized, internationally recognized credential provides an objective testimony to advanced expertise and level of proficiency.

Mehul is the Executive Director of Operations at OCWD where he has worked for the past 28 years. Mehul oversees the operations and maintenance of the world’s largest potable reuse facility, the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), as well as groundwater recharge facilities operated by OCWD. Mehul is a leader in the use of advanced water treatment technologies for potable reuse, serving on numerous technical advisory panels. 

Congratulations to Chris Olsen who was recently promoted to Executive Director of Engineering and Water Resources. With more than 26 years of experience in the engineering industry, Chris has worked for the District since 2006, previously serving as the Director of Engineering. In his new role, Chris will manage long-term strategic planning, prepare long-term financial projections and capital improvement programs, and oversee the activities and operations of the Engineering Department.

Chris is also acting liaison with the 19 local cities and retail water districts served by OCWD and works on developing and administering groundwater basin management programs, establishing District water rates for groundwater pumping and annual pumping amounts, and purchasing imported water to recharge the groundwater basin.

Learn about OCWD's role in providing a safe, reliable, local water supply by attending an event, webinar or tour. Individuals and groups are invited to tour the award-winning GWRS and other District facilities.

Through our active speakers bureau program, you may request for our expert staff to come speak to organizations and schools, as well as local, national and international conferences.