Highlights from March 2025

In a major step forward for Orange County’s water future, OCWD has secured approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for a five-year minor deviation to the Water Control Plan at Prado Dam. This decision allows us to increase water storage levels behind Prado Dam and bolster our drinking water supply through innovative stormflow capture strategies.

OCWD has worked with USACE since 1995 to store Santa Ana River stormflows behind the dam, which are eventually released at rates where OCWD can capture and recharge into our downstream groundwater basin. The deviation allows us to temporarily store water at an elevation of 508 feet above mean sea level, with potential future increases to 510 or 512 feet. This adjustment will allow for the capture of an additional two billion gallons of water, which is enough to supply 48,000 people and save $6 million in imported water costs.

It also lays the groundwork for the full implementation of Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), a cutting-edge initiative that uses advanced forecasting tools and AI modeling to enhance stormflow capture. Over the next five years, we will continue to work with our partners to integrate FIRO into water management operations, with the goal of securing a higher, permanent storage elevation at Prado Dam.

We are proud of our continued partnership with USACE. This milestone underscores our ongoing efforts to implement smart water management strategies that strengthen the reliability of the Orange County Groundwater Basin for generations to come.

We’re just a few weeks away from the 2025 Children’s Water Education Festival, and we need your help! The Festival will take place on April 23–24 at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, with volunteer shifts also available on set-up day, April 22.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to make this event possible, supporting activities that bring water science to life for more than 6,000 students. Volunteer roles include festival guides, registration attendants, and activity aides. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old at the time of their shift. Student volunteers can earn community service hours, and all volunteers will enjoy snacks, lunch, and entry into multiple prize drawings!

Sign Up in Just Three Easy Steps:

1. Visit the Children's Water Education Festival volunteer webpage
2. Click “register now”
3. Sign in and fill out the form!

We hope to see you there!

On March 21, community members gathered at OCWD for "Securing Our Water Future: A Community Update on California’s Water Challenges and Solutions." Presented by Assemblyman Tri Ta in partnership with OCWD, the event delivered updates on state and local water conditions and how OCWD is securing a reliable water supply for the 2.5 million people in its service area.

Following the discussion, attendees were taken on a guided tour of the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the world’s largest and most advanced water recycling facility that produces 130 million gallons of high-quality, purified wastewater every day.

We appreciate Assemblyman Ta for hosting this important event and thank all the attendees for their interest in one of our most critical resources.

Shout-out to Dr. Megan Plumlee, OCWD research director, who was featured on this season's CBS series Mission Unstoppable in a segment highlighting the science behind water purification. She walks viewers through the advanced treatment technologies used at the GWRS to produce clean, safe water.

This national spotlight supports OCWD’s mission to educate the community and inspire the next generation of the water workforce. We’re proud of Dr. Plumlee and all of our OCWD staff who help share our work with others and represent the innovative spirit that drives our efforts every day.

The GWRS is once again in the spotlight - this time in the latest issue of Journal AWWA, a leading publication in the water industry.

The article, “Final Expansion of California’s Celebrated Groundwater Replenishment Project,” highlights the final expansion of the GWRS and its critical role in securing a reliable water supply for Orange County. It details the advanced treatment processes, decades of innovation, and the collaboration that made the project possible.

We are proud to be recognized for our leadership in water reuse and groundwater management. This feature reflects the expertise of our staff and the District’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions that serve as a model for agencies around the world.

Congratulations to Dr. Meeta Pannu, OCWD senior scientist, whose research article was named one of the top 10 most-cited papers in AWWA Water Science for 2023!

Co-authored by colleague Dr. Megan Plumlee and additional project partners, the article, “Comparing PFAS Removal Across Multiple Groundwaters for Eight GACs and Alternative Adsorbent,” highlights the Research & Development department's exceptional contribution to the advancement of water science and emphasizes the profound influence the research has had on the scientific community.

This recognition not only reflects our technical expertise but underscores our leadership in advancing research-driven solutions to protect and manage water quality.

OCWD's latest webinar, "Managing Sediment for a Reliable Water Supply" is now on demand, highlighting the critical role of sediment management in protecting water resources for both inland and coastal communities.

OCWD planning experts and the County of Orange shared how regional collaboration, innovative tools like SediMatch, and targeted efforts at Prado Dam are helping to enhance stormflow capture and improve long-term water supply resiliency. The webinar also underscored the importance of broader stakeholder engagement and federal support to advance sustainable, regional sediment management strategies.

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 staff to come speak to organizations and schools, as well as conferences and events.