February 2025

Leading with Excellence in Transparency & Governance

Santa Margarita Water District has been awarded the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF), recognizing its commitment to accountability, open communication, and responsible governance.

This award reflects the District’s commitment to putting its community first and delivering services with integrity and excellence.

Photo Above: SMWD Administration Team (L-R) Kelly Radvansky, Megan Lloyd, Jennifer Wilt, Stacey Bruno, Betsy Parkinson, Natalie Castaneda, Sheila Betts, and Cindy Lane.

Director Novak Joins SMWD Board of Directors

Margaret Novak was elected to the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Board of Directors in 2024 and represents Division 5, which includes Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, and a portion of San Clemente.

Ms. Novak is a long-time resident of south Orange County and has over 25 years of experience in the community development and infrastructure realm. Her strong understanding of Division 5 – including the unincorporated areas – comes from serving on the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Ratepayer Advisory Committee, Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) Board, Ladera Ranch Civic Council (LRCC), and South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC). She also has served on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Citizens Advisory Committee and Women’s Transportation Seminar of Orange County (WTS-OC) Board, in addition to participating in the Orange County Business Council’s (OCBC) Governmental Affairs and Infrastructure Action Committees.

As a results-oriented leader, Ms. Novak is committed to maintaining SMWD’s high standard of service and delivery of clean, reliable, and cost-effective water to ratepayers. She will continue safeguarding our District through sound policies and fiscal responsibility in support of expanded local water supply options and reduced energy-related costs.

Ms. Novak has a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona and is passionate about making a meaningful difference in her community.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Santa Margarita Water District

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

According to the American Red Cross, there is a great need for life-saving blood donations, especially since losing many blood drive opportunities recently. The disruptions due to the wildfires have negatively impacted thousands of units of donations.

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

Schedule your lifesaving appointment at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code: SMWD

Customer Tours: How Water Rates are Determined

Learn about the fascinating complexities, technological advances, and scientific processes behind water delivery to South Orange County. The tours include an informative rate discussion, hosted by SMWD's finance team to help customers better understand how water rates are determined.

Friday, March 7

4:30-6:30 p.m.

California's largest recycled water reservoir: Trampas Canyon Reservoir.

Thursday, March 13

9:00-10:30 a.m.

Emergency Drinking Water Storage: Upper Chiquita Reservoir.

Love Your Garden

Saturday, February 22 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Prepare your garden for spring with expert tips on pruning, pest control, and drip irrigation.

• Bring your succulent plant cuttings to share with fellow gardeners
• Free compost and mulch are available for registered attendees

Watch the video from last year's Spring Pruning Workshop

Gardens with Style Tour & Design Expo

Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 – 12:30 a.m.

Explore stunning Mediterranean-inspired, drought-tolerant gardens on a self-guided tour. Grab a map, enjoy garden-themed giveaways, and be inspired.

• Meet horticultural experts
• Get inspired

Meet Eric Smith – Leading the Team That Keeps Your Water Flowing

Eric Smith, Utilities Manager, has been with Santa Margarita Water District for an impressive 26 years. Starting as a Customer Service Field Representative, Eric has worked his way through nearly every operational role, gaining a deep understanding of the systems that keep your water flowing.

Eric leads the Operations team, the largest group within the District, to ensure everything runs smoothly—from water delivery and sewer maintenance to system repairs. He leads by example and motivates his team to bring their best each day and to continually learn and grow both personally and professionally. “We have an amazing group of people who work hard to provide excellent work and customer service. Whether it's cleaning sewers, delivering water, or responding to customer needs, we all work together to provide the highest quality work, solutions, and service,” Eric notes.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys the great outdoors. Whether he's fishing with his son, traveling with his family in their travel trailer, or hitting the trails on his mountain bike, he finds joy in exploring new places and staying active. He’s also an avid learner, watching YouTube videos about building and repair projects. “If I can learn something new, I’m in my happy place,” he says.

Each day SMWD's remarkable team of dedicated professionals works hard to maintain and improve our systems. With experienced professionals like Eric on the job, Santa Margarita Water District takes pride in providing safe and reliable water to our customers.

CustomerCare@smwd.com

(949) 459-6420