Highlights from January 2025

I am pleased to share that the Orange County Water District (OCWD) has been awarded a $30 million grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation through the WaterSMART: Title XVI WIIN Act. This critical funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will advance our PFAS treatment program – the largest in the nation – and help ensure safe and reliable water for the 2.5 million residents we serve.

This accomplishment highlights the exceptional expertise and dedication of our team. I want to thank our staff for their efforts in securing this grant and driving our mission forward. Their hard work continues to set the standard for water quality and groundwater management.

These funds will advance the District’s efforts to construct treatment facilities for over 100 wells impacted by state and federal regulations. Currently, 45 wells have been restored and are operational. With an estimated $1.8 billion in PFAS mitigation costs over the next 30 years, OCWD has developed a comprehensive strategy that includes building treatment infrastructure, pursuing legal action against polluters, and advocating for legislation to prevent cleanup costs from affecting ratepayers.

For information about OCWD’s PFAS initiatives, visit the District’s PFAS Education Center.

Director Fred Jung was appointed to serve on the OCWD Board Division 10 seat, representing the city of Fullerton, through December 2028. He took the oath of office on January 15 before OCWD’s regularly scheduled board meeting.

A member of the Fullerton City Council since 2020, Jung currently serves as the city’s mayor. He has a long history of community involvement and brings extensive leadership experience, having served on boards and committees for organizations such as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Southern California Association of Governments and Orange County Transportation Authority. His broad expertise and dedication to public service make him a valuable addition to the OCWD Board of Directors.

“I am honored to join the Orange County Water District Board of Directors and represent the city of Fullerton,” said Jung. “Water is one of our most vital resources, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to ensure its sustainability and reliability for our community and future generations.”

Join us at the upcoming Children's Water Education Festival on April 23 & 24 at Oak Canyon Park (Silverado). Around 6,500 OC elementary students are registered to attend to learn about protecting water, STEM, and more. Hosting an event of this size is made possible by many generous supporters. Each year, we take great pride in partnering with such dedicated organizations and individuals and we encourage you to get involved.

Sponsor: Multiple sponsorship levels are available to meet your organization's needs. Donations are tax-deductible and may be made online or by mail.

Present: Educate third, fourth and fifth grade students through hands-on presentations and activities. Activity lessons will focus on teaching students about water, the environment and what they can do to protect our precious natural resources. 

Volunteer: Hundreds of volunteers are needed to support this exciting event. All shifts will be scheduled based upon a volunteer's availability and the needs of the Festival. Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age at the time of their volunteer shift.

Visit www.childrenwaterfestival.com to learn more or sign up today!

When our neighbors are in need, OCWD is here to help. Last month, Foothill Municipal Water District reached out for assistance to provide bottled water for their community impacted by the LA County fires.

Thanks to our partners, the City of Anaheim Public Utilities, who stepped up to donate approximately 3,500 bottles of water, OCWD’s operations and maintenance staff were able to pick up cases from Anaheim and personally deliver them to Pasadena.

We always appreciate the opportunity to help our community and the region at large. Our thoughts are with everyone who continue to be impacted by the fires. 💙

The Southwest Membrane Operator Association (SWMOA) recently held a workshop that brought water professionals to OCWD for expert-led discussions, hands-on exercises, and facility tours. Attendees explored ultrafiltration, membrane cleaning, and reverse osmosis (RO) system optimization through interactive sessions and real-world case studies. The event featured training with RO equipment and a roundtable discussion on troubleshooting challenges. A highlight was the GWRS tour, showcasing OCWD’s leadership in water reuse.

We’re proud to host and participate in workshops like these, helping to advance industry knowledge and support the future of water treatment.

After more than 240 years as an iconic symbol of the United States, the bald eagle was officially designated as the national bird in December 2024, following the passage of bipartisan legislation. This recognition solidifies the eagle’s role as a symbol of strength, resilience, and independence.

Nestled within the 400-acre OCWD-owned Prado Wetlands, we’re fortunate to have our own resident bald eagles, Lucy and Ricky. Their presence highlights the importance of OCWD’s commitment to protecting wildlife while managing a reliable water supply.

Save the date for our next webinar, "Managing Sediment for a Reliable Water Supply" on Tuesday, March 11 from 12pm – 1pm.

Join us to explore how sediment management impacts our water supply and its significance to both inland and coastal communities. Experts from OCWD and the County of Orange will highlight innovative tools like SediMatch, regional collaboration efforts, and solutions to challenges at Prado Dam - a key site for stormwater capture that supports OCWD and its communities. Discover how these initiatives are advancing sustainable solutions and why broader stakeholder involvement and federal support are needed to ensure long-term success and water supply resiliency.

Featured speakers: 

• Lisa Haney, Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources, Orange County Water District
• Kevin O’Toole, Senior Planner, Orange County Water District
• Makana Nova, AICP, Coastal Resources Manager, County of Orange

OCWD’s culture of high quality and performance is driven by people with a passion for pursuing innovation and excellence. Congratulations to our amazing employees for their recognition of great work and service to the District!

Employee of the 4th Quarter

Kira Erquiaga, Senior Communications Specialist, manages a number of projects, including the District’s education programs, construction outreach, tours, and events. Last quarter, she led the implementation of the 100+ person Groundwater Adventure Tour, which experienced an unexpected tire blow out on the bus ride back to Fountain Valley. Kira’s quick thinking and steady leadership kept tour guests safe. Kira also revamped the Next Generation Water Leaders high school education program, which has received great feedback from teachers and students, and successfully grew the District’s tour program. Kira's contributions are appreciated!

Employee of the Year

Senior Hydrogeologist Dave Field was the project manager for a recently completed monitoring well cluster in Huntington Beach. The location was exceptionally difficult due to hydrogeologic conditions and proximity to a residential neighborhood. Dave worked on his days off to respond to neighbor concerns, resulting to complimentary remarks from those same neighbors. We appreciate his commitment to the project and its impacted residents, while going above and beyond to uphold the District’s outstanding reputation!

Employee Service Recognition

In January, we recognize those celebrating service milestones with the agency. Beginning with 5 years and in 5-year increments, some of our employees this year were honored for up to 35 years of service!

Congratulations to the 30+ employees recognized this year. We appreciate all that you do.

FIVE YEARS:

Ahra Ahn

Tom Flahive

Enrique Flores Arteaga

Jonathon Furtado

Sha Herbert

Andrew Huang

Rodrigo Ibarra

Anthony Lockhart

Shawn Nevill

Tuan Anh Nguyen

Julio Polanco

Adrian Ramirez

TEN YEARS:

Ryan Bouley

Eugene Chae

Jeremy Evans

Crystal Nettles

FIFTEEN YEARS:

Manual Castro

Li Li

Octavio Reynoso

Vu Truong

TWENTY YEARS:

Jason S. Dadakis

Christopher Friberg

Eric Gautier

Mark L. Greening

Linda Koki 

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS:

Alex Cervantes

Stephanie Giraud

David Henry

Renee Patterson

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS:

Chuck Spade

Lo Tan

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.