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Highlights from August 2025

The Orange County Water District (OCWD) recently welcomed Joel Metzger, deputy director of statewide water resources planning and enterprise project management for the Department of Water Resources (DWR), for a meeting and tour of our facilities. As DWR leads the 2028 update of the California Water Plan, the visit was an opportunity to showcase OCWD’s leadership in groundwater management, water recycling and recharge.

We highlighted the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the world’s largest potable reuse project. By recycling 100% of the Orange County Sanitation District's reclaimable wastewater, the GWRS produces up to 130 million gallons of water daily—enough for 1 million people—and replenishes the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which supplies up to 85% of the region’s drinking water. Another focus of the visit was OCWD’s work in Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations, which uses advanced weather forecasting to capture more stormwater behind Prado Dam, enhancing both recharge and flood protection.

We appreciate Joel’s visit and look forward to continued collaboration with DWR. Through innovation in reuse, leadership in recharge, and strong partnerships, OCWD serves as a blueprint for communities across California working to secure sustainable, locally controlled water supplies.

The City of Orange completed Well No. 28, a major investment in local water reliability made possible through strong collaboration among regional partners. The project was partially funded by the Orange County Water District (OCWD) through the Santa Ana River Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program (SARCCUP).

SARCCUP, supported by a $55 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), provided approximately $9 million in grant funding to five agencies for new groundwater production wells. The City of Orange received around $1.5 million for the construction of Well 28, and OCWD is contributing approximately $4.5 million for a state-of-the-art PFAS treatment system to ensure safe, reliable drinking water for the community.

The Orange County Water District (OCWD) hosted the inaugural Southern California Municipal Laboratories (SCML) annual meeting at the District's Philip L. Anthony Water Quality Laboratory. The event brought together 100 attendees, including 65 representatives from regional partner agencies and 35 OCWD laboratory staff.

The joint regional labs collaboration unites OCWD with fellow agencies such as Irvine Ranch Water District, the Orange County Sanitation District, and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. By sharing expertise, standardizing methods, and coordinating research, the partnership enhances regional capacity to address emerging contaminants, meet regulatory requirements and ensure safe, reliable water supplies.

Through initiatives like the SCML annual meeting, OCWD continues to build strong partnerships that advance water reliability and quality across Southern California.

OCWD leadership continues to actively engage with stakeholders through a variety of speaking engagements and events, representing the District’s commitment to collaboration and education on key water issues.

OCWD Director Roger Yoh and General Manager John Kennedy joined the Yorba Linda Water District for a public engagement meeting focused on local water challenges. They discussed how water rates fund essential infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable supplies and were prepared to address questions on topics such as PFAS treatment, wildfire mitigation and emergency preparedness. The meeting underscored the importance of OCWD’s partnerships with retail agencies in protecting public health and building community trust.

OCWD Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources Lisa Haney and OCWD Recharge Planning Manager Adam Hutchinson represented the District at the 12th Annual Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) Training & Workshop in La Jolla. Lisa delivered three presentations—FIRO 101, Prado Digital Twin Innovation, and Prado Pilot Lessons Learned—and participated in a panel discussion on FIRO's future. Their involvement showcased OCWD’s leadership in advancing innovative tools, such as the Prado Digital Twin, to enhance water management and reliability.

Lisa also presented to the California Environmental Flows Workgroup, highlighting how OCWD’s Digital Twin efforts are being applied to evaluate and monitor environmental flows.

Through these events and its Speaker’s Bureau program, OCWD continues to share expertise, foster collaboration, and promote innovative approaches to water management.

OCWD Director of Research Dr. Megan Plumlee represented the District in the Exchange for Ukraine program, a monthly virtual forum connecting American and Ukrainian water and wastewater utilities. The program facilitates knowledge sharing as Ukrainian utilities address urgent challenges and plan for long-term system rebuilding.

Coordinated by the Mykolaiv Water Hub in partnership with the Leading Utilities of the World network, the program encourages collaboration on operational issues, technology adoption and strategic planning.

OCWD’s participation not only reflects its commitment to global collaboration and science-based solutions but also symbolizes its leadership in advancing resilient water management practices worldwide.

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.