Highlights from September 2024

Water is a vital resource, and in Orange County, we are fortunate to have safe, reliable, and high-quality water. This is thanks to the dedicated experts who work around the clock to ensure our water systems operate smoothly.

Approximately 85% of the drinking water in north and central Orange County comes from a vast groundwater basin managed by the Orange County Water District (OCWD). Serving 2.5 million people, OCWD’s innovative practices continuously replenish the basin and strengthen local water resources.

October 5-13, 2024, marks California Water Professionals Appreciation Week, a time to honor the skilled professionals who maintain our water supply and infrastructure. From planners and engineers to water quality specialists and technicians, OCWD’s 227 employees work hard to make sure we sustainably manage and protect our water supply.

Whether in the office, the lab, or a treatment plant, or out in the field at recharge basins, wetlands, or community events, OCWD employees are integral to our success. I am proud of our staff members and the water workforce throughout the state for making a difference and enhancing the health and vitality of our residents and businesses. I’m also very proud of our incredible educational programs that expose our youth and community to different career opportunities in the water sector.

To learn more about OCWD’s critical role in protecting Orange County’s water supply, visit our website and follow us on social media at @OCWaterDistrict.

Thank you to all our attendees, speakers and sponsors for making the 16th annual OC Water Summit a great success! Co-hosted by the Municipal Water District of Orange County and OCWD, the year’s theme, "Liquid Logic: The Fusion of Finance, Tech, and Water," sparked meaningful discussions on water supply and policy issues. Session topics included safeguarding water infrastructure against cyber threats, decoding Proposition 4, understanding the impacts of 'Making Conservation a California Way of Life,' and navigating the process of decarbonizing the electric grid and its effect on water agencies. We were happy to have renowned comedian and former NBC weathercaster Fritz Coleman join us as the master of ceremonies once again.

We hope to see you all next year! Stay tuned for more photos and session videos in the coming weeks. 

OCWD and the East Orange County Water District (EOCWD) dedicated a new PFAS treatment plant in Orange County, marking a major milestone in ensuring safe and reliable water for the region. The dedication ceremony brought together local, state, and federal representatives to recognize the proactive actions of both agencies in addressing PFAS, a group of manufactured chemicals increasingly found in water sources across the country, including the Orange County Groundwater Basin. The new treatment plant will benefit thousands of residents in the EOCWD service area, including the cities of Orange and Villa Park.

Since 2019, OCWD has taken the lead in addressing PFAS, in partnership with its 19 cities and retail water districts, to remove them from the groundwater basin, which supplies up to 85% of the water to 2.5 million people. The District is funding design and construction costs, along with a portion of operational and maintenance costs for treatment facilities like this one. Learn more about OCWD's PFAS program by visiting the PFAS education center.

General Manager John Kennedy Provides Insights During Global Water Podcast

Tune in to hear John Kennedy discuss critical water topics in a recent podcast interview hosted by Global Water Intelligence. John dives into the sustainable management of the Orange County Groundwater Basin, our pioneering role in water reuse through the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the proactive steps being taken to address PFAS in local water supplies and initiatives to increase stormwater capture through projects like Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO).

This insightful conversation underscores OCWD’s dedication to securing the region’s water future. Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359794/15683181

Jason Dadakis Shares OCWD Expertise in Munich

Executive Director of Water Quality and Technical Resources Jason Dadakis gave presentations at the Technical University of Munich and an international seminar hosted by the Bavarian State Chancellery and the U.S. Consulate. He also had the opportunity to tour a recycled water treatment research site and met with Munich utility staff. Jason visited the Reisacher groundwater extraction facility, where he shared a toast of their local drinking water and our GWRS purified recycled water - brought all the way to Germany from Fountain Valley, CA!

Megan Plumlee Presents at U.S.-Israel Scientific Forum on Water Scarcity

Megan Plumlee, OCWD research director, recently presented at the Blavatnik U.S.-Israel Scientific Forum on Alleviating Global Water Scarcity by Desalination and Water Reuse in Washington, DC. Sponsored by the Blavatnik Family Foundation and organized by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the forum featured scientists from both countries. Megan's presentation, "Water Agencies as Research Testbeds are Critical to Tackle Potable Reuse Challenges," highlighted the essential role of water agencies, including OCWD, in advancing potable reuse.

OCWD is proud to announce it has maintained a ‘AAA’ rating from Fitch Ratings for the 17th consecutive year. This rating highlights OCWD’s strong financial profile, stable revenue sources, and low operating risks.

The District’s financial strength enables continued investment in critical water infrastructure, ensuring greater water reliability for the region. The Orange County Groundwater Basin now provides 85% of the area’s water demand, reflecting OCWD’s commitment to increasing local water supplies and diversifying its water portfolio.

Discover how OCWD is using innovation to boost water supply and support local wildlife at the Prado Wetlands. This webinar will highlight a record year for the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo, driven by OCWD’s successful habitat restoration efforts.

We'll also introduce the development of a “digital twin,” a cutting-edge tool that will provide a quantifiable method to monitor habitats and track species recovery, while optimizing water management. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how OCWD is integrating technology and environmental stewardship to meet both wildlife and regional water needs.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 12pm via Zoom

Featured speakers:

• Lisa Haney, Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources, Orange County Water District
• Sheryl Parsons, Natural Resources Director, Orange County Water District
• Roohi Toosi, P.E., President & Principal Engineer, APEX Environmental & Water Resources

We’re excited to invite you to a series of upcoming workshops introducing SediMatch, an online tool designed to connect sediment providers with those in need while fostering collaboration and efficiency. This hands-on session will demonstrate how SediMatch helps organizations managing sediment connect with those needing it for projects like beach replenishment, construction or habitat restoration. Participants will learn how to navigate the platform, input sediment data, and provide feedback to optimize its use for southern California.

Workshop dates:

• North OC/LA: Oct. 15 at Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa
• Inland Empire: Nov. 7 at Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, Riverside
• South OC/San Diego: Nov. 12 at Ganahl Lumber, San Juan Capistrano

We hope you can join us! Please contact OCWD Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources Lisa Haney at lhaney@ocwd.com for more information.

Join our sister agency, the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), as they host the State of OC San Luncheon on Friday, October 25 from 11am - 1pm at the Mile Square Golf Course Clubhouse. OC San's leadership will provide updates on their latest accomplishments and upcoming initiatives. Following the event, an optional tour of the OC San wastewater treatment plant, known as Plant No. 1, will take place. For more information, email forinformation@ocsan.gov.

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.