Highlights from June 2022
The OCWD logo
President's Message:
Investing in Our Water Future
Picture of OCWD Board President Stephen R. Sheldon
We are in the midst of historic drought conditions that are worsening as we enter the remaining hot summer months. Conservation is important, but it’s not going to solve California’s water issues. Securing a reliable supply of water for our communities means making continued investments in water infrastructure projects.

We’re doing our part with projects like the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) and the Final Expansion that will maximize our water recycling efforts. We’re increasing stormwater capture at Prado Dam, where water eventually gets recharged into the groundwater basin and becomes a part of our drinking water supply. We’re also leading a regional groundwater banking program to better prepare the region for future droughts. And we know there’s more to do.
 
These projects don’t happen overnight. They require bold leadership and investments at the local, state, and federal levels. Currently, our state and federal governments are not adequately working together to provide sufficient funding for major water supply projects. Our representatives must prioritize and provide funding for major water infrastructure projects to address California’s water challenges and ensure long-term reliability. 
OCWD Commends Grand Jury Recommendation for One Wholesale Water Agency to Lead County with One Voice
OCWD supports the findings of the Orange County Grand Jury report calling for one agency to lead and represent all aspects of wholesale water operations in the county. The report, titled "Water in Orange County Needs 'One Voice',” states “all sources of water are interconnected and would be best administered by one governmental entity.” 

The report found that the creation of a single Orange County wholesale agency would be most effective in coordinating imported and local groundwater supplies, improve obtaining state and federal funding for local projects, increase Orange County’s political influence on water issues, improve organizational efficiencies, and provide a reduction in overall operating costs.

“With the drought and dwindling water supply the Grand Jury Report accentuates that Orange County needs to have one voice to regional, state and federal lawmakers on critical water supply issues and regulations,” said OCWD President Steve Sheldon. “To implement the Grand Jury’s report OCWD will meet with water managers countywide to discuss an inclusive and open process to create a unified, strong voice for Orange County.”
Check Out These Videos!
Children's Water Education Festival

Enjoy a recap of this year's Children's Water Education Festival, which was held virtually from April 25-29. The 2022 Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary, facilitating water education and environmental stewardship presentations for more than 5,500 third, fourth and fifth graders throughout Orange County. Thanks to all who made our 25th anniversary a special one!
City of Fountain Valley CCR

Check out this video featuring the city of Fountain Valley as they take you behind the scenes and explain how they work with OCWD to deliver safe and clean water to their communities. Every year, water providers produce a water quality report, also called a Consumer Confidence Report, or CCR. Please contact your water provider to view a copy of this report.
In Case You Missed It
From The Sewage To Your Cup. Can Recycling Water Save Southern California? - OCWD and the GWRS were featured in KPCC/LAist highlighting our innovative work in water reuse. Since 2008, the GWRS, the world's largest water purification system for indirect potable reuse, has produced more than 370 billion gallons of high-quality water.
Happy Birthday OCWD! For 89 years, we have managed and replenished the region's groundwater basin, ensured water reliability and quality, prevented seawater intrusion, and protected Orange County's rights to Santa Ana River water. We are proud to serve our 19 cities and water districts who we work closely with to provide safe, reliable water to 2.5 million people.
Every year, the National Water Research Institute (NWRI) administers the $50,000 Clarke Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Water Science and Technology recognizing a thought leader in water research, science, technology, or policy. Nominations for the 2022 Clarke Prize are being accepted until July 15, 2022.
OCWD provides regular PFAS updates to community stakeholders to inform them of the proactive measures that the District and local water suppliers have taken to address PFAS in the Orange County Groundwater Basin. Learn more in our recently published Quarterly PFAS update or visit the PFAS education center.
Sustainably Managing the OC Groundwater Basin
OCWD is one of the few groundwater management agencies able to track the groundwater basin’s “water budget” on a monthly basis. This information allows the District to make more informed management decisions about future water supplies and pumping. View the infographic below to see the groundwater basin’s storage, recharge, and pumping levels, through the end of May 2022.
Thirsty for More Information?
Explore the PFAS Education Center to stay apprised of the latest PFAS issues impacting our communities.
Learn how the GWRS Final Expansion project will increase production capacity to 130 million gallons per day.
See how OCWD is mitigating drought by increasing water supplies and securing long-term water reliability.

Water Advisory Committee of Orange County (WACO) Meeting - Friday, July 8, 2022 at 7:30 a.m.

Virtual Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) Tour - Friday, August 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
The Orange County Water District is committed to enhancing Orange County’s groundwater quality and reliability in an environmentally friendly and economical manner. The following cities rely on the groundwater basin, managed by OCWD, to provide 77% of their water demands: Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda.
President Stephen R. Sheldon
First Vice President Cathy Green
Second Vice President Tri Ta
Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E.
Nelida Mendoza
Dina L. Nguyen, Esq.
Kelly E. Rowe, CFM, P.G., C.E.G., C.H.
Gloria Ma’ae
Bruce Whitaker
Roger C. Yoh, P.E.