Highlights from August 2024

As the world celebrated record-breaking achievements at the recently concluded Olympics, the Orange County Water District (OCWD) also reached a historic milestone of its own. I’m proud to share that we’ve set a new record in groundwater recharge, replenishing over 90 billion gallons of water in our recharge basins during the fiscal year 2023-24—the highest amount since record keeping began in the 1940s. 

This accomplishment reflects the dedication and expertise of our incredible staff, particularly our recharge operators in Anaheim, who play a pivotal role in ensuring a reliable water supply for the 2.5 million people we serve.

Just as Olympians rely on years of training and teamwork to succeed, OCWD’s success is built on decades of smart water management and collaboration with its 19 cities and retail water districts. By leveraging diverse sources like the Santa Ana River, stormwater capture, and recycled water from the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), we are maximizing the groundwater basin. As our water providers increasingly rely on groundwater to meet the demands of their residents and businesses, we must expand our recharge capabilities to ensure sustainable management of the basin.

From expanding water recycling at the GWRS to implementing programs that increase stormwater capture, these efforts, and more, highlight OCWD’s commitment to ensuring a resilient water supply today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

OC Water Summit

Friday, September 27, 2024

7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa

The 16th annual OC Water Summit is just a few weeks away! Co-hosted by the Municipal Water District of Orange County and the Orange County Water District, this year’s event, "Liquid Logic: The Fusion of Finance, Tech, and Water" will explore the impact of innovative financial strategies, cutting-edge technology, and solutions to the pressing challenges of water management.

Price increases on September 13, so register soon. An individual ticket is $150 and includes breakfast, lunch, self-parking, and summit materials. Various sponsorship opportunities are available as well.

Join master of ceremonies Fritz Coleman and hundreds of business professionals, elected officials, water industry stakeholders, and community leaders. Visit the OC Water Summit website for more information and to secure your tickets today.

In a continuing effort to strengthen global partnerships and share expertise, Derrick Mansell, GWRS Operations Manager, recently traveled to Singapore as part of an official technical exchange. During his time in Singapore, Derrick delivered a presentation at the prestigious Singapore International Water Week conference, where he was joined by General Manager John Kennedy. This conference is a key global platform for the water industry, and Derrick’s presentation highlighted OCWD’s innovative approaches to water management.

In addition to the conference, Derrick visited several advanced water treatment plants operated by Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB), which are similar to the GWRS. These visits provided a valuable opportunity to exchange information and ideas on best practices in operating and managing advanced water treatment facilities.

This technical exchange not only strengthens our relationship with international water agencies but also helps us continue to innovate and improve our own operations at OCWD. We look forward to applying the insights gained from this experience to further enhance our mission of providing a reliable and sustainable water supply.

Experts from OCWD's Research & Development department and the City of Santa Monica teamed up to discuss innovative technologies that can maximize water production.

OCWD's Dr. Han Gu, Senior Scientist/Process Specialist, and City of Santa Monica's Alex Waite, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer, spoke about high-recovery reverse osmosis (RO) pilot studies showcasing OCWD's leadership in researching cutting-edge, new technology, Santa Monica’s pioneering full-scale flow-reversal RO installation, and how these technologies can significantly increase water recovery and address regional water scarcity.

In case you missed the live webinar, or want to watch again, a recording is now available.

The Orange County Grand Jury visited OCWD for an educational tour of its facilities, where members gained insight into the District's critical role in managing the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which supplies 85% of the drinking water supply for 2.5 million people. It also included a visit, pictured here, to Yorba Linda Water District's J. Wayne Miller, Ph.D Water Treatment Plant, the nation's largest PFAS treatment plant of its kind.

In a recent report, the Grand Jury called for a single wholesale water agency to serve all of Orange County, recommending the consolidation of OCWD with the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). This aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in meeting the county’s water needs.

In response to this recommendation, OCWD has formally requested the Local Agency Formation Committee of Orange County (LAFCO) to study the feasibility of such a consolidation. The study will explore how merging the two agencies could be accomplished while maintaining high standards of service and operations. As this process unfolds, OCWD remains committed to transparency and ensuring that any future changes are made in the best interests of the communities it serves.

OCWD, in partnership with local agencies, is set to update its Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This five-year strategic plan is crucial in helping our community assess potential future disasters, enhance our preparedness, and secure additional federal funding. Orange County residents are invited to take an anonymous survey on hazards and emergency preparations. Your input is vital to ensuring the plan reflects the community's opinions, concerns and goals. 

District board members and staff are frequently invited to speak at conferences, workshops, and industry events, where we share best practices, innovative solutions, and how we successfully maintain a reliable water supply. Through these speaking engagements, we are proud to influence and inspire others, reinforcing our role as a trusted leader in water management. Check out a few highlights below!

Executive Director of Operations Mehul Patel presented on two panels at the International Water Association’s World Water Congress & Exhibition in Toronto, Canada.

Board President Cathy Green and Communications Specialist Dani Berch shared their unique perspectives on the "Battle of the Ages" panel at the Water Data Summit in San Diego, CA.

Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources Lisa Haney also participated in two sessions at the Water Data Summit highlighting our innovation and data-first approach.

Through rigorous monitoring, sampling and water quality testing programs, OCWD ensures that the water it provides meets all state and federal drinking water standards. Whether it's routine work to ensure the health of our groundwater basin or tackling new or emerging water quality challenges, we are committed to addressing these issues swiftly, proactively, and collaboratively.

We invite you to review the following recently published reports to learn more about how we are actively safeguarding Orange County’s water supply for the future.

• July 2024 North & South Basin Groundwater Cleanup
• Summer 2024 PFAS Update

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.