August 2022
IN THIS ISSUE:
Welcome to the August 2022 issue of the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) eCurrents newsletter. In this issue, we take a look at how the Colorado River, a key source of Orange County’s water supply, has been severely impacted by the ongoing drought. We also review key points of the recently released Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Delta Conveyance Project, a crucial project that aims to restore and protect the reliability of our state’s water supply from the north.
 
In case you missed it, MWDOC teamed up with the Wyland Foundation for the Streams of Hope campaign. Launched during Earth Month, the action-based community campaign engaged professional and student artists in a shared vision to protect our limited water resources. Also, registration is now open for the 14th annual OC Water Summit! Join us next month as invited speakers lead a discussion about how to make critical water infrastructure projects a reality.
 
Finally, MWDOC, in partnership with UCCE Master Gardeners, offers quick gardening tips, videos, and resources that highlight a variety of water-saving plants and irrigation techniques to help OC residents and businesses reduce water use, protect our waterways, and save money. All of this and more in the latest issue of eCurrents!

If you have any comments or suggested topics for future articles, please send us an email at info@mwdoc.com. Thanks for subscribing!
MWDOC is governed by a seven-member
Board of Directors. To learn more, click on the image above, or visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.
For a complete list of upcoming and archived MWDOC meetings, click on the image above,
or visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FESTIVAL OF THE BUTTERFLIES
Saturday, August 6, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join us for Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens’ 4th annual Festival of the Butterflies at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano! The event aims to inspire the Orange County community to connect with nature through gardening. The whole family can enjoy the festival with garden talks, tours, live music, food, kid’s activities, and more!

CLICK HERE for more information. 
14th ANNUAL OC WATER SUMMIT
Friday, September 16, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Climate change, rising population, and stringent regulations are crippling California's existing water system. Now more than ever before, water managers, policymakers, agriculture, and business must work together to build projects that will keep the water flowing for generations to come. Join us on Friday, September 16 at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, as the OC Water Summit's California Dreamin' explores Making Water Infrastructure a Reality.

CLICK HERE to register and learn about sponsorship opportunities. 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
STREAMS OF HOPE
Hope School, City of Buena Park
This past April, MWDOC partnered with the Wyland Foundation for Streams of Hope, a countywide public art and community action campaign. Among the many talented artists were students from Hope School, whose piece represents their vision for a sustainable future. Hope School is dedicated to preparing students with special needs for a life of purpose, quality, contribution, and independence.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Hope School's public art project. 
DID YOU KNOW?
6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
About Lake Mead Reservoir Levels
A SoCal Water Supply Update
Did you know? Drought conditions on the Colorado River are threatening water rights agreements that have been in place for decades. Lake Mead and Lake Powell are hovering at around a quarter of their capacities. If reservoir levels don’t rise this winter, the US Bureau of Reclamation could declare a Tier 2 water shortage.

CLICK HERE to learn more.
5 KEY FACTS
About the Latest Proposal to Modernize Delta Conveyance
A SoCal Water Supply Update
Did you know? The Department of Water Resources (DWR) released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP). The latest single tunnel conveyance solution aims to broker a balance between stormwater capture, delivery, and environmental needs. The state is seeking the public’s input through a 90-day comment process that will include virtual meetings.

CLICK HERE to learn more and view the Draft EIR.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
MWDOC K-12 CHOICE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
FREE Countywide Water Education
Today more than ever, Orange County K-12 students need connection, exploration, and discovery integrated into their learning experiences. Together, MWDOC and participating local water providers offer FREE virtual and in-person water education programs to OC’s youngest water users. Through participation, students engage in hands-on interaction, pre- and post-program activities, and community projects that highlight water supply sources, water quality, and good water stewardship. 

CLICK HERE to find out if your school is eligible to participate!
QUICK VIDEO TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES
OC is Garden Smart
Did you know? There are more than 2,000 succulent species. Whether you live near the ocean or the mountains, succulents thrive in Orange County’s semi-arid climate. MWDOC has partnered with UCCE Master Gardeners to bring you the latest series of quick garden tips that offer three important benefits: water savings, wellbeing, and garden smart know-how.

CLICK HERE to view the complete YouTube playlist.
NATIVE PLANTS THAT ATTRACT BUTTERFLIES
UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County
Did you know? Native plants not only save water but also attract a variety of butterflies, birds, and bees! Check out these nine (9) California natives that will get your garden buzzing, brought to you in partnership by the Municipal Water District of Orange County and UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County.

CLICK HERE to download and share this handy resource with others!
MWDOC SPEAKERS BUREAU
Need a speaker for your next event?
The Municipal Water District of Orange County’s Speakers Bureau offers a range of qualified speakers for community, business, or civic group meetings. Topics could include OC water supply, drought response, water use efficiency programs, education initiatives, and more!

Let us know if your group has a specific water topic in mind!

CLICK HERE to book a speaker.
POLLING PLACE
Did you know? August is National Water Quality Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of clean, safe, reliable water for human consumption and for the health of our environment. 
How will you participate?
Join or organize a community cleanup
Pick up after your pet
Reap the rewards of organic gardening
Hand water to reduce runoff
Other ideas? Tell us at info@mwdoc.com
FAVORITE TWEETS AND POSTS
Did you know? Native plants like California Buckwheat are beautiful, thrive in Orange County's semi-arid climate, and use up to 70% less water! #SaveWater #SaveMoney #OCisWaterSmart
|| Learn more: ocwatersmartgardens.com
-Twitter, July 9
Did you know? July is Smart Irrigation Month! Use this month as an opportunity to upgrade your sprinkler system. We offer rebates on smart sprinkler timers, soil moisture sensors, and rotating sprinkler nozzles. #SmartIrrigationMonth #OCisWaterSmart || Learn more: www.mwdoc.com/savewater
-Facebook, July 2
"It's going to take a lot of people to make positive changes about water and conservation. We all have a role to play. We all have our hands in it, and therefore; we all should do our part and be responsible for it!" - Mark Rebennack, Hope School #streamsofhope #MWDOC #Education
|| Learn More: www.mystreamsofhope.com/
-Facebook, July 7
Municipal Water District of Orange County
Phone: (714) 963-3058 Fax: (714) 964-9389