Highlights from June 2024

I am delighted to share a recent highlight featuring our very own Director of Recharge and Wetland Operations, Ben Smith. Ben was spotlighted by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), which showcased water leaders who received ACWA scholarships and how those scholarships helped pave a path for their professional development and success. In the feature, Ben discusses the beginnings of his career and provides valuable advice to those considering a future in the water industry. I appreciate ACWA’s commitment and the great work their staff does to support emerging professionals.

At the Orange County Water District (OCWD), our success is built on the collective efforts of talented employees across various disciplines. These individuals contribute significantly to our mission of providing a reliable, high-quality water supply in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

Whether our staff is out at the Prado Wetlands implementing stormwater capture and environmental stewardship programs, managing recharge operations at our field headquarters, or working at the Fountain Valley administration building operating the world-renowned Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) and the state-of-the-art Philip L. Anthony Water Quality Laboratory, everyone plays a critical role in ensuring the responsible management of the Orange County Groundwater Basin.

I am proud of our amazing and hard-working staff, and I encourage everyone to dive into a career in the water industry. It offers a fulfilling path and the chance to make a difference in our communities!

The ripple effects of the 2024 Children’s Water Education Festival (Festival) were on full display when presenter Rocky McKinnon of McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons met up with student Luis Hernandez for an unforgettable surfing experience recently. The connection between Rocky, a professional surfer and adaptive surfing advocate, and Luis, born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epitomizes the spirit and impact of our annual event.

The Festival, organized by the Orange County Water District, aims to inspire and educate third, fourth and fifth grade students about local water issues and the environment through engaging activities and presentations. It was during one of these presentations that Rocky and Luis met, creating a bond that transcended the event. During the Festival, Rocky promised Luis an adaptive surfing lesson, using a custom-designed board tailored for individuals with mobility challenges that Rocky built.

Surf's Up!

True to his word, Rocky took Luis out for a surfing adventure in Huntington Beach that was the experience of a lifetime. Luis's enthusiasm for the water was evident. With Rocky's guidance and the specialized surfboard, Luis experienced the thrill of catching waves.

This encounter underscores the powerful impact of the Festival. Not only does the event educate and engage thousands of students each year, but it also fosters meaningful connections and life-changing opportunities. OCWD is proud to host the Festival year after year and facilitate such inspiring connections.

Rocky and Luis meet at the 2024 Children's Water Education Festival.

With Rocky's support, Luis uses a customized surfboard to ride the waves.

Luis and Rocky are all smiles after an unforgettable adaptive surfing lesson.

A Message from Rocky

"I met Luis at the Water Festival and instantly connected with him. I wanted him to experience the thrill and enjoyment of riding waves despite the limitations of his condition. When I asked Luis if he would like to go surfing with me, without hesitation he said, 'yes'. It takes a lot of courage and trust to experience something new especially when you have to depend on others to make that endeavor a reality. Luis, at just 9 years old, is an example of courage and perseverance that can inspire us all."

With the support of a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Mesa Water District, Orange County Water District, and the cities of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are collaborating to strengthen coastal Orange County's water supply resilience by pursuing innovative ways to enhance local water reliability.

The local groundwater Supply Improvement Project (Local SIP) feasibility study will explore the benefits of brackish groundwater desalination to enhance local and regional water supplies such as the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which provides water to 19 cities and retail water districts in north and central Orange County. 

Discover how we take treated wastewater and purify it into drinking water quality – and get a taste!

Join us for a guided tour of the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) this summer where you can see firsthand the advanced water purification process. The tour includes an informative walk through of the facility, showcasing cutting-edge technology in action. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to taste the final product, experiencing the ultra-pure water that is produced.

Join us to learn more about the future of sustainable water management that is already happening in Orange County. Tours are available weekdays at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. for group sizes between 10 and 30. Tours can be customized for your group. Guests must be 11 years or older to participate.

Speaking of GWRS water, did you know it was recently showcased in Orange County Water Association’s (OCWA) second annual Pure Beer Home Brew Tasting Event?

Water produced from the GWRS served as the base water for home brews. The brewers included local industry professionals, including one from our GWRS partner, the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San)!

According to the OCWA, “The water profile was perfect and made for a wonderful base that allowed our brewers to create some tasty brews. We are proud to be part of this community where resilient drinking water sources have been established through OCWD’s leadership and innovation.”

The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides long-term, low-cost financing for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Over the years, OCWD has received funding through WIFIA for several local water infrastructure projects, such as the GWRS and for various PFAS treatment facilities. WIFIA loans allow the District to keep ratepayer costs low while building critical water supply infrastructure.

EPA Visit to the Linda Vista PFAS Treatment Plant



Thank you to EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Bruno Pigott for visiting us to learn about our robust PFAS program as we toured the Linda Vista PFAS Treatment Plant in Anaheim. This site is the largest plant in the OCWD service area funded by the WIFIA program and is currently the second largest PFAS site in the nation.

GWRS Final Expansion Featured in American City & County

The GWRS final expansion, completed in 2023, was featured as a success story of leveraging the EPA WIFIA program to incorporate strategies that ensure water resiliency for the future. In 2018, OCWD secured $135 million in WIFIA funding to expand the GWRS, which recycles 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows and produces 130 million gallons of water a day. 

The American Water Works Association's Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) took place in June and our expert staff were on hand to share their knowledge on a variety of topics.

Chief of Hydrogeology Roy Herndon provided an update on PFAS ligation, treatment, and funding developments, Director of Public Affairs Gina Ayala spoke about public engagement strategies and best practices, and Senior Scientist Meeta Pannu discussed the District's PFAS pilot testing program.

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.