R&D Department staff also participate in scientific advisory panels and research advisory boards reviewing research related to OCWD core operations, including water treatment technologies, water quality and groundwater recharge issues.  In addition, R&D Department staff members provide consulting information to other water agencies, utilities and regulatory agencies.

R&D Research Thrust Areas:
R&D Department research initiatives may be broadly categorized into three principal thrust areas.  Research in these areas may be entirely conducted by department staff scientists, or by participation in collaborative research projects with external research groups.

1)  Water Reclamation - R&D has implemented a close integration with the Water Production Department to identify issues and provide research solutions aimed at supporting the GWR System operations, both long-term and immediate.  Research projects are aimed at improving efficiency of the microfiltration (MF), reverse osmosis (RO) and the ultra violet light with hydrogen peroxide advanced oxidation process (AOP) processes utilized in the GWR System advanced water purification facility.

2)  Groundwater Recharge - R&D has also implemented a close integration with Forebay Operations to identify issues and provide research solutions aimed at improving percolation strategies (basin cleaning and operation) to lower percolation operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and improve water yield.

3)  Microbial Water Quality - Finally, the R&D Department conducts microbiological and molecular biological research that provides data supporting internal studies related to the GWR System and recharge operations, as well as conducting research for county agencies and state regulators to implement TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Load) for microbial pathogens in the Santa Ana River (SAR) and watershed that supports OCWD's recharge efforts.

Link to a List of Current and Future R&D Projects