Purpose of GWRS Outreach

Outreach challenge and purpose

From the beginning, OCWD and OC San recognized that public understanding and support were essential to the project’s success. Previous water recycling efforts elsewhere in California had faced significant challenges due to misinformation and public concern about potable reuse.

To overcome this barrier, OCWD led a comprehensive and transparent public outreach campaign focused on focused on education, engagement, and trust-building. The campaign aimed to explain the science behind the technology, and establish long-term confidence in the safety and reliability of purified water.

Outreach Goals

The outreach program was guided by several key goals designed to ensure long-term success and community acceptance:

  • Establish and maintain public trust in the project
  • Prevent organized opposition through early and consistent communication
  • Promote accurate media coverage and public understanding of water reuse
  • Maintain engagement with stakeholders throughout planning, construction, and operation
  • Build long-term support for future GWRS expansions and regional reuse projects

Results and Impact

The outreach effort resulted in broad community support and national recognition, demonstrating the effectiveness of transparent, sustained public engagement. Key outcomes include:

  • No organized opposition to the project since its inception
  • More than 600 letters of support from city councils, chambers of commerce, and civic organizations across Orange County
  • International media coverage in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Guardian, and other major outlets
  • $92 million in combined state, federal, and local funding secured for project development
  • Endorsements from regional, state, and federal leaders, including support from the Governor and U.S. Senator