Orange County’s groundwater authority
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is an internationally recognized leader in the water industry and its international reach is growing. OCWD takes the limited water supply found in nature and supplements it to provide water for more than 2.5 million people in Orange County, California. Since 1933, when the California State Legislature formed it, OCWD has been entrusted to guard the region’s groundwater basin. OCWD manages and replenishes the basin, ensures water reliability and quality, prevents seawater intrusion, and protects Orange County’s rights to Santa Ana River water.
Influencing Water Management Worldwide
Its leadership in water purification and potable reuse – turning recycled water into drinking water – has been recognized worldwide. Its Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) is the largest facility of its kind in the world. Committed to sharing information, OCWD has influenced the creation of water recycling projects around the globe. As early as 1975, when OCWD created Water Factory 21 (WF 21) to produce recycled water for use as a barrier against seawater, OCWD projects have served as models for other water agencies. OCWD supports organizations and agencies around the world that are committed to sustainable water quality. Since the GWRS was launched in 2008 to increase freshwater production, OCWD has shared specifications, data and analyses. OCWD also welcomes thousands of visitors each year to tour its award-winning facilities.
Values and Mission Statement
OCWD’s Board of Directors and staff are committed to serving the people of Orange County. As public servants, they take on the water challenges of today and prepare to meet the region’s water demands for generations to come. Solid science and state-of-the-art technologies guide their decisions. OCWD is committed to sound planning and investment, high standards for water reliability, exceptional water quality, environmental stewardship, sound financial management, and transparency.
OCWD’s mission is to provide a reliable, high quality water supply in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.