Local responsibility. Global leadership.
The mission of the Orange County Water District (OCWD) is to provide a reliable, high-quality water supply in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner. OCWD is a wholesale agency that manages and protects the groundwater basin that provides approximately 85% of the water supply for 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. Since 1933, OCWD has strengthened the region’s water future through:
- Groundwater management: OCWD manages one of the world’s most productive and closely monitored groundwater basins, sustaining long-term reliability through recharge, science, infrastructure, and active management.
- Water reuse: OCWD has led water reuse innovation since the mid-1970s, when it became the first agency to use reverse osmosis to purify treated wastewater, and now operates the world’s largest advanced water purification facility for potable reuse.
- Water quality protection: OCWD tests for more than 500 compounds and operates one of the world’s most comprehensive PFAS response programs.
- Science and innovation: With a highly managed groundwater basin and the world’s largest potable reuse facility, OCWD serves as a testbed for emerging water technologies, applied research, and pilot-scale testing.
- Environmental stewardship: OCWD’s dedicated natural resources team and staff biologists manage more than 2,100 acres of land that support habitat, improve water quality, restore native ecosystems, and protect natural resources.
- Fiscal responsibility: Strong credit ratings, recognized financial reporting, and disciplined planning support favorable borrowing terms and continued investment in critical water infrastructure.
OCWD’s projects, programs, and technical achievements are recognized locally, nationally, and internationally. Board members and staff are frequently sought for their expertise through research partnerships, industry organizations, advisory groups, conferences, and technical exchanges.
