Awards
OCWD has received numerous awards for its service efforts and accomplishments. The District is known globally for innovation. It has also been recognized by local and international organizations for leadership and accomplishments in water quality and reliability, the environment, public affairs, and sound financial management.
The following awards are representative of the acclaim and recognition bestowed on OCWD from 2003 and onward.
2023
Innovative Project of the year
The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) honored the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) by presenting its Innovative Project of the Year (Large District) Award to OCWD and OC San. This award recognizes the completion of the GWRS and our agencies’ efforts to recycle 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows into high-quality drinking water. The water produced from the GWRS, about 130 million gallons a day, gets injected into the Orange County Groundwater Basin and the District’s seawater intrusion barrier. (August 2023)
Outstanding Capital Project Award
The Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) final expansion project won the 2023 Outstanding Capital Project Award at the annual California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) conference. A joint project between OCWD and OC San, the GWRS was recognized for the completion of its final expansion, which recycles 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows and produces up to 130 million gallons of water a day (MGD) – enough to serve nearly 1 million people. (August 2023)
Project Achievement Award
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) recognized OCWD and its partners, OC San, for the completion of the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). This project won a Project Achievement Award in the Innovation and Implementation of Technology category. With the final expansion now online, the GWRS recycles 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows and produces up to 130 million gallons of water a day – enough water to serve nearly 1 million people. (June 2023)
Excellence in Innovation
The Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) final expansion project won the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Excellence in Innovation award. GWRS was recognized for recycling 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows, which produces 130 million gallons of water a day, enough to serve nearly one million people. (May 2023)of water a day – enough water to serve nearly 1 million people. (June 2023)
Outstanding Water/Wastewater Treatment Project and Project of the Year
The American Society of Civil Engineers Orange County (ASCE OC) recognized the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) with two awards – Outstanding Water/Wastewater Treatment Project and Project of the Year. The GWRS was recognized for the completion of its final expansion, which recycles 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows and produces 130 million gallons of water a day, enough to serve nearly one million people. (May 2023)
GWRS Grand Prize for Design
The Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) was recognized by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) with the Grand Prize for Design for the headworks facility. The headworks modification project was one of many construction components for the GWRS Final Expansion. (April 2023)
Outstanding Project Award
OCWD and the Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD) received the 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Region 9 Outstanding Project Award for the YLWD Ion Exchange (IX) PFAS Water Treatment Plant, the nation’s largest IX plant. Region 9 is ASCE’s California chapter representing more than 18,000 members throughout the state. (April 2023)
2022
Excellence in Promotion of Infrastructure
The American Society of Civil Engineers Orange County recognized General Manager Mike Markus for his leadership in engineering and water reuse. With more than 40 years of experience and expertise in large project implementation and water resource management, Mike had led several water supply projects that serve as global models for enhanced water reliability. (April 2022)
Most Effective Agency on Federal Issues
ACWA recognized OCWD as a winner of ACWA’s 2022 “Most Effective Agency on Federal Issues” Award. OCWD was chosen as a result of the District’s demonstrated and active engagement on federal issues as prioritized by the ACWA Federal Affairs Committee. (July 2022)
GRA Kevin J. Neese Award
OCWD was named the 2022 winner of the Groundwater Resources Association’s (GRA) Kevin J. Neese award. The award, given to the District for its robust PFAS treatment program, recognizes a significant accomplishment by a person, persons, or entity that fosters the understanding, development, protection, and management of groundwater. (September 2022)
AMWA Platinum Award
The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) presented OCWD with the prestigious Platinum Award for Utility Excellence. The award is given to agencies that demonstrate a strong record of effective utility management and a significant contribution to the drinking water industry. (October 2022)
2021
Clair A. Hill Agency Award for Excellence
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) recognized OCWD for launching the nation’s largest PFAS pilot testing program. Every year, ACWA identifies exemplary programs that demonstrate success in creatively addressing water industry issues, leadership in broad water-related issues, and excellence in agency management and operations. (May 2021)
Agency of Distinction, Resilient Water Agency of the Year
Global Water Intelligence honored OCWD as an agency of distinction at the Global Water Awards ceremony in the category of “Resilient Water Agency of the Year.” This recognition highlighted the District’s innovative water supply solutions such as the GWRS, launching a proactive PFAS testing pilot, and initiating a comprehensive digital communications program during COVID-19. (June 2021)
First Place Water Program, Small-Size Utility Category
The California Municipal Utilities Association named Orange County Water District a 1st place winner in the small-size utility water program category. The annual awards program honors utilities for outstanding programs benefiting customers and local communities. OCWD was recognized for proactively and swiftly launching the nation’s largest PFAS treatment pilot program. (September 2021)
Honors Award, Research Category
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) recognized OCWD during its annual Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science competition, for the District’s completion of a multifaceted treatment study to address the occurrence of PFAS in local drinking water supplies. OCWD was recognized for advancing state-of-the-art environmental engineering or science practices. (October 2021)
2020
One Planet Gold Medals (3)
One Planet awarded OCWD three gold medals in the following categories related to COVID-19 Information for “Affirms the Safety and Reliability of Local Water Supply”: Communications or PR Campaign of the Year, Heightening Awareness and Publicity Campaign of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year. (October 2020)
ACWA Outreach Award
OCWD was recognized by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) as the Region 10 winner of the 2020 Outreach Recognition Award for outstanding efforts in helping ACWA accomplish its legislative goals, including its robust interactions with state and federal elected officials and agencies, engaging them in topics of interest to the District and water industry which align with ACWA’s policy principals, such as sustaining groundwater resources, delivering safe drinking water and creating a resilient water supply. (December 2020)
2019
Water Resources Utility of the Future Today
OCWD has been honored with the designation of Utility of the Future Today, which celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from the traditional wastewater treatment system to a resource recovery center and lead in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve. It was presented by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Environmental Federation, the Water Research Foundation, and the WateReuse Association, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.(September 2019)
AMWA Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
OCWD received the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies’ (AMWA) 2019 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance. It recognizes the large public drinking water systems that exhibit high levels of performance in the areas of product quality, customer satisfaction, employee and leadership development, operational optimization, financial viability, community sustainability, enterprise resiliency, infrastructure strategy and performance, stakeholder understanding and support, and water resource sustainability. (October 2019)
2018
GEELA
The Orange County Water District received a Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for environmental education. The GEELA is California’s highest environmental honor. The award honors individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary contributions in conserving California’s precious resources, protecting and enhancing our environment, building public-private partnerships and strengthening the state’s economy. It is administered by the California EPA. (January 2018)
Recycled Water Advocate of the Year
OCWD Assistant General Manager Michael Wehner was selected as the Recycled Water Advocate of the Year by WateReuse California. WateReuse awards recognize excellence and leadership in water recycling and are presented annually during the conference awards luncheon. (March 2018)
Honor Award for Research
OCWD received the Honor Award for Research from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists for work to evaluate a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly method of analysis of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in drinking water and recycled water that will improve public health protection. (April 2018)
Grand Prize for Environmental Communications
OCWD, along with the Orange County Sanitation District, received the Grand Prize for Environmental Communications for the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) Bottled Water Campaign. The award was given by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. (April 2018)
Ragan’s 2017 PR Daily Honorable Mention
The Orange County Water District, Orange County Sanitation District and Dick Jones Communications received a Ragan’s 2017 PR Daily Honorable Mention in the Press Event or Media Tour category for “Purified Recycled Water Takes on Hollywood,” the GWRS bottled water launch. (April 2018)
Platinum Hermes Award
The Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District received a Platinum Hermes Award for the Advanced Purified Bottled Water Campaign in the category Public Relations/Communications/Strategic Programs/78c. PR Campaign. Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. (April 2018)
2017
AVA Digital 2017 Gold Award
OCWD was honored with the AVA Digital 2017 Gold Award for its PowerPoint titled “Water Manufacturing Process.” It is the foundational presentation used prior to Groundwater Replenishment System tours and a key component of OCWD’s on-site tours and Speaker’s Bureau program for the community. AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes outstanding work by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that is part of the evolution of digital communication. (January 2017)
Public Communications Achievement (Honorable Mention)
The Orange County Water District received an Honorable Mention for 2016 Public Communications Achievement from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) for fostering and supporting the development of public outreach programs and integrating public affairs as a core element of utility planning and management. (January 2017)
Excellence in Environmental Engineering & Science Awards Competition Honor Award
The GWRS Final Expansion Feasibility Study (aka SP-173 Effluent Reuse Study) received the Excellence in Environmental Engineering & Science Awards Competition Honor Award in the Environmental Sustainability category from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists (AAEES). It was a joint study conducted by OCWD and the Orange County Sanitation District. (April 2017)
Bronze Astrid Award
The OCWD H2O Learning Center received a 2017 Bronze Astrid Award for Design Communications in the Miscellaneous/Other Permanent Museum-like Exhibit category. The Learning Center, located in the corridor of the Orange County Water District headquarters, is used as an extension of the Groundwater Replenishment System tour and as a self-guided tour. (April 2017)
John Muir Conservation Awards
The Orange County Water District has received two John Muir Conservation Awards, one for Environmental Education and another for Public Agency. The John Muir Awards help to encourage awareness, understanding and responsibility for wild places, encourage an environmental agenda—for individuals and organizations, and recognize and celebrate achievement of award recipients. Those honored have taken action for the environment, promoted a culture of environmental awareness and care and have encouraged behavior and action, attitudes and values-based learning for individuals. (April 2017)
Communitas Award
The 2016 Children’s Water Education Festival received a 2017 Communitas Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility category. Communitas Awards recognizes exceptional businesses, organizations and individuals that are unselfishly giving of themselves and their resources, and those that are changing how they do business to benefit their communities. (May 2017)
Gold PR World Award
The Orange County Water District’s Children’s Water Education Festival is a PR World Awards® Gold Winner in the “Training or Educational Event” category. The coveted annual PR World Awards program encompasses the world’s best in recognizing public relations, marketing, corporate communications, investor relations, and business development professionals, teams, departments, and achievements from every major industry in the world. (June 2017)
WateReuse Public Education Program of the Year Award
The Orange County Water District was chosen as one of two recipients for the 2017 WateReuse Public Education Program of the Year Award. The award recognizes education programs whose outreach enhances a better appreciation of water resources, management and conservation. (August 2017)
2016
UV Engineering Project of the Year
The Orange County Water District received the UV Engineering Project of the Year Award from the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA). The presentation was made at the 2016 IUVA World Congress held in Vancouver, BC. This award recognizes an exemplary engineering project involving UV applications in operation. Each nominated engineering project was reviewed for development of UV research and technology and honored for innovation, excellence, and its impact on society. (February 2016)
Electrical Excellence Award
The Groundwater Replenishment System was awarded the Electrical Excellence Award by the Orange County Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). NECA advances the electrical contracting industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. (February 2016)
Membrane Facility of the Year
The Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion was presented the “Membrane Facility of the Year” award by the American Membrane Technology Association and the American Water Works Association. The award recognizes an outstanding water/wastewater facility that uses any membrane technology with high efficiency in an environmentally friendly approach. (February 2016)
Engineering Achievement Award
The Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion received an Engineering Achievement Award from the Orange County Engineering Council (OCEC). The presentation was made February 27, 2016 at the OCEC Annual Honors and Awards Banquet, celebrated this year in Anaheim, Calif. OCEC is an umbrella organization of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). (February 2016)
Water/Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year
The Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Orange County Branch’s “Water/Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year” award. ASCE Orange County Branch (OCB) is part of a global civil engineering community. The OCB has about 2,500 members in Orange County, California and is currently the fourth largest branch within ASCE. (March 2016)
Partners in Excellence Award
OCWD was awarded the Partners in Excellence Award from the Disneyland Resort at the 2016 Children’s Water Education Festival. The award was presented by Disneyland Resort Environmental Affairs to recognize the District’s 20-year partnership and commitment to engaging Orange County youth in environmental education. (March 2016)
California Large Agency of the Year
The Orange County Water District was awarded the California Large Agency of the Year Award by the WateReuse Association for its collaboration with the Orange County Sanitation District on the Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion. OCWD received the award for successfully advancing the development of alternative water supplies and developing a novel approach to meeting local water needs. (March 2016)
Water Reuse Project of the Year Distinction Award
The Orange County Water District was the recipient of the Global Water Intelligence Water Reuse Project of the Year Distinction Award for significant advancement in terms of water reuse for the Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion. The award was presented at the 2016 Global Water Summit. (April 2016)
2016 Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Award
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) honored the Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion with the 2016 Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Award in the Design category. (April 2016)
Large Agency of the Year
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) was awarded the California Large Agency of the Year award by the WateReuse Association for its collaboration with the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) on the Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion. OCWD received the award for successfully advancing the development of alternative water supplies and developing a novel approach to meeting local water needs. (June 2016)
Outstanding Membrane Plant Award – Large Facility
OCWD’s Groundwater Replenishment System received the 2016 Outstanding Membrane Plant Award – Large Facility from the Southwest Membrane Operators Association. The award was presented in recognition of outstanding plant operations and maintenance, and exemplary membrane treatment plant performance. (June 2016)
APEX 2016 Award for Publication Excellence
The Orange County Water District’s website received an APEX Award for Publication Excellence. The award recognizes excellence in publishing by professional communicators in a variety of mediums. OCWD launched its redesigned website in October 2015. (June 2016)
Exceptional Utility Leader in Water Reuse and Conservation
The Orange County Water District was awarded the Exceptional Utility Leader in Water Reuse and Conservation from the International Desalination Association (IDA). OCWD was recognized for its leadership and innovation in advancing water reuse. The award was presented at the IDA International Conference on Water Reuse and Recycling in Nice, France. (September 2016)
Water Environment Federation Project Excellence Award
The Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion was awarded the Project Excellence Award from the Water Environment Federation (WEF). The award recognizes outstanding programs and product execution in the water sector. The award was presented during WEF’s 2016 Technical Exhibition and Conference. (September 2016)
2016 Cool Planet Award
Southern California Edison (SCE) and The Climate Change Registry honored OCWD with the 2016 Cool Planet Award. This annual award recognizes the valuable contribution of SCE business customers who demonstrate exemplary leadership in energy and carbon management within their business size and industry sector. (October 2016)
MarCom Gold Award
The Orange County Water District received the Gold Award in the Video/Audio category by MarCom Awards. OCWD was recognized for its 40 minute animated PowerPoint presentation titled “Water Manufacturing Process,” which is used to begin each Groundwater Replenishment System tour. (October 2016)
Sandor C. Csallany Institutional Award
OCWD was selected as the recipient of the Sandor C. Csallany Institutional Award for Exemplary Contributions to Water Resources Management 2016 Medal. The award is presented by the American Water Resources Association to a water resources institution that has achieved a status of eminence in some aspect of water resources management. (November 2016)
2015
Water & Wastewater International magazine’s Top 25 Industry Leaders
OCWD General Manager Mike Markus was named one of Water & Wastewater International magazine’s Top 25 Industry Leaders. According to the magazine, he “helped OCWD pave the way for public acceptance of water recycling for indirect potable use, replicated in countries such as Australia and Singapore. Under his leadership, GWRS won 21 awards, including the Stockholm 2008 Industry Award and Lee Kuan Yew Prize 2014.”
2014
U.S. Water Prize
The Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) were honored with the U.S. Water Prize by the U.S. Water Alliance for their joint project, the Groundwater Replenishment System and were lauded as global leaders in reclamation and reuse. (April 2014)
See video
Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize
The Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, an international water award, was presented to OCWD for its pioneering work in groundwater management and water reclamation using advanced water reuse technologies, as well as for its achievements in public policy and community outreach. (June 2014)
CALAFCO Government Leadership Award
OCWD shared the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO) Government Leadership Award with the City of Anaheim, the Irvine Ranch Water District and Yorba Linda Water District for manifesting characteristics of effective leadership through the successful completion of a major annexation into OCWD. (October 2014)
2013
Distinguished Service Awards
Southwest Membrane Operators Association (SWMOA) recognized OCWD and OCWD Principal Process Engineer & GWRS Program Manager, Mehul Patel, P.E., with a Distinguished Service Award. Patel received the award for five years of service on the SWMOA Board of Directors and for allowing OCWD staff to participate and contribute to the goals and mission of the Association. (April 2013)
Major Civil Engineering Project of the Century Award
Orange County Water and Orange County Sanitation districts’ joint project, the Groundwater Replenishment System, was honored with the Major Civil Engineering Project of the Century Award by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils; FIDIC). (October 2013)
2012
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recognized OCWD with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) Program for superb financial accountability and reporting of its fiscal year that ended June 30, 2011. The CAFR Program is GFOA’s highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. (June 2012)
Conservator of the Year
Bolsa Chica Conservancy recognized OCWD with the 2012 Conservator of the Year Award for its leadership in environmental conservation in groundwater quality, reliability and sustainability, and for its commitment and dedication to conservation through its highly acclaimed GWRS and many other programs. (December 2012)
2011
2010
Recovery Champion Award
The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFW) recognized OCWD’s Natural Resources Director Dr. Richard Zembal with the Service’s 2009 Recovery Champion Award, one of only 18 awarded nationally. The Recovery Champion Award recognizes USFW employees and their partners for contributions to the recovery of threatened and endangered species in the United States. (March 2010)
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recognized OCWD with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) Program for superb financial accountability and reporting of its fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009. The CAFR Program is GFOA’s highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. (July 2010)
California Construction’s Overall Top Project
California Construction magazine recognized Orange County Water District Advanced Water Quality Assurance Laboratory, Fountain Valley (Submitted by FTR International) for Overall Top Project among Southern California winners of the magazine’s Best of 2010 awards program. (September 2010)
2009
PISCES Award
OCWD was honored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2008 Performance and Innovation in the State Revolving Fund Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) Award in recognition of its innovative groundwater management practices, particularly the development of the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). The PISCES Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate innovation, sound financial management, and commitment to water quality and sustainability. (January 2009)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) “Golden State” Award of Excellence
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) honored the Orange County Water and Orange County Sanitation districts’ GWRS with its “Golden State” Award of Excellence, the highest California award offered by ACEC. (February 2009)
Green California Leadership Award, Water Management
Green California Summit & Exposition of Sacramento honored OCWD’s GWRS with the Green California Leadership Award, Water Management for its efforts at managing sparse water supplies in Southern California. The Green California Summit recognizes state and local agencies for innovative efforts to green the Golden State. (March 2009)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Grand Conceptor Award
The Orange County Water and Orange County Sanitation districts’ GWRS was awarded the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Grand Conceptor Award signifying the year’s best engineering achievement among the 168 national projects honored by the ACEC. (April 2009)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award
The Orange County Water and Orange County Sanitation districts’ GWRS was honored with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) award for its creative, effective solution to water shortage challenges through the creation of the GWRS. The most prestigious award given by the society, the OCEA is bestowed on the best national engineering project of the year. (April 2009)
UV Engineering Project of the Year Award
The Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) was honored by the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) with the 2008 UV Engineering Project of the Year Award in recognition of its innovation and vision, and lasting impact it has had as an example of how to integrate ultraviolet advanced oxidation technology into a water reclamation process train. (September 2009)
Orange County Coastkeeper Coastal Protection Award
The OCWD and OCSD received the Orange County Coastkeeper Coastal Protection Award for their water stewardship. Specifically, the award recognizes the agencies for their advances in protecting the water quality of the region’s waterways, wetlands and coast. In addition, the agencies were recognized for the new, state-of-the-art Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). (September 2008)
Said Khoury Award for Engineering Construction Excellence
A team of engineers affiliated with Orange County’s Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the world’s largest water recycling facility of its kind, were honored with the 2009 Said Khoury Award for Engineering Construction Excellence. The award recognizes an engineer or team of engineers for their noteworthy contribution to the development, planning, construction and implementation of drinking water, water management, water storage or water treatment infrastructure. The engineers recognized were OCWD Director Denis Bilodeau, P.E.; OCWD General Manager Mike Markus, P.E.; OCSD Director of Engineering Jim Herberg; and Richard Corneille, P.E., from CDM. (November 2009)
Savings By Design
Orange County Water District (OCWD) was recognized by Southern California Edison with an incentive check totaling $64,719 for energy-saving strategies that were incorporated into the design of its new Advanced Water Quality Assurance Laboratory. The Southern California Edison “Savings By Design” incentive program is available to businesses in Southern California that incorporate smart, energy-saving designs in long-term facility planning for new structures. (December 2009)
2008
Global Water Intelligence Public Agency of the Year
OCWD received the Global Water Intelligence Public Agency of the Year award for leading the way in communicating the importance of water reuse to the public, for the management of its groundwater supply and for the completion of the GWRS—one of the biggest indirect potable reuse projects in the world.(April 2008)
Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Clair A. Hill Award
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) presented the Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award to OCWD. The award recognizes innovative programs by ACWA members in water resources management. The District is the first agency to receive this prestigious award more than once. The District previously received the Clair A. Hill for the Children’s Water Education Festival. (May 2008)
Southern California Edison Savings By Design Award
The Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District were recognized with six Southern California Edison Savings By Design Awards totaling $421,432 for energy-saving strategies that were incorporated into the design of the Groundwater Replenishment System. (February 2008)
California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Board President of the Year
The California Special Districts Association co-awarded its Board President of the Year to two presidents: OCSD Board Chair Doug Davert and OCWD Board President Steve Sheldon because of the agencies’ partnership constructing the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). It was the first time CSDA recognized two presidents in the same year for the award. The award recognizes the agencies and their Board leadership for the collaborative effort and leadership required to jointly construct the GWRS. (September 2008)
Groundwater Resources Association of California (GRA) 2008 Kevin J. Neese Award
The Orange County Water District was honored by the Groundwater Resources Association of California (GRA) with the 2008 Kevin J. Neese Award in recognition of its innovative groundwater management operations, particularly the development of the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). The Neese Award recognizes significant accomplishments by a person or entity that fosters the understanding, development, protection or management of groundwater. (September 2008)
Toshiba Green Innovation Award
The Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District were named winners of the Toshiba Green Innovation Award for the Groundwater Replenishment System and their commitment to the environment. The Toshiba Green Innovation Award recognizes environmental innovation by Orange County-based companies, institutions and organizations for their “green” products, services, technologies, processes or activities. (October 2008)
EPA Water Efficiency Award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Orange County Water District with the prestigious Water Efficiency Award in recognition of the District’s world leadership in wastewater purification for groundwater replenishment (GWRS). The award is given for technical success, especially for a 10-year+ effort to educate the public. (December 2008)
2007
Public Relations Society of America, Orange County Chapter (OCPRSA) Protos Award
OCWD received the Protos Award from the Orange County Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for “Editorial Article for a Trade Publication.” The article was written for “Pollution Engineering” magazine about the GWRS. (June 2007)
American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA) Outstanding Member Award
OCWD and its process engineer, Mehul Patel, received the honor of “outstanding member” from the American Membrane Technology Association in recognition of Patel’s contribution to water supply improvement for his work on the GWRS and for his leadership as president of the Southwest Membrane Operator Association. (July 2007)
2006
ACWA/JPIA recognition
The Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority (ACWA/JPIA) recognized OCWD for achieving a low ratio of paid claims and reserves to its deposit premium for the period 07/01/02 to 06/30/05. That means for a district of its size, it is doing a good job of keeping its staff safe, resulting in minimal worker compensation claims. (February 2006)
California Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Award
The District was awarded the California Historic Civil Engineering Landmark award for conserving surface flows of the Santa Ana River and managing the groundwater basin in central and northern Orange County since 1933. The District was also acknowledged for its leadership in the development of visionary water reuse projects, such as the Water Factory 21 project and the Groundwater Replenishment System. (September 2006)