Water security is a growing concern across California, and Orange County is taking a proactive approach to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come. The Orange County Water District has unveiled its Resilience Plan: Adaptive Strategies for Securing Abundant and Reliable Water Supplies, a forward-thinking strategy designed to safeguard water resources and prepare for future challenges.
A Vision for Long-Term Water Security
With a 25-year outlook, OCWD’s Resilience Plan lays the groundwork for smart investments, policy decisions, and infrastructure enhancements to bolster Orange County’s water reliability. The plan builds upon OCWD’s long history of innovative water management, from groundwater replenishment to stormwater capture, ensuring the region is prepared for evolving environmental conditions.
Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E., OCWD Board President, emphasized the significance of this initiative:
“Ensuring a reliable water supply requires careful planning, innovation, and investment. The Resilience Plan builds on OCWD’s long history of proactive water management, providing a framework to safeguard our region’s water future.”
Key Projects to Strengthen Water Resilience
The Resilience Plan outlines 16 priority projects over the next five years, including:
- Increased Stormwater Capture at Prado Dam – Utilizing Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations to optimize water storage.
- Sediment Management at Prado Basin – Improving the efficiency of groundwater recharge.
- Enhanced Seawater Intrusion Barriers – Protecting groundwater supplies from saltwater contamination.
- PFAS Treatment Systems – Constructing new facilities to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from groundwater, ensuring safe drinking water for the region.
Unlike traditional infrastructure-focused plans, the Resilience Plan is designed to be a living document, allowing OCWD to adapt to changing climate conditions, regulatory updates, and technological advancements.
A Legacy of Water Management Innovation
Since its founding in 1933, OCWD has played a pioneering role in water resource management. Through innovation, investment, and collaboration, the District has tripled the sustainable yield of the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which provides water to 2.5 million residents.
OCWD’s ability to develop new recharge sources, optimize groundwater replenishment, and enhance facility efficiency has been key to ensuring water sustainability in the region. With the launch of the Resilience Plan, OCWD reaffirms its commitment to securing a safe, reliable, and resilient water supply for the future.
Learn More
For more details about the OCWD Resilience Plan, visit www.ocwd.com and follow @ocwaterdistrict on social media.