The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and the Orange County Water District (OCWD) are key players in safeguarding water reserves in Southern California.
Through diversification of water sources, water conservation, recycling and reuse, groundwater storage and management, desalination projects, infrastructure investment, and research and innovation, Santa Ana’s partnership with these agencies ensures a resilient and sustainable water future for our community.
Following are answers to some of your questions regarding the drought and what is being done to manage our groundwater basin and protect our water reserves.
Q. Are we out of the drought due to last winter’s heavy rain and snowfall?
A: The recent rain and snowfall provided temporary relief after a three-year drought. On March 24, 2023, Governor Newsom modified previous State of Emergency Proclamations, removing the voluntary 15% water conservation target and Level 2 actions required of water agencies.
However, California’s water supply still grapples with the effects of the drought. With extreme weather patterns becoming more common, Santa Ana must prioritize water conservation and efforts to safeguard a dependable water supply. This requires strategies like cap- turing and storing stormwater, promoting water recycling and reuse, and supporting groundwater recharge projects.
Q. What is being done by the Metropolitan Water District and Orange County Water District to ensure a reliable water supply?
A: Ensuring a reliable water supply is a top priority for MWD and OCWD. The MWD diversifies its water sources, by importing water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project, which transports water from Northern California. This strategy mitigates the impact of drought or disruptions in any specific source, ensuring a more resilient water supply.
Water conservation is a crucial aspect of the MWD’s efforts. The district promotes water-saving measures among member agencies and residents, offering education, resources and financial incentives for water-saving devices and landscape transformation programs. The MWD also supports water recycling and reuse projects by providing funding and technical assistance to local agencies.
Desalination projects have been explored as additional water sources. While desalination can be energy-intensive and costly, the MWD has supported research and pilot projects to evaluate its feasibility and viability.
Infrastructure investment is also a key focus for the MWD, improving and expanding reservoirs, pipelines, and treatment facilities to optimize water delivery and storage capabilities. Similarly, the OCWD plays a critical role in securing a reliable water supply, particularly in Orange County. OCWD focuses on managing and protecting local water supplies. One of them is the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the world’s largest indirect potable reuse facility.
The GWRS purifies highly treated wastewater using a three-step advanced treatment process. The resulting high-quality water is pumped to recharge the Orange County Groundwater Basin. To protect groundwater quality, the OCWD focuses on preventing seawater intrusion in coastal areas by managing the interface between seawater and freshwater through injection barriers, groundwater replenishment, and monitoring programs.
Groundwater management is a priority for the OCWD, closely monitoring water levels, quality, and subsidence rates. The OCWD implements strategies to prevent overdraft and maintain groundwater health through comprehensive data collection and scientific analysis. Research and innovation are fundamental to the OCWD’s approach, investing in R&D to explore new technologies, management practices, and strategies for water supply reliability.
Q. What is the City of Santa Ana doing regarding water supply?
A: Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division takes comprehensive measures to ensure a reliable water supply. Investing in the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, and treatment facilities improves the reliability and efficiency of our water supply system.
To reduce dependency on imported water and promote sustainability, we have implemented a Recycled Water Master Plan. This plan maps out potential new recycled water users, determines funding requirements, and provides a framework for design and construction projects. Increasing the use of recycled water helps alleviate strain on the groundwater supply.
Water conservation is another key focus. We actively engage in public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and provide rebates for water-saving devices through our partnership with MWD to encourage residents to reduce their water consumption and adopt water- efficient practices.
For emergency preparedness, plans are in place to address water supply challenges during droughts, natural disasters, or emergencies. We maintain seven connections to MWD’s system and nine emergency connections with surrounding agencies, giving us the ability to share water supplies during short term emergency situations or planned shutdowns.
Collaboration with regional agencies is vital. We work closely with the Metropolitan Water District, Orange County Water District, and Municipal Water District of Orange County to ensure integrated and coordinated water management. This collaboration includes participation in regional water management programs and water recycling projects. For instance, we utilize recycled water from the OCWD’s Green Acres Project to irrigate median landscape areas, parks and soccer fields in the southern part of the city. We also supply this recycled water to customers where available. This helps us preserve our groundwater resources and helps the region mitigate the risk of seawater intrusion.
Q. How does recycling non-potable water help our water reserves?
A: Recycling non-potable water conserves and maximizes water reserves. Treating and reusing non-potable water for purposes like landscape irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater replenishment reduces the demand for fresh water from traditional sources.
This practice is especially important during drought periods. Santa Ana actively promotes and implements water recycling initiatives to conserve water resources and ensure a sustainable water future.
Q. Besides water conservation, what can residents do to protect our water reserves?
A: Residents can contribute to protecting our water reserves by practicing water capturing and storage methods. Here are a few ways residents can help:
- Installing rainwater harvesting systems to collect rainwater for outdoor irrigation.
- Implementing water-efficient landscaping by choosing drought tolerant plants, using mulch, and optimizing irrigation systems.
- Reducing runoff and increasing permeability by creating permeable surfaces like permeable pavements or rain gardens.
- Fixing leaks promptly in faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems.
- Educating and raising awareness about water conservation and encouraging others to adopt water-saving practices.
