FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 29, 2001 — Governor Davis has proclaimed Nov. 4-10 as California Groundwater Week in recognition of the important role groundwater has played in implementing a long-term, comprehensive plan to improve California's ecosystems.
As November approaches, the Orange County Water District (OCWD) encourages residents to be aware of the fact that groundwater is a major supply to Orange County and that each of us has a role in protecting and conserving it.
In an arid desert like Orange County, droughts come regularly. With a less-than-average rainfall last year and a low snow pack, many experts indicate we are on the verge of a drought. And, with the imported sources of water being challenged by environmental needs and population growth, Orange County citizens should be more efficient with their water.
"Orange County Water District has successfully and responsibly maintained one of the largest groundwater basins in the State of California for many years," proclaimed James W. Silva, vice-chairman for the Orange County Board of Supervisors in a recent letter of praise to OCWD.
"The district's work involving water quality testing for potentially harmful substances and visionary projects to protect the groundwater basin truly establishes the Orange County Water District in a class above all others."
Of all the water in the world, less than one percent is available for human consumption. This is something to think about the next time you brush your teeth with the water running, or when you take an extra-long shower just because it feels nice or when you do a small load of laundry instead of filling up the machine with a full load.
To learn more about Orange County's water or to test your water knowledge, visit www.ocwd.com.
The Orange County Water District is a special water agency created by the California Legislature in 1933 to maintain and manage the huge groundwater basin under northern Orange County.
The groundwater basin managed by OCWD supplies 75% of the water needs to more than 2 million residents in the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington and Newport Beach, Irvine, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster and Yorba Linda.
