The Orange County Water District (OCWD) announced its gratitude after being awarded with the prestigious Platinum Award for Utility Excellence by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA).
The award is given to agencies that demonstrate a strong record of effective utility management and a significant contribution to the drinking water industry. AMWA honored the winners of its utility management awards on Oct. 31
“What an honor to be recognized by AMWA and peers in the industry for our work to secure water reliability,” says Steve Sheldon, OCWD president. “From local supply development to maintaining high-quality water, we’re proud of our efforts to address critical issues that will ensure water is flowing for generations to come.”
The Platinum Award recognizes the District’s initiatives to expand water recycling at the Groundwater Replenishment System, increase stormwater capture with Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations, store water across the region through the Santa Ana River Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program, research and develop new technologies to enhance operations, and remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in local water supplies. Additional judging criteria included financial viability, community and stakeholder engagement, risk and resiliency, and employee development.
“The Orange County Water District has made remarkable efforts to excel in a highly challenging and constantly changing environment,” adds Tom Dobbins, AMWA chief executive officer. “Congratulations to the OCWD board of directors and staff for its dedication and commitment to the water industry.”
As a wholesale groundwater management agency formed in 1933, OCWD safeguards the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which provides 77 percent of the drinking water supply to 19 cities and water agencies, serving 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. OCWD replenishes the 270 square mile basin through the management and development of local supplies, enhances water reliability, ensures high-quality water that meets all state and federal drinking water standards, prevents seawater intrusion, and protects rights to Santa Ana River water.
OCWD previously won AMWA’s Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance in 2019. Gold Award winners are eligible to apply for the Platinum Award three years after achieving the gold level. OCWD earned its Platinum recognition in its first year of eligibility, demonstrating progress in implementing key management attributes and expanding upon past achievements.
