FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (October 24, 2024) – The Orange County Water District
(OCWD; the District) proudly announces its receipt of the District Transparency
Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). This
recognition showcases OCWD’s commitment to transparency and governance,
establishing it as a leader among California’s water agencies.
“Transparency is fundamental to our mission of delivering a reliable, high -quality water
supply,” said OCWD President Cathy Green. “This award validates our efforts to
actively engage and inform the communities we serve. District board members and staff
remain steadfast in our dedication to these principles as we manage Orange County’s
critical water resources.”
SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance
and best practices among California’s special districts. The certificate honors special
districts that demonstrate outstanding governance, online transparency, and community
outreach. OCWD achieved SDLF’s stringent requirements by adhering to public
meeting laws, providing ethics training for its board members, and ensuring that key
public information is easily accessible. These initiatives underscore OCWD’s proactive
efforts to foster and maintain public trust.

As the steward of the Orange County Groundwater Basin, OCWD supplies 85% of the
water for 19 cities and water districts, serving over 2.5 million residents. Since its
establishment in 1933, OCWD has led with innovative water management practices,
prioritizing transparency and public engagement as integral components of its
operations.
For more information on OCWD’s transparency initiatives, visit
www.ocwd.com/about/transparency.