FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (November 3, 2025) – The Orange County Water District (OCWD) received the prestigious Sustainable Water Utility Management Award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) for leadership in financial planning and responsible resource management. “We’re honored that AMWA recognized OCWD’s work to safeguard and increase Orange County’s water supply,” said OCWD President Denis Bilodeau. “Through long-term planning, sound investments in water infrastructure and treatment and continuous operational improvement, the District continues to strengthen water reliability for the 2.5 million people we serve.”

OCWD recharges the Orange County Groundwater Basin; expands local water supplies through the Groundwater Replenishment System, the world’s largest advanced water recycling and potable reuse facility; utilizes Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations to maximize Santa Ana River stormwater capture behind Prado Dam; operates seawater intrusion barriers; and manages a proactive response to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

By developing new groundwater basin recharge sources and maintaining a diverse water portfolio, OCWD increased the Basin Production Percentage to 85%, up from 77% in 2022. In fiscal year 2023–24, the District recharged more than 90 billion gallons, its highest annual total to date. OCWD has not purchased expensive imported water for three consecutive fiscal years, underscoring the reliability of local supplies.

In addition to these achievements, OCWD’s sound fiscal policies have earned top-tier credit ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s, supporting continued investments while maintaining affordability for ratepayers. Since receiving AMWA’s Platinum Award in 2022, OCWD has earned 33 additional industry honors, demonstrating the District’s commitment to sustainable groundwater management amid current and future water supply challenges.

Since 1933, OCWD has advanced groundwater management, tripling the basin’s sustainable yield. For more information about OCWD, please visit www.ocwd.com and follow @OCWaterDistrict on social media.