Groundwater management
Orange County Water District is responsible for managing the vast groundwater basin that provides most of northern and central Orange County’s drinking water. As part of its groundwater management program, OCWD maintains a diversified water supply portfolio to ensure a variety of water sources fill the basin. OCWD’s long history of active management and investment in the local groundwater basin has not only sustained the basin but doubled its annual sustainable yield.
To maintain a healthy basin, OCWD will continue to explore all water supply options, including desalination, cloud seeding, enhanced water reuse, increased stormwater capture, storage partnerships, and more.
160+ billion
85%
2.5 million
30
400
Sources of Water in the Basin:
Recharging the Groundwater Basin
OCWD maintains one of the world’s most advanced aquifer recharge systems to replace the water that is pumped from wells belonging to local water agencies, cities and other groundwater users.
Protecting Water Quality
OCWD’s Philip L. Anthony Water Quality Laboratory administers a comprehensive groundwater and surface water monitoring program to continually generate real-time data on local water supply and ensure the water meets all state and federal drinking water regulations.
Increasing Local Water Supplies
OCWD is committed to securing long-term water reliability through the development of local water supplies and investments in water infrastructure. Examples include:
Click on the links below for more information.