Understanding the role of various organizations in the management and protection of Orange County's water supply for its over 3 million residents is crucial to navigating your responsibilities relating to backflow prevention testing.
Though these organizations have distinct responsibilities in the management of water quality, cross-connection control, and backflow prevention, the colaboration of state, county and municipal level organizations and local agencies in Orange County, California, is invaluable in protecting public health by ensuring the following priorities:
Complying with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act
Complying with California Title 22 regulations
Protecting quality of the groundwater basin
Creating and maintaining confidence of potable water reuse
Identify sources of contamination and limit release of contaminants
Compling with government-approved cleanup processes
Orange County is served by a number of water districts and authorities that oversee water distribution and management in different areas. Each city and unincorporated community typically falls under a specific water district or agency responsible for providing potable water, wastewater treatment, and sometimes stormwater management.
Here’s a breakdown of the major water districts and authorities in Orange County, grouped by the cities and communities they oversee:
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is a regional agency responsible for managing the groundwater supply in Orange County, California, which is a critical source of drinking water for over 2.5 million people. Established in 1933,
OCWD oversees the operation of the Santa Ana River Basin, ensuring the protection, replenishment, and sustainability of its groundwater resources. The district works to enhance water reliability through innovative water management strategies, including advanced water recycling, groundwater recharge, and conservation programs.
OCWD also plays a key role in addressing local water quality issues and mitigating the effects of drought.
Through its efforts, OCWD helps ensure a reliable, sustainable, and high-quality water supply for the county's residents, businesses, and ecosystems.
Cities Served by OCWD:
- Anaheim
- Buena Park
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Orange
- Santa Ana
- Stanton
Unincorporated Communities Served by OCWD:
- Unincorporated areas within the service region, primarily around Santa Ana and Orange.
For more detailed information about Orange County Water District (OCWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Orange County Water District (OCWD)
Office Address:
18700 Ward Street
Fountain Valley, CA 92708 313
Phone:
(714) 378-3200
Established in 1928, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is the largest supplier of treated water in the United States. It serves approximately 19 million people across six counties: Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. MWD operates an extensive water system, including the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project, providing a reliable water supply to its member agencies.
MWD supplies imported water to 26 member agencies throughout Southern California, including Orange County. While it doesn't directly manage water for cities, it is the primary source of water for many of the local water agencies in the county.
Member Agencies in Orange County Served by MWD:
- Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC)
- Orange County Water District (OCWD)
For more detailed information about Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD)
Office Address:
700 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2944
Phone:
(213) 217-6000
The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is a wholesale water supplier and resource planning agency serving all of Orange County through 27 retail water agencies, excluding Anaheim, Fullerton, and Santa Ana. MWDOC purchases imported water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project via the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and distributes it to its member agencies.
These agencies then provide retail water services to the public. MWDOC does not serve residential or business customers directly.
Cities and Communities Served by MWDOC:
- Costa Mesa
- Fountain Valley
- Huntington Beach
- Irvine
- Laguna Niguel
- Lake Forest
- Mission Viejo
- Newport Beach
- Tustin
- Westminster
- Yorba Linda
Unincorporated Communities Served by MWDOC:
- Areas within its service boundaries, including parts of unincorporated areas like Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, and others.
For more detailed information about Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), please visit their official website:
Website: Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC)
Main Office Address:
18700 Ward Street
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone:
(714) 963-3058
Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) provides water, recycled water, and wastewater services to over 200,000 residents in Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, and parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
The district manages a comprehensive water system, including the Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir, which is one of the largest recycled water reservoirs in Orange County. SMWD also offers various water conservation programs and rebates to promote efficient water use.
SMWD provides water to residents and businesses in the southern parts of Orange County, including the cities and unincorporated areas in the Santa Margarita area.
Cities Served by SMWD:
- Rancho Santa Margarita
- Mission Viejo (partially)
- Ladera Ranch
- Las Flores
- Coto de Caza
Unincorporated Communities Served by SMWD:
- Ladera Ranch
- Rancho Mission Viejo
- Coto de Caza
- Las Flores
For more detailed information about Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD)
Main Office Address:
26111 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Phone:
(949) 459-6420
Founded in 1932, the South Coast Water District is a public water agency serving approximately 35,000 residents, 1,000 businesses, and 2 million visitors annually. The district provides potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to communities including Dana Point, South Laguna Beach, and parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. It sources water from the Colorado River and Northern California and is committed to water conservation and sustainability.
SCWD serves areas along the coast of Orange County and some inland areas.
Cities Served by SCWD:
- Dana Point
- Laguna Niguel
- Laguna Beach
- San Clemente
- San Juan Capistrano (partially)
Unincorporated Communities Served by SCWD:
- Unincorporated areas around Laguna Niguel and Dana Point
For more detailed information about South Coast Water District (SCWD), please visit their official website:
Website: South Coast Water District (SCWD)
Main Office Address:
31592 West Street
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone:
(949) 499-4555
Established in 1961, the East Orange County Water District (EOCWD) is a public agency dedicated to providing cost-effective, reliable, and high-quality water and wastewater services to the City of East Orange and the Borough of East Newark. Guided by principles of local community service and stringent fiscal discipline, EOCWD offers both water and wastewater services to its designated service area.
EOCWD provides water services to communities in the eastern part of Orange County.
Cities Served by EOCWD:
- Orange (partially)
- Villa Park
Unincorporated Communities Served by EOCWD:
- Orange Park Acres
For more detailed information about East Orange County Water District (EOCWD), please visit their official website:
Website: East Orange County Water District (EOCWD)
Main Office Address:
185 N. McPherson Road
Orange, CA 92869-3720
Phone:
(714) 538-5815
Golden State Water Company is a public utility in California and a wholly owned subsidiary of American States Water Company. It serves over 1 million people in more than 80 communities throughout the state. GSWC provides water services and operates under the regulatory oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission.
GSWC is a private water utility that serves a number of communities in Orange County, including some unincorporated areas.
Cities Served by GSWC:
- La Habra
- Los Alamitos
Unincorporated Communities Served by GSWC:
- Unincorporated areas of La Habra Heights
For more detailed information about Golden State Water Company (GSWC), please visit their official website:
Website: Golden State Water Company (GSWC)
Office Address:
630 E. Foothill Blvd.
San Dimas, CA 91773
Phone:
(909) 394-2272
The Yorba Linda Water District is a public agency that provides water and sewer services to the City of Yorba Linda, approximately one-third of Placentia, and portions of Brea, Anaheim, and unincorporated Orange County. Established in 1959, the District is governed by a locally elected Board of Directors and operates independently from the City of Yorba Linda.
YLWD provides water to the city of Yorba Linda and some surrounding unincorporated areas.
Cities Served by YLWD:
- Yorba Linda
Unincorporated Communities Served by YLWD:
- Unincorporated areas near Yorba Linda
For more detailed information about Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD)
Main Office Address:
1717 E. Miraloma Avenue
Placentia, CA 9287
Phone:
(714) 701-30000
Established in 1961, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. It provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, groundbreaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment.
The district serves approximately 600,000 residents across 181 square miles, including the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, Orange, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, and unincorporated areas of Orange County.
IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors and operates under the provisions of the California Water Code.
IRWD provides water and wastewater services to various areas in central and southern Orange County.
Cities Served by IRWD:
- Irvine
- Tustin (partially)
- Santa Ana (partially)
Unincorporated Communities Served by IRWD:
- Unincorporated areas within the region, including portions of North Tustin.
For more detailed information about Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Irvine Water District (IRWD)
Office Address:
15600 Sand Canyon Avenue
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone:
(949) 453-5300
The Trabuco Canyon Water District is a public agency providing water, sewer, recycled water, and urban runoff services to approximately 4,100 customers in Trabuco Canyon, California.
Established in 1955, the district serves areas including Trabuco Canyon, Robinson Ranch, Trabuco Highlands, Walden, Rancho Cielo, Portola Hills, Santiago Canyon Estates, and Dove Canyon.
The district is governed by a five-member Board of Directors and operates under the provisions of the California Water Code. Its primary facilities include a Water Treatment Plant in Lake Forest, a Waste Water Treatment Plant in the upper Robinson Ranch development, and the Trabuco Creek Wells facility in Trabuco Canyon.
The district is also a member of the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). Trabuco Canyon Water District (TCWD) serves areas in the southeastern part of the county.
Cities Served by TCWD:
- Rancho Santa Margarita (partially)
Unincorporated Communities Served by TCWD:
- Trabuco Canyon
For more detailed information about Trabuco Canyon Water District (TCWD), please visit their official website:
Website: Trabuco Canyon Water District (TCWD)
Main Office Address:
32003 Dove Canyon Drive
Trabuco Canyon, CA 9267
Phone:
(949) 858-02779
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