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ISSUE 4, VOLUME 9, DECEMBER 2015
Are You Ready for El Nino?
By Kelly Hubbard
WEROC Program Manager

You can't miss the news that El Nino has arrived in Southern California and it has the potential to be a "Godzilla" of a storm! 

Luckily, even though California is already in an El Nino weather pattern, the majority of rain is expected to occur in January and February, giving water utilities and individuals time to prepare for the coming rains. 

Water utilities should consider a multi-step process for preparation that includes: 

1. Identifying their risk; 
2. Reaching out to coordinating partner agencies; 
3. Determining and implementing mitigation and prevention actions;
4. Preparing staff for their own safety and roles as emergency responders.
 

 
OC Efficiency Program Honored by EPA
A comprehensive approach to encouraging residents and businesses to be more water efficient earned the Municipal Water District of Orange County the prestigious "WaterSense Excellence Award" given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

MWDOC Water Use Efficiency Director Joe Berg and Water Use Efficiency Programs Specialist Melissa BaumHaley, Ph.D received the award at the WaterSmart Innovation Conference in Las Vegas.
 
MWDOC worked with water retailers throughout Orange County, as well as other public agencies to develop the program, which included businesses and homes. The effort that drew the attention of the EPA, however, was the "Sprinkler Spruce Up" program. 
Read full article


Conserved OC Water Remains in OC

Water conserved by county residents will stay in the county, thanks to a unanimous action by directors of the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC).

MWDOC agencies have saved enough water to set aside enough for  67,500 families.The MWDOC Board of Directors voted to transfer the water to the Orange County Water District (OCWD), which manages the county's the vast groundwater basin that provides most of northern and central Orange County's drinking water. 


Edison Jolts Huntington Beach with California Friendly Makeover
Officials from Huntington Beach, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Municipal Water District of Orange County and other organizations gather to dedicate Southern California Edison's California-friendly substation. Read full article


Santa Margarita Dedicates Gobernadora Runoff Collection Basins
Santa Margarita Water District officials have dedicated the Gobernadora Basins, which collect urban runoff from the Coto de Caza area and return it to the community for irrigation use. Read full article

Felicia Marcus to Speak at Policy Dinner
Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the State Water Resources Control Board, will return to the MWDOC Water Policy Forum and Dinner on January 22.

Marcus attracted more than 300 water-industry leaders to a July dinner. The January event promises a more conversational tone, with more opportunity for attendees to ask Marcus questions. 

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Tickets are $80 until January 15, when the price goes up to $90. Register at www.mwdoc.com

Calendar of Events
Upcoming Meetings/Events

December 9 @ 8:30 a.m.:
MWDOC Administration & Finance Committee Meeting

December 11 @ 7:45 a.m.:
Water Advisory Committee of Orange County Meeting 

December 14 @ 8:30 a.m.:
MWDOC Planning & Operations Committee Meeting 

December 16 @ 8:30 a.m.:
MWDOC Board Meeting  

December 21 @ 8:30 a.m.:
MWDOC Public Affairs & Legislation Committee Meeting
 

All meetings are at MWDOC, 18700 Ward Ave., Fountain Valley.  For information on MWDOC meetings and events, please click on the calendar icon above.

Kudos
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El Toro Water Honored with Transparency Award
The El Toro Water District (ETWD) was awarded the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its excellence in governance and management of its special districts, 

Yorba Linda Water District Named 'District of Distinction'

The Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) has recognized Yorba Linda Water District as a "District of Distinction." The District of Distinction recognition is awarded to districts that display achievements in the areas of governance, transparency, finances, and board conduct.

Read Full Article

News You Can Use
The California Water Resources Control Board will hold a public workshop on December 7 in Sacramento to gather input on future water-conservation mandates. 

See  http://www.swrcb.ca.gov for details.