December 2021
IN THIS ISSUE:
Welcome to the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) December 2021 eCurrents newsletter. In case you missed it, we share a glimpse of the most recent Water Energy Education Alliance (WEEA) Leadership Roundtable meeting. We also recap the annual OC Water Summit, where approximately 350 attendees came together at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel to learn about water issues facing Orange County.

Additionally, with California experiencing the second year of the driest two-year period in state history, we share the top six (6) things you should know about California’s drought and our current water supply conditions. The UCCE Master Gardeners also share their top five (5) ways to care for your winter water-wise garden, and in partnership, MWDOC and UCCE have put together ten (10) tips for creating a defensible space to protect your home from wildfires. Finally, in the latest news release, learn how the MWDOC Board of Directors responded to Governor Newsom’s call for a voluntary 15% reduction in water use. All of this and more, in this issue of eCurrents!

As always, if you have any comments or suggested
topics for future articles, please send us an email at info@mwdoc.com. Thank you for subscribing!
MWDOC is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. To learn more, click on the image above, or visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.
For a complete list of upcoming and archived MWDOC meetings, click on the image above, or visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
WEEA LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE MEETING #9
October 26, 2021

The Water Energy Education Alliance (WEEA) is taking action to create career pathways to water and energy jobs for Southern California students. In October, WEEA heard from East Valley Water District and Tomorrow’s Talent, who presented information on their water and wastewater internships for high school and college students.

CLICK HERE to learn more. 
OC WATER SUMMIT
October 15, 2021

The 2021 OC Water Summit was back at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel this October after last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19. Approximately 350 people attended the conference, which was themed Water Breaking News. Emcee Fritz Coleman returned, headlining a powerhouse program of water policy sessions, tackling climate change issues, water supply, and contaminants of emerging concern.

CLICK HERE if you were unable to join us; you can experience much of the conference, including videos and presentations.
DID YOU KNOW?
6 THINGS TO KNOW!
About The California Drought
Tiffany Baca, Public Affairs Manager, MWDOC

Did you know? Every region in California is experiencing some level of drought. With drought information in constant flux, staying informed on current conditions can be challenging.

CLICK HERE to get the foundational information you need.  
6 KEY FACTS!
About Drought and Water Supply Conditions
Kevin Hostert, Water Resources Analyst, MWDOC

Did you know? Water providers statewide are monitoring drought conditions and reservoir levels closely to ensure water demands can be met.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the effects of drought on water supply.
TOP 5 TIPS!
For Winter Water-Wise Gardening
UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County

Did you know? Gardens and landscapes don’t require as much water in the winter as they do in the summer, even with warm winter days.

CLICK HERE to learn how making simple changes in your winter garden can significantly impact your water use.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
10 TIPS FOR A WILDFIRE DEFENSIBLE SPACE
#OCisWaterSmart

Are you looking to protect your home and garden this winter? With fire season underway, we can all take steps to make our gardens more fire-resistant. Check out these 10 tips for a wildfire defensible space!

CLICK HERE to download and share this resource, brought to you in partnership by the Municipal Water District of Orange County and UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County.
NEWS RELEASES
MWDOC BOARD VOTES TO ACTIVATE DISTRICT’S WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
November 3, 2021

The MWDOC Board of Directors today adopted a resolution activating MWDOC’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan at Level 2. The Board’s action comes as a response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s call for a voluntary 15% reduction in water use from 2020 levels. The severe drought conditions prompted Newsom to proclaim a statewide State of Emergency. READ MORE
METROPOLITAN DECLARES DROUGHT EMERGENCY
November 9, 2021

With record dry conditions straining Southern California’s water supplies, Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors today declared a Drought Emergency and called for increased efforts to maximize conservation, especially in communities facing the greatest challenges. READ MORE
POLLING PLACE
Which water-saving habit are you MOST LIKELY to adopt given the current drought situation?
Plant native plants in my garden
Take advantage of available rebates
Lower my overall water use
Share water-wise tips with friends and family
Other - share with us at info@mwdoc.com
FAVORITE TWEETS AND POSTS
Join Linda, a UCCE Master Gardener of Orange County, as we discuss how to best utilize your smart timers! #OCisWaterSmart #OCisGardenSmart 
#MWDOC || Learn More: 
-Facebook, November 10
Today, MWDOC recognizes and thanks our U.S. veterans who served to protect our country, including these featured veterans of the MWDOC family. We salute you! #VeteransDay
-Facebook, November 11
Did you know? Every inch of rain that falls on each square foot of your roof is equal to a half a gallon of water! Consider installing a rain barrel at your home with our rain barrel rebate to help you #SaveWater 
Learn more: bit.ly/MWDOC-SaveWater
-Instagram, November 5