Welcome to the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) February 2022 eCurrents newsletter. December brought much-needed drought relief, but January saw statewide precipitation throttle down significantly. In this issue, we will look at six key facts about the State’s drought and water supply conditions. We will also take a deep dive into the State’s long-term water use efficiency standards that will commence in 2024 and what that means for water providers. A key figurehead in implementing those standards is E. Joaquin Esquivel, who will keynote MWDOC’s upcoming Water Policy Forum and Dinner on February 23rd.
Additionally, with spring right around the corner, the UCCE Master Gardeners are back with tips for how to get your garden ready for warmer weather and sunshine. Finally, as we continue to recover from the pandemic, MWDOC’s Speakers Bureau is prepared, willing, and able to discuss these issues and other water topics with your community or civic group. 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!
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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.
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For a complete list of upcoming and archived MWDOC meetings, click on the image above, or visit our website at www.mwdoc.com.
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MWDOC WATER POLICY FORUM & DINNER
February 23, 2022
MWDOC welcomes E. Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, as the keynote speaker for an upcoming MWDOC Water Policy Forum & Dinner. Join us at the Westin South Coast Plaza to hear Chair Esquivel share his perspective on the critical importance of local watershed management ensuring all Californians have access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
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MWDOC WATER AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST
Deadline: March 1, 2022
Water is essential to all life on Earth. Through the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s annual Water Awareness Poster Contest, Orange County K-12 students are called upon to reflect on the importance and value of water while using original artwork to express their ideas. A total of 40 winners will be selected, and four grand prize winners will receive a top prize. The contest is open now through March 1 and must reflect the theme: #OCisWaterSmart.
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6 KEY FACTS!
About Drought and Water Supply Conditions
Kevin Hostert, Water Resources Analyst, MWDOC
Did you know? Even though California received a lot of rain and snow in December, it’s not nearly enough to end the drought. Water providers continue to monitor drought conditions to ensure reliable water supplies for their communities statewide.
CLICK HERE to learn about how recent precipitation affected the state.
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9 THINGS TO KNOW!
About Evolving Water Use Efficiency Standards
Joe Berg, Director of Water Use Efficiency, MWDOC
Did you know? California has established a long-term water use efficiency standards-based framework for urban water suppliers that will begin January 1, 2024.
CLICK HERE to view the currently proposed standards.
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TOP 5 TIPS!
For Water-Smart Spring Gardening
UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County
Did you know? Adding organic mulch to the ground under your plants, can significantly impact your outdoor water use.
CLICK HERE to find out how to create and maintain a water-smart spring garden.
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METROPOLITAN'S CPP IS BACK
Submit Your Application Today!
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Community Partnering Program (CPP) provides up to $2000 in sponsorships to community-based organizations to support water-centric learning activities and projects across the Southland. Eligible projects could include community forums, water workshops, water-wise demonstration gardens, and water-related school programs and activities.
CLICK HERE for eligibility requirements and applications.
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WATER AGENCIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHARE LOCAL DROUGHT RESPONSE EFFORTS
Update Your Agencies' Drought Response Now!
Communicating effectively with the public, stakeholders, and the media about local drought response tiers, programs, and activities, is critical as drought conditions persist. ACWA has prepared a web page that summarizes information for media and policymakers.
CLICK HERE to update your water agency’s information which will play a critical role in determining the next steps for statewide conservation measures.
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MWDOC SPEAKERS BUREAU
Have questions about water? We have answers!
Is your community, business, or civic group looking for a keynote speaker for your next event? The Municipal Water District of Orange County's Speakers Bureau is here for you. Topics could include: where Orange County water comes from, drought, water supply solutions, water conservation programs, education initiatives for Orange County students, and more!
Let us know if your group has a specific water topic in mind!
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10 PRACTICAL GARDENING RESOURCES
#OCisWaterSmart
Spring is just around the corner. Are you ready? Spruce up your space with these top 10 gardening resources brought to you in partnership by the Municipal Water District of Orange County and UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County.
CLICK HERE to download and share this handy resource for busy gardeners!
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MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT OF ORANGE COUNTY ELECTS NEW OFFICERS
December 8, 2021
MWDOC Board of Directors elected Megan Yoo Schneider to serve as President and Robert R. “Bob” McVicker to serve as Vice President for 2022. “I am honored to serve in this role as we work to ensure a sustainable, resilient, and reliable supply of high-quality water for Orange County,” stated President Schneider. READ MORE
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Given the recent rains, do you still feel it is important to use water wisely?
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Yes, but not as much as before.
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No, but I do not waste it.
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No, the state has enough water now.
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Other - share with us at info@mwdoc.com
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FAVORITE TWEETS AND POSTS |
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From installing low-flow toilets and high efficiency washers indoors, to transforming yards with climate appropriate plants and efficient irrigation devices outdoors, we offers rebates for consumers to help #SaveWater! #OCisWaterSmart #MWDOC
-Instagram, January 18
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Did you know? The State Water Project is the largest state-built water and power project in the U.S. This critical infrastructure spans approximately 600 miles from Northern California to Southern California, providing drinking water to 23 million people and irrigation water for 750,000 acres of farmland. #MWDOC #YourWater || Learn more about your water supply: bit.ly/MWDOC-YourWater
-Facebook, January 22
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Dangerously low snowpack levels in the Sierra took a turn for the better as the state
-Instagram, December 28
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