Press release from the Orange County Water District:
The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) announces the release of an Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (OC LAFCO) study evaluating the benefits and feasibility of consolidating OCWD and the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). This effort aims to improve government efficiency, reduce redundancies, and better serve ratepayers.
OCWD requested this study following a June 2022 Orange County Grand Jury report recommending the consolidation of the two agencies. OC LAFCO’s unbiased analysis examines whether consolidating MWDOC, a smaller agency, with OCWD’s larger operation could yield benefits. With both agencies already sharing a headquarters in Fountain Valley, the potential for integration may be simplified.
Consolidation offers improved coordination of imported water and local groundwater, operational efficiencies through cost savings, enhanced accountability with a unified water agency, and stronger advocacy at state and federal levels. OCWD believes it is worth exploring consolidation to assess whether these benefits align with the best interests of ratepayers and the community.
The public is encouraged to review the study and share their feedback. Written comments will be accepted from November 15, 2024, through December 30, 2024, until 5:00 p.m. Feedback can be submitted via email to ltapia@oclafco.org.
For more details on the proposed consolidation and to learn about OCWD’s commitment to delivering a reliable water supply to 2.5 million people, please visit the OCWD website.
OCWD-Public-Review-Draft-MSR
