Community Corner
South Orange County Water: A Reservoir, Recycling And Supply Update
Nobody Does It Better In South OC: SMWD Avails Itself Of Land Use Partners, Innovative, Assertive Strategies And A Uniquely Creative Staff!
South Orange County Water: A Reservoir, Recycling And Supply Update Report
When I wrote my August 13, 2021 guest column for the Voice of OC titled: "Water Storage In South Orange County, A Tale Of Two Counties" the future of water supplies in South OC was trending positive yet in flux. [1]
The State Water Resources Control Board + State Department Of Health decision makers hadn't formalized, codified the long awaited guidelines for Direct Potable Reuse (DPR--Title 17 Drinking Water Regs). Translation of "long awaited?" Decades.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Back in December of 2023 they finalized the guidelines after years of panels and marathon hearings, including a gamut of scientists with peer reviews and NGO watchdog/stakeholder inputs.
This sets the stage for reclaimed wastewater already cleansed to Title 22 parameters, these landscape/irrigation standard supplies, to be converted via advanced treatment systems into Title 17 water supplies. [2]
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The "futuristic, safe and healthy dream nexus" I previously wrote about is now on the verge of becoming a reality at Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD): Their multi-reservoir system containing reclaimed Title 22-level of treatment volumes are poised to be turned into Title 17 supplies. [1]
SMWD is not only SOC's largest supplier, but its "leaders of the pack" (vroom, vroom) when it comes to increasing their client's autonomy from inconsistent, plus increasingly alarming and expensive outside sources.
Irate ratepayers become outraged due to often published and subsequently socialized reporting, much of it circulated is accusatory in tone. Fomenting mass media mis and disinformation, there's an obvious instigation, a metaphorical fanning of the flames, a residual distrustful paranoia permeating the agency/client interface.
Ratepayers automatically think they're being/have been gouged, being unduly taken advantage of by their providers. Most don't know or haven't discovered that the overwhelming majority of their rate structure elements or factors are fixed, non-negotiable operating expenditures inherited, i.e., passed down to their provider. Water utilities are not "for-profit, capitalist ventures," that's a myth.
The backstory is then understood as quite different. Increases are usually due to unavoidable outside pressure that media often omit or are just plain ignorant about. Reporters are dominantly topic generalists, not water wonks. I've been interviewed a lot, take it from one who knows.
With its monolithic building blocks for more independent, local Title 17 production in place, one far less reliant upon imported (foreign developed) and often unreliable sources (No Cal and the Colorado River), SMWD by far outpaces other SOC suppliers.
And yes, as I wrote, it's mostly a function of location and their service district's sheer size (acreage and customer base). Most open space in SOC has already been spoken for in land use trade-offs, mitigations for past or future development projects, plus legally binding agreements going back quite a ways in time.
What SMWD has done is find the pockets of land where above ground storage can be accomplished in an ecological sensitive and respectful, classic enviro-stewardship manner. And to remind readers, also noted in my previous column, we're all "subterranean aquifer storage paupers" here in SOC.
With multiple above ground storage candidates back when, a consciously expanding inventory, SMWD committed itself to being a proactive, assertive and responsible partner for those within its customer base.
That base had land that could be converted, creating a win-win: A greater amount of provided water supply resilience and reliability portfolio for municipal and County residents (present and future) by working collaboratively, consensually with the District.
Eventually, as announced, increased delivery rates from our main SOC supplier Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET), i.e., all of those reliant upon those 2 major MET sources I disclosed, should be prepared for a jolt.
In comparison, in 2024, MET is charging $1,256/AF for volumetric full service treated and $903/AF for untreated. An AF (Acre Foot) = 326,851 gallons. Historically, that was alleged to be enough to serve the needs of 2 family dwellings/year in California. Or maybe 3?
Since there's such a great disparity regarding actual usage within our State leading to many internal industry and open public hearing disputes, I used "alleged" on purpose. I'll refrain from my giving readers a "full metal jacket" 2 cents worth.
Suffice it to say, there's little agreement on the topic and meanwhile the State keeps demanding more and more conservation plus constant proof of progress by providers. Once again, I touched on this in my prior Voice of OC column. Believe me, the State's mandated calculus will drive you nuts.
Meanwhile, in early April, MET's 38 member board voted to increase treated water rates in 2025 another 11%, then another 10% in 2026. Partially treated 8.5% in 2025, another 8.5 % in 2026. [3]
Experiencing sticker shock yet? Districts like SMWD certainly are because many previous projections were about 1/2 of those percentages.
9 years ago I was the only SOC resident appointed to Orange County Water District's Ocean Desalination Citizens Advisory Committee. One of the main topics of many heated discussions was the "arc," the curve of MET's future increases and when those costs would cross the path of Poseidon's Huntington Beach Ocean Desalination projected rates.
Right now, that crossing is accelerating like a freight train leaving the station, looks to be a lot sooner than we were led to believe in 2015. And keep in mind that the 2nd 10% in 2026 compounds, is a multiplier of the 2025 rate, hence not just a simple 21% total.
And for those who have been led to believe that South Coast Water District's Doheny Ocean Desalination Project (DODP) is SOC's "water supply calvary coming over the hill," a relatively (a) inexpensive and (b) major SOC supplier, think again.
Ignore the lazy mainstream media who keep publishing thinly-disguised SCWD press releases promoting these fallacies: It'll only produce ≈5% of our regional needs initially (2030-2032), at full build out in some undetermined, far away and distant date ≈7%.
Outside of SCWD's echo chamber, by 2032 the DODP pollyanna rate scenario might be on par with or competitive to MET. Permitting problems, soaring costs, self-inflicted delays, including unresolved contractual negotiations with the State, added to slant well drilling glitches that have emerged recently I'll deal with in a separate, follow-up column.
And it's still looking to cost substantially more than DPR projections for SOC according to numerous industry and vendor peer review sources I've interviewed, at least 15% more. A supplemental part of but certainly NEVER a mainstay SOC portfolio component.
Claiming it guarantees a SOC life-sustaining drinking supply in case of an emergency, SCWD often mentions "The Big One," a San Andreas epic earthquake that'll sever our imported water aqueducts.
What they avoid mentioning is that catastrophic scenario would also result in a major power outage in So Cal and this humongous Do Ho energy-gobbler will go offline. And no, you'd need to cover a lot more acreage in solar panels than SCWD even owns for a self-sufficient facility that'd function for the weeks it'd take to repair/reconnect or rebuild.
Here are links to a few of my previously published Do Ho columns in which I debunked a lot of their baseless claims and/or noted exaggerated data: [4]
The DODP's deficiencies, flaws, planning vulnerabilities and questionable projections might help both Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD), SMWD and the remainder of SOC ratepayers to understand why their providers aren't enthusiastic fans of the DODP; why they're avidly exploring and pursuing other projects and supply strategies, many focused upon DPR.
For example, MNWD recently disclosed its negotiations with San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA). Like SMWD, it's not resting on its laurels, other agency's hopes, speculative gambling or "Waiting For Godot."
Announced on March 1st via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the SDCWA deal would involve what's known as a transfer, linkage is at the bottom. If readers have a takeaway, one is of regional interest: MNWD was a 10 year partner in the DODP but dropped out around 2014. As did the majority of the project's partners. [5]
SMWD, to their credit, were never partners, hesitant and reasonably skeptical of the experimental slant well technology, have expressed interest but ONLY if the delivered price is competitive. Which by the time the DODP is fully operational, might not ever happen.
Pretty savvy staff and Board of Directors, MNWD being the 2nd largest district in SOC, ask yourselves the most important question one can ask in any such situation: Why? Seems to many of us that they determined that the DODP was dubious, sketchy, and were rightfully cynical.
The Poseidon Ocean Desalination in Carlsbad, already online and producing for quite a while, with a guaranteed instead of vaguely promised delivery (cost and timeline) potential, fit their criteria.
Adding to each retail supplier's woes are the increasing regulatory hurdles that make reclamation and recycling methods expensive tasks: PFAs, other "forever" endocrine disrupting substances called CECs ( Contaminants Of Emerging Concern), etc., i.e., an increasing NOT decreasing list of reduction/removal standards for Title 17 distributors.
What can regional customers take from all of this? What, if anything, is their role, what can they do? Can ratepayer's motivate their board to work collaboratively with or at minimum glean wisdom and insights from SMWD, far and away the region's leaders?
Adopt SMWD's template, achieve their stable posture of long range, not short term supply gaps?
Public awareness is one key takeaway. Educate yourselves. Illuminate your circle of friends and family.
Research the topics I've introduced you to at your home desk, at your own pace to at least get a general idea, a layman's overview of the complexities your provider faces.
Try to ascertain YOUR provider's 5, 10, 25 years out goals and objectives, even if it requires attending a board meeting and asking direct, specific questions.
They work for you. It's your right, exercise it. Don't go into any utility boardroom without having done some background research, a modicum of homework.
Don't sit home complaining. And don't be shy if you attend a meeting. Overcome that most commonly dominant of phobias: Public speaking. If unconvinced or uncertain, find a friend who's a ratepayer, in synch, comfy as a representative at that podium.
Hold them both responsible and accountable as elected public officials, but be respectful while remaining open to frank dialogue. I've witnessed the discordant venues, the disrespectful confrontations, and often in life it's best to not be screechy. 10% less volume and venom is a good rule of thumb.
Otherwise, alienation may follow, thus sabotaging one's own outreach effort, needlessly burning a possible portal, a bridge to your officials.
Ask them: What is the district's investment vision? Being skeptical isn't a bad idea, it's a sign to these boards and their staff that you're paying attention-- Like "When can I expect changes/increases, and I'll be paying for what exactly, can you please explain that to a novice?"
Attending SMWD's 2024 Water Festival this Saturday, May 4th (commemorating its 60th Anniversary) would be a good educational resource for anyone, even if you're not one of their clients.
Bring the kids, the times I've attended it seems like it's like more fun for them than the adults.
As for that, ahem, "adult entertainment?" Tours of the storage facilities and infrastructure I mentioned in my previous column will be featured, but you should sign up ASAP, k?
Here's the official press release (in toto) I received from SMWD's Director Of Communications, Ms. Nicole Stanfield, last Thursday, April 26th.
It has update minutiae plus linkage:
OC’s Largest Recycled Water Reservoir Nears Capacity
Trampas Canyon Reservoir has reached 90% capacity for the first time since being built in 2020.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Recycled water has been pouring into Orange County’s largest recycled water reservoir this winter and spring, bringing Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) to a significant milestone this week. Trampas Canyon Reservoir has reached an unprecedented 90% capacity, edging closer to full capacity for the first time since its construction was completed in the summer of 2020.
“Trampas Canyon Reservoir is operating just as we envisioned,” said President Saundra Jacobs, SMWD. "Think of it as a savings account—not for a rainy day, but for a sunny one. By storing this water now, we can utilize it for irrigation purposes instead of tapping into our drinking water reserves during the hot, dry summer months.”
As of this week, the reservoir's surface stands at a level of 618.95 feet, reflecting a storage volume of 4,438 acre-feet, equivalent to 1.45 billion gallons. With a capacity designed to hold 1.6 billion gallons, the reservoir reaches depths of up to 88 feet and could fill the Rose Bowl approximately 20 times over.
Between Trampas Canyon Reservoir, Upper Oso Reservoir, and Portola Reservoir, the collective storage is 8,275 acre-feet, or 87% of total capacity.
People who see SMWD’s full reservoirs might assume that the water was collected from recent storms, but the answer is more intricate—and innovative—than that.
The water in Trampas Canyon Reservoir as well as nearby Upper Oso Reservoir, and Portola Reservoir, is not rainwater. It is actually treated wastewater, purified for use in landscape irrigation.
The unexpected abundance of rain led many homeowners' associations across SMWD’s service areas—including Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, and Talega—to smartly suspend the use of their sprinkler systems.
This reduction in demand for recycled water aligned seamlessly with SMWD's strategic approach to store surplus water in seasonal reservoirs purposefully built for this exact scenario. These recycled water reservoirs serve as a crucial buffer against future uncertainties, alleviating concerns amid the persistent drought gripping the region and the state.
Another pivotal concern for SMWD has been its historical dependence on drinking water imported from hundreds of miles away. The development of this local network of recycled water reservoirs aims to assist SMWD in achieving its goal of recycling 100% of wastewater for reuse while showcasing the District's unwavering commitment to fostering a local, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the region.
The public may tour the Trampas Canyon Reservoir on Saturday, May 4, at 9:30 AM at the District’s annual Water Festival. Reserve a seat by clicking here.
