The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) proudly announces its receipt of the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). This recognition showcases OCWD’s commitment to transparency and governance, establishing it as a leader among California’s water agencies. “Transparency is fundamental to our mission of delivering a reliable, high-quality water supply,” said OCWD President Cathy Green.

“This award validates our efforts to actively engage and inform the communities we serve. District board members and staff remain steadfast in our dedication to these principles as we manage Orange County’s critical water resources.”

SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts. The certificate honors special districts that demonstrate outstanding governance, online transparency, and community outreach. OCWD achieved SDLF’s stringent requirements by adhering to public meeting laws, providing ethics training for its board members, and ensuring that key public information is easily accessible. These initiatives underscore OCWD’s proactive efforts to foster and maintain public trust.

As the steward of the Orange County Groundwater Basin, OCWD supplies 85% of the water for 19 cities and water districts, serving over 2.5 million residents. Since its establishment in 1933, OCWD has led with innovative water management practices, prioritizing transparency and public engagement as integral components of its operations.

For more information on OCWD’s transparency initiatives, visit www.ocwd.com/about/transparency.