The Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) was recognized as an outstanding groundwater supply project by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). This honor was received at NGWA’s Groundwater Week this month in Las Vegas for increasing local water supplies through reuse and recharge.

The GWRS, a joint project between the Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) and the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), is the world’s largest water purification system for indirect potable reuse. It recycles 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater flows and produces 130 million gallons of high-quality water every day. This water is recharged into the Orange County Groundwater Basin, managed by OCWD, and eventually becomes part of the region’s drinking water supplies.

“Thank you, NGWA, for recognizing our dedication to excellence in water supply management,” said OCWD President Cathy Green. “By recycling all local reclaimable wastewater flows, the GWRS maximizes water reuse in the region.”

Online since 2008, the GWRS has produced more than 420 billion gallons of water and counting. It increases drinking water supplies in Orange County and decreases the need to import water from northern California and the Colorado River, offering a more cost-effective and energy-efficient local water supply. GWRS water has become a primary source used to refill the groundwater basin and has enabled OCWD’s 19 cities and local water retailers to pump more water from the basin and become more locally sustainable.

The GWRS has been globally recognized for its sound engineering, innovative technology, and public outreach initiatives. To learn more about the GWRS or to book a tour, visit www.ocwd.com/gwrs.