2012 AWS Resident Tours are now available - Sign up today!

Have you ever wondered how the water from your tap gets there? Or what makes that water safe to drink? IRWD hosts Always Water Smart Resident Tours each year for those who live or work within IRWD boundaries. Tours are hosted by an IRWD board member and are designed to give residents an opportunity to learn more about IRWD, encourage an open dialogue, and to answer questions regarding the District.

Participants will learn about water sources, water supply issues, rates, water conservation, water quality, the water distribution system and other water related issues. A bus tour to District facilities is also included. A special attraction is a guided tour of a portion of the San Joaquin Marsh.

These tours are held on five pre-scheduled days per year, starting at 9 a.m. and concluding at 1:30 p.m. The tours meet at IRWD's Sand Canyon Office, 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine, CA 92618. Lunch is provided. We are unable to accommodate children under 16 years of age on the tours.

For Your Safety

• All participants must wear closed-toe, flat shoes (no sandals, high heels, or flip flops) and be prepared and comfortable to walk up and down stairs for a part of the tour.
• Tour participants are required to stay with the group.
• Running is not allowed in the facilities.
• Participants must keep hands away from all equipment, instruments, and controls.

Who can take a Tour?

IRWD provides group tours on a case-by-case basis for the following groups within our service area:

• Residents and people who work in our service area.
• Youth organizations and college students.  
• Professional organizations.
• Local community organizations.
• Government and industry professionals.  

Youth Tours

Tours for youth groups are considered on a case-by-base basis under the following guidelines:

• Schools and youth groups must be located the IRWD service area .
• School and youth tours are conducted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Available for students in grades 5-12.
• Tours are limited and must have one adult chaperone for every 10 students.
• Due to staffing constraints, a limited number of tours are available.
• Tours will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Youth tours are also available through IRWD's water education programs.

Tours of the San Joaquin Marsh and other IRWD facilities can be scheduled, subject to review and approval, for Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. No tours will be scheduled for holidays.

At this time, IRWD does not offer tours of the Michelson Water Recycling Plant due to plant expansion construction.

Always Water Smart Resident Tours are conducted in April and May each year to celebrate Water Awareness Month. However, we do consider tour requests for various organizations throughout the year. Requests for organization tours must be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the desired tour date. When making a request, please specify which facility you would like to tour and include all of the required information listed below. At this time, IRWD does not offer tours of the Michelson Water Recycling Plant due to plant expansion construction.  Requests cannot be processed until all information is complete. Please allow a minimum of three business days for requests to be reviewed, approved, and confirmed.

• Name, address, phone, and email address of requestor.
• Preferred Date (Monday - Friday only).
• Preferred Time (9 a.m. - 3 p.m. only).
• Name of sponsoring organization.
• Number of guests in tour group.