Water reliability: a beautiful community partnership
Like you, we love our community and care about the shared resource of water that we all depend on. IRWD customers are among the most efficient in California, and we appreciate you for that!
We strive each day to continue to provide you with outstanding services, which includes making improvements to our recycled and drinking water systems.
These innovations reduce the need for more expensive imported water and provide stability in times of drought.
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"The investments that Irvine Ranch Water District has made in the past, and will make in the future, provide reliability and value to our customers. Our history of planning local water infrastructure systems for future needs is why IRWD rates are the lowest in Orange County." — IRWD General Manager Paul A. Cook |
Resilient water systems like ours reflect a unique and enduring partnership between water districts and their customers, and IRWD will continue to ensure you have water reliability and low water rates well into the future.
When customers and water districts pull in the same direction, the system works better. We’re in this together, today and long into the future.
A citrus twist on container gardening
Growing citrus trees in containers is an excellent way to enjoy fresh fruit in small spaces. Pot size determines tree growth, so choose a container that matches your desired size and ensure
it has drainage holes.
Semi-dwarf varieties like Meyer lemons adapt well to pots and remain manageable. Light pruning maintains shape and airflow. Monitoring for pests ensures vigor.
With consistent care, blossoms will turn into fruit, making container citrus a rewarding option for patios, balconies or urban gardens.
This method combines beauty, fragrance and productivity, proving that even limited spaces can yield abundant harvests.
Easy peasy, lemon-squeezy
Follow these easy tips for growing citrus in container gardens this winter:
— Use nutrient-rich organic potting mix.
— Add lava rocks atthe bottom or mixed in to improve aeration and keep roots healthy.
— Place the tree in full sun for 6–8 hours daily.
— Water deeply but let the topsoil dry slightly between waterings.
— Fertilize regularly with a balanced citrus blend.
IRWD hosts first Water Quality Workshop of the year
IRWD customers had a great time Jan. 22 at the first Water Quality Workshop of the year, where they learned how the District keeps their water clean, safe and high-quality. Twenty IRWD customers in attendance enjoyed interactive presentations, a guided tour of IRWD's state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, up-close views of real lab equipment, and even enjoyed tasty beverages made with the same water IRWD delivers directly to their homes.
District experts from our Water Quality, Water Operations and Water Efficiency teams were on-site to share their knowledge and answer questions about IRWD's tap water. If you have questions or concerns regarding water quality issues — such as taste, odor or appearance — you can find answers to our most commonly asked questions at IRWD.com/waterquality. You can also contact Customer Service specialists at 949-453-5300 or customerservice@IRWD.com.
Additionally, you can learn more about water quality regulations and check out the annual Water Quality Report. IRWD water meets or exceeds all of the exacting standards set by the state and federal governments, and our Water Quality Report shares 2025 tests results, plus gives a detailed yet understandable breakdown of why your drinking water is safe. Read more at IRWD.com/waterquality.
Sign up for more events
If you missed this most recent Water Quality Workshop, don't fret! IRWD hosts free workshops, tours and nature walks throughout the year and new events are added frequently. See what's coming up next at IRWD.com/events.
Bring warmth outdoors with firepits
In the winter edition of our gardening newsletter, The Dirt, Edgar Godinez, owner of Urban Customs Landscape, shares his expertise on fire pits and how to incorporate them into your backyard for the perfect get-together.
Edgar got his start 21 years ago at his father’s landscape company and grew his skill and career in a big way — with his own successful design-build firm, which earned this year’s President’s Award from the local California Landscape Contrators Association for a renovation project that uses a fire pit as a focal point.
What makes fire pits so alluring?
Godinez: Fire pits elevate outdoor spaces by creating a warm gathering area for family and friends. They add a welcoming atmosphere that expands your living space outdoors and significantly enhances the overall look and feel of your home.
What’s better, gas or propane?
Godinez: Gas-line fire pits offer the benefit of never running out of fuel during gatherings and they can be fully customized to match your outdoor design. However, they do come with higher costs due to gas line installation, proper construction for heat resistance, and the possibility of requiring permits or HOA approval.
Propane tank pits can be installed quickly — often in a day — and cost significantly less than a custom-built gas-line fire pit. They provide convenience and immediate use. On the downside, they cannot be customized as extensively and do not deliver the same tailored aesthetic. Additionally, you must regularly replace propane tanks.
What key takeaways would you like to share?
Godinez: When planning for a fire pit, be sure it complements the style of your home and is located in a safe and accessible area. Remember to size it to comfortably accommodate the group you will be entertaining. Most of all, have fun. Enjoy the process and let your creativity guide you. A fire pit is one of those features you simply can’t go wrong with.
Read more at IRWD.com/thedirt.
Sky's the limit for your outdoor spaces
Good landscape design is all about perspective, and this winter, things are looking up—literally.
If you’ve been discouraged by your yard’s pint-sized footprint, consider vertical gardening, a practical way to personalize even the smallest space. Vertical gardening grows plants upwards on walls or trellises, bringing new dimension to your outdoor space and allowing those with less room on the ground to still spruce up their yards.
Create a statement piece at the entrance of your yard with an arbor, which can be customized to fit any space. Use hooks, twine or wires to add roses, wisteria or ivy for a pop of color.
Tomatoes are a great choice for novice gardeners. Start with dwarf varieties ideal for containers; add stakes or cages, tuck the pot away in a corner and watch them thrive. Cherry and grape tomatoes do well in hanging baskets, which can be hung from freestanding hooks or overhangs.
For experienced green thumbs, plant herbs, succulents or winter blooms like jasmine in a stacked or tiered planter. Lean it against a wall or the side of your house to maximize space.
With vertical gardening, one simple plant is an easy first step to creating the yard of your dreams — no matter its size.
