Your 2026 Water Quality Report is here
IRWD is leading the way in water quality testing and is proud to provide our customers with safe, clean water.
Our state-of-the-art, state-certified Water Quality Laboratory holds itself to the highest standard and tests water for many more chemicals than required by the state or federal government.
Each year, IRWD provides a Water Quality Report on the safety and quality of its drinking water. The 2026 report is now available, and — as in years past — your water passed every test and met or exceeded every quality standard.
Grab a glass of tap water and dive into this year's report. Read about the measures IRWD takes to ensure safe, reliable, quality drinking water at IRWD.com/waterqualityreport. Learn more at IRWD.com/waterquality.
Questions about your drinking water?
Ask our experts and tour our lab at a free Water Quality Workshop on Thursday, July 30, 6:15–8:30 p.m. Register at IRWD.com/events.
Install drip irrigation and save water yearlong
Instead of broadcasting water across your entire yard and hoping for enough water to land where it is needed, drip delivers a slow, steady supply directly to each plant's root zone. The difference is not subtle. Traditional sprinklers lose 25% to 35% of their water to evaporation, wind drift, and runoff before it ever reaches the soil. Drip systems put approximately 90% of every drop exactly where your plants can use it.
What is a drip irrigation system and why does it matter in Southern California?
A drip irrigation system is a network of tubing and emitters that delivers water slowly and directly to plant root zones, one drip at a time. Unlike sprinklers that throw water into the air and rely on gravity and luck to distribute it evenly, drip keeps everything low to the ground and precisely targeted. Water seeps into the soil right where roots can absorb it, with almost nothing lost to evaporation or overspray.
The concept has been used in commercial agriculture since the 1960s, when Israeli engineers developed modern drip technology to farm arid desert land. Today, the same principles work beautifully in residential gardens, and they are especially valuable in Southern California's Mediterranean climate. With hot, dry summers that can stretch from May through October and average annual rainfall of just 12 to 15 inches in Orange County, efficient water use is not optional. It is the foundation of sustainable landscaping.
Here is the key number to remember: drip irrigation systems deliver approximately 90% water absorption at the root zone, compared to 65% to 75% for conventional sprinklers. That means if you are currently watering your garden with sprinklers, switching to drip could reduce your outdoor water consumption by 30% to 50% without changing a single plant in your landscape.
How to install a drip irrigation yourself
For a step-by-step DIY guide to installing drip irrigation in your own yard, visit yardtopia.com. The Yardtopia™ Initiative is a program of Irvine Ranch Water District, created to help homeowners make the most of their outdoor spaces. Every plant recommendation, every contractor in our directory, every guide we publish is rooted in the climate, the lifestyle, and the possibilities of this place we call home.
Can you get a rebate for installing drip irrigation?
Yes. If you live in the IRWD service area or another Southern California water district, there is a strong chance you can get money back for installing drip irrigation. Water agencies actively incentivize efficient irrigation because it reduces demand on the regional water supply, which benefits everyone.
IRWD Rebate Programs
IRWD serves more than 400,000 customers across Orange County and offers several programs that can offset the cost of upgrading to drip irrigation. r:
Rebate amounts and eligibility requirements change periodically, so check current program details or contact IRWD directly before you begin your project. In many cases, you need pre-approval before starting installation to qualify for the rebate.
Other Southern California water district incentives
Water districts throughout the region offer similar programs. If you are not in the IRWD service area, check with your local water provider. Common programs include:
The savings calculation
Even without rebates, drip irrigation pays for itself quickly. A basic system for a 200-square-foot garden costs $50 to $150 in materials. If switching from sprinklers reduces your outdoor water use by 30% to 50%, you could see the investment returned within a single growing season through lower water bills.
With a rebate covering part or all of the material cost, the return is even faster. Factor in reduced plant replacement (healthier plants live longer), lower disease treatment costs, and less time spent hand-watering, and the total value adds up.
If you are also considering removing your lawn and replacing it with a water-efficient landscape, drip irrigation is often a component of turf replacement rebate programs. Combining a lawn removal rebate with an irrigation upgrade rebate can significantly reduce the total cost of transforming your yard.
Tips to keep in mind planning an outdoor kitchen
Considering adding a garden bed and kitchen island to your yard for a farm-to-table setup? IRWD landscaping expert Juan Garcia has easy-to-follow tips to keep in mind when planning your outdoor kitchen.
The best outdoor kitchens focus on how you will use your yard, so start by thinking about how you cook and entertain. Prioritize a layout that supports easy movement between prep, cooking and seating areas.
Durable materials are essential, especially for countertops and flooring that will face sun, heat and moisture. Good lighting, shade and weather protection make the space usable year round, while ample counter space and storage improve functionality. Planning appliance placement early helps avoid costly changes later.
For more ideas, check out yardtopia.com/kitchen.
Send your landscape questions to askjuan@IRWD.com.
Stay prepared and sign up for IRWD Alert
Irvine Ranch Water District uses IRWD Alert to reach members of the community during water related emergencies — sending real-time notifications by phone, text message and email.
The alerts will summarize the situation and provide details on where to get more information. IRWD will not use the platform for other purposes.
Contact information for all IRWD account holders is automatically uploaded to the platform and linked to the address associated with their accounts.
If you want others in your home or business to also receive these alerts, create a personal account at IRWD.com/alert and add their contact information.
Got a question? Email info@IRWD.com.
Learn about your drinking water at free workshop
Whether you're filling a pitcher, washing produce or running your local lemonade stand, good tap water makes for a great neighborhood. If you have questions about your drinking water, we invite you to ask IRWD’s experts at our upcoming Water Quality Workshop.
Join us Thursday, July 30, 6:15–8:30 p.m., at IRWD's Operations Center for:
—A tour of our state-of-the-art water quality laboratory
—Presentations on treatment, testing, and state and federal standards
—Q&A with experts
—Tasty beverages made with the same water we deliver directly to your home
This workshop is free for IRWD customers, but registration is required. Participants, including guests, must be at least 16 years old. Service address verification may be required.
Sign up at IRWD.com/events.
