For the fourth straight year, global data analytics company J.D. Power has awarded Irvine Ranch Water District its top honor for Customer Satisfaction.

Customers surveyed independently by J.D. Power rated IRWD the best midsize water utility in the Western United States. Nationwide, only eight water agencies earn that top honor, and IRWD received the highest customer reviews of any water agency in the nation.

“Our customers have high expectations of Irvine Ranch Water District, and this recognition reflects our commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations,” IRWD General Manager Paul A. Cook said.

Contributing to the overall first-place finish, the customer survey ranked IRWD No. 1 in seven of eight categories: Quality/Reliability, Ease of Doing Business, People, Trust, Resolving Problems, Information Provided, and Digital Channels.

“That means a lot to us,” Cook said, “and it all starts with the people of IRWD. Every day we strive to deliver top-notch service to our customers, starting with ensuring that the safety and quality of our water is second to none. Keeping our customers well-informed is a big part of that too.”

IRWD is the only agency in the nation with four straight top awards.

According to J.D. Power’s May 7, 2025, news release, the U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study measures satisfaction among residential customers of 91 utilities that deliver water to populations of at least 400,000. Results are reported for eight geographic regions in two size categories: Midwest Large; Midwest Midsize; Northeast Large; Northeast Midsize; South Large; South Midsize; West Large; and West Midsize. Overall satisfaction is measured by examining eight core dimensions on a 6-point rating scale. Individual dimensions measured are (in order of importance): information provided; level of trust; quality and reliability; ease of doing business; total monthly costs; people; resolving problems or complaints; and digital channels.

Irvine Ranch Water District provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, drought-proof recycled water, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to 445,000 residential customers. IRWD serves all of Irvine, most of Lake Forest, and parts of Newport Beach, Orange, Costa Mesa, Tustin, and unincorporated areas of Orange County.

When compared with agencies providing similar services in Orange County, IRWD’s rates are consistently among the lowest.

IRWD welcomed several students to a recent board meeting to present them with medals for their science projects. Every year, IUSD hosts a science fair and IRWD recognizes projects that are water- or sewer-related.

Join us in congratulating these budding scientists!

6th-8th grade student projects

High school student projects

Congratulations to our newest WaterStar certified restaurant, Benny and Mary’s.

IRWD’s WaterStar program recognizes local businesses and restaurants for their sustainable practices and responsible water use that betters our community.

Benny and Mary’s is an Irvine-based restaurant known for its eclectic menu celebrating global adventure and refined taste. Its high-end yet unique décor speaks to the rich tapestry of diverse culinary and cultural influences that Benny and Mary have curated from their world travels.

This upscale eatery boasts vibrant energy and whimsical sophistication, all while perfecting the art of water efficiency as well! Fixtures in the restaurant’s kitchen and restrooms are EPA WaterSense and EnergyStar certified, meaning they’re at least 20% more water efficient than standard models — saving water on a daily basis.

Benny and Mary’s is an Irvine-based restaurant known for its eclectic menu celebrating global adventure and refined taste. Its high-end yet unique décor speaks to the rich tapestry of diverse culinary and cultural influences that Benny and Mary have curated from their world travels.

We love Benny and Mary’s commitment to efficient use of water and caring about the community it is a part of!

Benny and Mary’s is open daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 18420 Von Karman Ave., #100, in Irvine. Enjoy weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, cocktails and daily happy hour. Learn more at bennyandmarys.com.

If you’d like to learn how your business or restaurant can get WaterStar certified, visit IRWD.com/waterstar.

Congratulations to our newest WaterStar certified business, MP Biomedicals.

IRWD’s WaterStar program recognizes local businesses and restaurants for their sustainable practices and responsible water use that betters our community.

MP Biomedicals is a global life science company with headquarters in California and regional offices across the globe. The company offers a diverse portfolio of life science products, fine chemicals and diagnostics used in industries ranging from basic research to clinical diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. Over the past 50 years, MP Biomedicals has provided quality tools and expert services to assist its customers in making breakthrough discoveries and achieving scientific excellence.

MP Biomedicals’ indoor fixtures use water-efficient plumping products, including EPA Water Sense-certified toilets, faucets and showerheads that use less water and perform better than older models — saving water every single use. MP Biomedicals also irrigates its outdoor landscape with recycled water, which supports wide-ranging water conservation efforts. We applaud MP Biomedicals for its commitment to efficient use of water and caring about the community it is a part of!

Learn more about MP Biomedicals at mpbio.com/us.

If you’d like to learn how your business or restaurant can get WaterStar certified, visit IRWD.com/waterstar.