IRWD  Commitment to Energy Efficiency is Rewarded

Irvine Ranch Water District has flipped the switch on its 832 solar panels on the roof of its East Irvine Zone 3 drinking water reservoir which is expected to produce 32,270 kilowatt hours of energy per month, or, 365,000 kWh per year. This effort was rewarded by Southern California Edison presenting IRWD with a California Solar Initiative Infrastructure program incentive check for $492,583 at its May 9 board meeting

“This system will produce more than half of the energy needed to operate the facility and is a good demonstration of what you can do with unused space,” said Tom Bonkowski, project manager for IRWD. ”This cost savings directly benefits customers, as it reduces the cost of water.”

Installation of the panels took place in February and construction of supporting infrastructure was recently completed. The solar arrays were energized and interconnected to the Edison grid on April 27.

”Dedication to energy efficiency by IRWD is commendable, setting a great example for other public agencies,” said James Pasmore of Southern California Edison.

The seven million gallon circular reservoir was chosen for this project because of its remote location north of Irvine Boulevard on Magazine Road. The panels face south for maximum solar exposure and are tilted at a 10-degree angle.

Last year, this facility imported 711,081 kWh of energy from Edison for its operation. Currently, more than 1,400 kWh is being produced daily. The greenhouse gas reduction is approximately the same as taking 45 passenger vehicles off the roads for a year.

Contact: Shannon Reed, Public Affairs Manager
reeds@irwd.com, (949) 453-5500

The Orange County Water District (OCWD) and IRWD have successfully collaborated throughout the years on many regional issues and environmental projects. In the late 1970s, IRWD developed the original Dyer Road Well Field wells in cooperation with OCWD. The two agencies also partnered on the colored water treatment research leading to the Deep Aquifer Treatment (DATS) Project that went online in 2002.

On April 25, 2011, in commemoration of IRWD's 50th Anniversary, IRWD presented OCWD with a certificate of commendation honoring the agency as a key "Partner in Service" for their many years of support, guidance and commitment to excellence in service to the community.

Shown in the adjacent photo are, from left, IRWD General Manager Paul Jones, IRWD  Directors John Withers and Douglas Reinhart, OCWD Director Philip Anthony, IRWD Board President Steven LaMar, IRWD Board Vice President Mary Aileen Matheis and IRWD Director Peer Swan.

Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) and IRWD work together to meet our regional needs by collaborating on key waste water and environmental projects as well as by providing cost-effective wastewater service for customers.

On April 25, 2011, in commemoration of IRWD's 50th Anniversary, IRWD presented OCSD with a certificate of commendation honoring the agency as a key "Partner in Service" for their many years of support, guidance and commitment to excellence in service to the community.

Shown in the above photo are, from left, IRWD General Manager Paul Jones, IRWD Directors John Withers and Douglas Reinhart, OCSD Director of Engineering Jim Herberg, OCSD Board Chair Larry Crandall, IRWD Board President Steven LaMar, IRWD Board Vice President Mary AIleen Matheis and IRWD Director Peer Swan.

Call To Report Graffiti on IRWD Facilities

Irvine Ranch Water District invites you to help keep IRWD-owned facilities graffiti free. The district has established a hotline to report graffiti - (949) 453-5535.  

 “Our goal is to remove graffiti on IRWD-owned property or facilities within 24 to 48 hours of the report,” said David Pedersen, Director of Water Operations. “By reporting graffiti, you’re helping to keep the community clean and discourage those who deface property.”

Upon calling, there’s a brief recorded message describing what information is needed.  After leaving the specific information, the message will automatically be forwarded to the graffiti abatement contractor.

Here are a few tips when calling the IRWD Graffiti Hotline:

• Give us the location of the graffiti - street, intersection and address, if possible.
• Give us a description of the type of surface the graffiti is on - a block wall, pipe, fence, etc.
• Give us a description of the type of graffiti - is it spray paint, magic marker, or etching?
• Give us your name and phone number so we can call you back if the crew is unable to locate the graffiti or has follow-up questions.

Please visit our website for more information.