Irvine Ranch Water District Partners with Discovery Science Center for Hands-On Science Programs

On May 18, 70 sixth grade students from Stonecreek School climbed out of the school bus that pulled up to the Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh. They were enjoying a water quality field trip to the Marsh – the culmination of the four-week, hands-on water education workshop for middle school students.

“Ecology is a big part of the curriculum at this grade level,” said Irvine Unified School District science specialist Patty Schmidt. “These presentations are great – it helps the students become more aware of their surroundings.”

IRWD partners with the Discovery Science Center to bring water science education to students in kindergarten through eighth grade throughout the IRWD service area. Programs include assembly style water education presentations to students in kindergarten through sixth grade and a four-week water quality program for middle school students.

The morning of the Stonecreek presentation, Discovery Science Center teachers Zana Bryant and Maria Torres were ready for the students’ arrival. Water testing kits and goggles were placed at each table in the Discovery Room of the Learning Center.

Students took their places and Michele Drzymkowski of the IRWD Water Quality Department provided a laboratory demonstration highlighting how wastewater is converted into recycled water for use in the community. She was quick to point out that this is water that has gone down the drain and will not be used for drinking. The students were most excited when Drzymkowski allowed them a peek through the microscope at the organisms that help clean up wastewater. A drop of the “activated sludge” containing the microbes was placed on a slide, and then the image projected and enlarged on a screen for all to see. Many “Ooohs” and “Ahhhs” were heard when an organism such as a multi-celled rotifer or stalk ciliate came into view.

Students then watched a virtual tour video of the Michelson Water Recycling Plant, outlining the steps in turning wastewater into recycled water.

Following the lab presentation and video, students took a tour of the marsh and participated in chemical water quality tests of water from the San Diego Creek both before it is treated in the marsh ponds and after.

The Stonecreek field trip of 70 students was an average-sized group. On other days, the Discovery Science Center instructors might have an entire school taking a field trip – as in the case recently of Sierra Vista Middle School when 560 students visited the marsh over three days.

“It’s nice to have the students come out to this setting,” said eighth grade science teacher J.P. Mathot. “The lab demonstration and the walking tour of the marsh is a different experience for them.”

IRWD began its partnership with the Discovery Science Center in 2008. Each year, the program has grown to include many more schools, with a record 10,000 students served during the 2010-11 school year.

For more information about IRWD educational opportunities, the San Joaquin Marsh and the Natural Treatment System, please visit our website.

Rideshare Program Takes 74 Cars off the Road

The Irvine Ranch Water District was commended for its contribution to the improvement of air quality and relief of traffic congestion with the presentation of the 13th Annual Rideshare Diamond Award. The award is sponsored by the Orange County Transportation Agency, Metro Commute Services and Ventura County Transportaiton Commission. The award was presented to IRWD on May 24 and encourages businesses to establish, continue and improve alternative transportation options and incentives. The Rideshare Program was recognized at the June 27 board meeting.

Sixty five of the IRWD workforce participates in the Rideshare Program. This includes van pool, car pool and biking. Nearly half of the employees in the Rideshare Program ride to work in one of 16 vans. Nine of the vans are equipped with bicycle racks.

IRWD customer recognized for water efficient garden

Irvine Ranch Water District customer, Heather Swaim, was named a winner in the fifth annual Roger’s Gardens California Friendly Garden Contest. Swaim won “Best Do-it-Yourself” for her water-use efficient garden and was awarded $250 for her efforts.

Several Orange County homeowners entered their gardens into the popular competition. The gardens were judged on-site by a panel of water and landscape experts and through on-line voting. California friendly gardens feature colorful and water efficient plants. They also conserve and protect our limited natural resources.

“I love the California Friendly Garden for its low maintenance,” Heather Swaim said. “I started a California Friendly garden because I wanted to use less water and not use pesticides and fertilizers. I’ve watched my water bill go down by about half.”

For her diligent efforts, Swaim was chosen as IRWD’s first Customer of the Month. IRWD recognizes customers who are water efficient and taking proactive measures to reduce excessive water use.  IRWD Customer’s of the Month will be featured in their own YouTube video, as well as on the IRWD website and in the Pipelines billing insert.  

The Rodger’s Gardens California Friendly^® Garden Contest is the result of a partnership of 14 private, public and non-profit organizations, including the Irvine Ranch Water District, that are committed to efficient and sustainable residential landscaping.

For more information on California Friendly plants, visit IRWD’s YouTube series, “California Friendly Plants of the Month” and the IRWD conservation website: www.alwayswatersmart.com.

Irvine Ranch Water District wins Award of Excellence for Innovative Website

The Orange County Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America recognized the Irvine Ranch Water District with an Award of Excellence for its website design and implementation at the 36^th Annual Protos Awards, held at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach June 24th. IRWD’s website, www.IRWD.com, debuted with a complete re-design in July of 2010 aimed at creating an informative and easy to navigate website.

“We are honored to be recognized for our hard work and dedication in creating a user-friendly website that best meets the needs of our customers,” said Paul Jones, IRWD General Manager. “IRWD’s commitment to high quality customer service shines through via the new site -- enabling customers to enjoy site visits, whether to pay their bill, learn more about where water comes from or tips to help conserve.”

Approximately 100 submissions were reviewed by judges from a PRSA chapter in a different region of the country. Entries were comprised of supporting materials, such as program plans, photos, scripts, and media clips, and were judged based on four categories: research, planning, implementation and evaluation.

 To learn more about IRWD and see the award-winning website, please visit www.irwd.com.