IRWD Conservation Manager Fiona Sanchez Wins Statewide Award of Excellence
Described as being one of “the most respected and hardest working people in the California water conservation field,” IRWD Conservation Manager, Fiona Sanchez has received the 2010 Excellence Award from the California Urban Water Conservation Council.
Sanchez has spent more than 15 years in the water use efficiency field at the local, regional, state and national levels. Since beginning her duties at IRWD in 2003, Sanchez has spearheaded countless programs to help IRWD customers be Always Water Smart. Her efforts have also led to the implementation of many innovative water efficiency and conservation programs for all Californians.
On the state level, Sanchez helped craft the water conservation and efficiency provisions of the historic Delta/Water legislative package signed into law in 2009. This effort provides a road map that is designed to help California meet its long-term water supply needs while encouraging improved water use efficiency throughout the state.
After years managing the IRWD budget based rate structure, which provides IRWD customers with some of the lowest rates and lowest per capita water use in Orange County, Sanchez often lends her expertise to other agencies and cities who are interested in similar programs. Additionally, she has led and participated in a myriad of local and statewide water conservation and use efficiency studies, pilot programs and educational efforts, all of which help IRWD provide innovative water use efficiency programs to our customers.
The California Urban Water Conservation Council was created to increase efficient water use statewide through partnerships among urban water agencies, public interest organizations, and private entities. The CUWCC Excellence Award honors individuals who have made exceptional and inspirational contributions to the promotion and implementation of water use efficiency in California.
To learn more about IRWD’s water conservation and use efficiency programs, please visit www.alwayswatersmart.com.
IRWD Professionals Encourage Students Toward Science and Engineering Careers
Seventh and eighth graders with interests in science and engineering had the opportunity to hear from IRWD professionals in those fields during the Irvine Unified School District’s annual Science Career Options Conference. The conference was held at the University of California, Irvine on December 14.
IRWD Water Quality Supervisor Melinda Bergen and engineer Jacob Moeder each made presentations, describing their jobs, the day-to-day work and what education is needed to achieve such careers.
Bergen, dressed in her white laboratory coat and safety glasses, explained that her duties focus on chemistry. She used a student volunteer to demonstrate from a kit how much chlorine was present in a water sample she brought with her. She explained that IRWD’s state-of-the-art Water Quality Lab uses high-tech instrumentation to test samples of both drinking and recycled water.
Moeder, a civil engineer, described the various disciplines of engineering and the types of projects he works on. Using a set of plans as a prop and adding a little humor, he donned “geeky” glasses taped in the middle and handed around an old-fashioned slide rule that belonged to his grandfather.
Bergen and Moeder both said they enjoyed speaking to the students and answering their questions. Giving back to the community is important to IRWD staff. Encouraging students to consider science and engineering as a career helps to accomplish that value.
IRWD has been involved in the IUSD Science Career Options Conference all 19 years of its existence. Approximately 400 students, chosen by their science teachers, attend the conference. The goal of the program is to increase student interest and awareness of science-related careers. In addition to IRWD, professionals from the careers of physics, medicine, medical research, food science, veterinary medicine, wildlife protection, ecology, dentistry, nursing and mechanical engineering participate.
The District has provided free innovative student water education programs since the mid-1970’s. These programs are available to students and teachers from kindergarten through college in any public, private or home school within our service area. From student education programs to resident tours to our exciting education partnerships, IRWD's commitment to community education is boundless.
Contact: Shannon Reed, Public Affairs Manager
reeds@irwd.com, (949) 453-5500
IRWD Closes San Joaquin Marsh Due to Inclement Weather
Due to the inclement weather and potential flooding, the Irvine Ranch Water District has closed the IRWD San Joaquin Marsh, effective immediately. This includes all the Marsh Campus buildings (Audubon, Duck Club, Learning Center and Visitor Center) and walking trails. It is expected to re-open later this week. Questions? 949-453-5500.
IRWD Supports Transparent Government, Files Compensation Report
The Irvine Ranch Water District has submitted compensation information to the California State Controller’s Office Local Government Salary and Compensation Report. This report is designed to enhance government transparency by providing consistent and comparable data for special district public compensation.
“We believe in our customers’ right to expect transparent government and easy access to information,” said IRWD General Manager, Paul Jones.”
The entire report as well as specific IRWD information will soon be available on the California State Controller’s website. To find out more about IRWD and our compensation policies, please visit the IRWD website.
The California State Controller’s compensation report covers elected officials as well as public employees and includes:
- Minimum and maximum salary ranges’
- Actual wages paid
- The applicable retirement formula
- Any contributions by the employer to the employee’s share of pension costs
- Any contributions by the employer to the employee’s deferred compensation plan
- Any employer payments for the employee’s health, vision and dental premium benefits
California cities and counties are required to file similar information.
IRWD Crews Respond to Service Area Flooding
Irvine Ranch Water District crews have responded to a break in a domestic water main in Williams Canyon.
A portion of Williams Canyon Road was washed away during Wednesday's storm event. Approximately 900 feet of an 8-inch water main located within the roadway was destroyed. IRWD crews are planning to install a temporary above-ground bypass to restore water service to Williams Canyon. Because this work cannot begin until storm flows subside and access to Williams Canyon has been restored, we do not yet have an estimate of when this work will be complete.
IRWD staff is working to procure alternative sources of water, including bottled water and water delivery trucks, to assist IRWD customers who do not have water service.
The storm also damaged an 8-inch main break in Modjeska Canyon near Modjeska Canyon Road near Markuson Road. Water service to residents in the Modjeska Canyon area was briefly impacted by this damage. IRWD crews worked quickly to restore service.
IRWD hopes that customers impacted in these areas are safe. Check IRWD's website for updates.
