Sea & Sage offers limited marsh programs this summer
IRWD’s San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is open every day for people to enjoy on their own. For those wanting a more structured experience, Sea & Sage Audubon is offering several educational programs there on a limited basis this summer. A plan has been developed following state and CDC guidelines for health safety that includes mask wearing, daily health screenings, physical distancing, vaccines for staff, no shared use of equipment, and limited group sizes.
Nature walks will be offered to people of all ages at three levels of engagement. In the first, a nature display table will share tips of what to watch for at the marsh for self-guided exploration. A second tier will have naturalists providing information at various points in the marsh. A third level of a public nature walk would be limited to 10 people, with pre-registration required.
Nature day camps for children ages 10 to 15 will be offered as half-day week-long programs. Three camps provide opportunities for children to learn more about the riparian habitat, shorebirds, and bird groups at the marsh.
For more information on these and other opportunities, visit SeaAndSageAudubon.org or contact Project Director Trude Hurd at seaandsage@sbcglobal.net.
2021 Fix a Leak Week winners
Fixing a leaky toilet can save 30 to 50 gallons of water per day: Even the smallest drip, if left alone, can quickly add up and result in higher water bills. In March, IRWD encouraged customers to track down and repair leaks in their home for the chance to win one of seven $100 Home Depot gift cards. Congratulations to the following Fix a Leak Week winners: Mei-Ling Chen, Cheryl Hall, Linda King, Edmund Lee, Xi Qin, Teri Roberts and Michelle Sutton.
60 years of doing business in the community
Irvine Ranch Water District takes pride in building strong vendor and supplier relationships through the District’s Business Outreach Program, which provides information regarding upcoming projects and opportunities. Today, over 1,000 vendors partner with IRWD. Visit IRWD.com/BusinessOutreach for information on pre-qualifying as a preferred supplier, or to find a list of upcoming construction projects. Local businesses can also be recognized for water use efficiency with WaterStar Certification. Visit RightScape.com/waterstar.
Transparency Certificate affirms IRWD’s commitment to keeping customers informed
In recognition of its ongoing commitment to open governance and operations, Irvine Ranch Water District has been awarded a renewal of its District Transparency Certificate of Excellence.
“Integrity and service are core values for the IRWD staff — and transparency to our customers is an important element,” General Manager Paul Cook said. “We’re proud to have this certification as a testament to that.”
To receive the award, IRWD demonstrated completion of essential transparency requirements, including ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.
Certification is awarded by the Special District Leadership Foundation, which has promoted excellence in local government since 1999. The foundation created the certificate program to promote public transparency and give agencies an opportunity to showcase their methods of engaging with the public and keeping customers informed.
Key information can be found in IRWD’s Transparency Center, on the Board Meetings webpage, and throughout IRWD.com.
IRWD received its original certification in 2018. Cook said the certificate affirms IRWD’s pledge to be ethical, transparent and accountable.
Reservoir project Draft EIR available for public comment
IRWD has a 60-year history of planning for the future needs of our District. That includes a new proposal to increase the capacity of one of our five reservoirs.
The Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project is an investment to increase the amount of recycled water that can be stored there to meet seasonal and future needs. This will reduce our dependence on costly imported water and make our community more self-sufficient.
Syphon Reservoir will be modernized and upgraded to exceed the latest federal and state standards for design and safety.
The project is undergoing a thorough California Environmental Quality Act review process that includes opportunities for public input and stakeholder engagement.
Click here to review the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project Draft EIR. Community members have until May 18, 2021, to provide comments. Comments must be submitted in writing, via email at syphonEIR@IRWD.com or by mail to: Irvine Ranch Water District Water Resources & Policy Department 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine, California 92618 Attn: Jo Ann Corey, Environmental Compliance Analyst.
