Irvine Ranch Water District’s iconic historical windmill is once again spinning at the entry to the Michelson Water Recycling Plant after a three-year absence.

The windmill was removed in November 2010 for its protection during the expansion of the water recycling plant. The head was stored on a specially constructed wooden stand and the tower relocated to a storage yard at the facility.

The tower was returned to its entry location in mid-October. The head was reinstalled this past week. The windmill is visible from Harvard Avenue and the San Diego Creek trail across from the plant. Still to be completed is the monument sign and landscaping.

Visitors driving past the plant are probably not aware that what they are seeing is not the original rustic structure that sat there for more than 20 years, but rather a wooden tower and wheel erected in 2009 that looks very much like the original.  The wind vane is the only piece of equipment that has survived the rigors of time.

The original windmill was probably built between 1916 and 1932 by Aermotor Windmills of San Antonio, Texas. It was one of about 1,200 such windmills that dotted the vast Irvine Ranch before modern water pumping devices were available. All but a few had fallen to progress over the years.

In the late 1970s, the windmill became a landmark at the old Irvine Ranch Market on Myford Road and the Interstate 5 freeway in Irvine. The windmill’s fate was in jeopardy when the market was bulldozed in 1983 to make way for the realignment of the road.

That’s when IRWD stepped in to preserve the windmill as part of the area’s water history. Long-time Irvine Ranch employee Jim Olson, first moved the windmill to an IRWD storage yard at the recycling plant and then to its permanent home in front of the facility in 1988. Interestingly enough, the windmill was once again moved by Olson, who by then was working at IRWD as the construction and repair manager.

In 2005, the windmill was dedicated to Olson, who passed away in 2002. A monument sits at the base of the windmill, with a plaque telling its story.

In March 2008, the windmill was damaged during high winds. An IRWD employee discovered blades dangling from the wheel and others lying on the ground. Two days later, the 600-pound wheel was removed while IRWD officials pondered whether to fix the vintage structure or replace it.

Ultimately, the old wooden tower made the decision to retire. It was riddled with dry rot and deemed structurally unsafe to support a new wheel, so it was demolished. Rock Ridge Windmills, based in Cloverdale, California, provided the new wooden tower and wheel mechanism. A year later, the windmill was reborn with a combination of old and new parts, in keeping with the historical spirit of the original.

Please visit our website for updates on our Michelson Recycling Plant expansion project.

Did you know that nearly 50 percent of sewage overflows nationwide are caused by homeowners who improperly dispose of everyday fats, oils and grease? These overflows are not just public health issues, but can result in serious damage to our environment, especially pollution of streams, bays and the ocean.

With holiday cooking just around the corner, Irvine Ranch Water District would like to remind our customers that pouring fats, oils and grease down the drain could not only result in a costly plumbing repair bill, but could cause sewer overflows, as well.

The enemy is FOG, or fats, oils and grease, when put down the sewer system will build up over time and constrict the flow of wastewater. The grease sticks to sewer pipes and when it builds up, blocks the entire pipe, resulting in costly repairs and cleanups.

To prevent problems, here are tips for getting rid of left over cooking grease:

• Minimize the use of excess cooking oils and grease when cooking or frying.
• Never pour grease down your sink drain, toilet or garbage disposal.
• Place left over grease into containers with lids, such as jars, and place into a trash receptacle for pick up on trash day.
• Mix oils with absorbent materials, such as coffee grounds, put it in a lidded container and dispose with the trash.
• If cleaning a greasy pan, pour grease into a container and wipe excess grease from the pan with paper towels. Place the towels into the trash.
• If using a deep fat fryer, mix oils with absorbent material, such as cat litter, or soak up excess oil with newspaper and put into the trash.

These simple steps will help IRWD protect the environment by preventing sewer spills. Visit our website for more information.

Some people find public speaking scary. Not members of the Water Meeters Toastmasters group, which held its annual Halloween breakfast last week.

The group meets every Tuesday from 7:10-8 a.m. at the Irvine Ranch Water District’s Sand Canyon headquarters office. Water Meeters is not limited to IRWD employees – anyone who is interested in honing their public speaking skills is welcome.

No costumes were present at the Halloween meeting, but member Greg Stevenson wore a T-shirt with the likeness of Frankenstein’s monster. Members sat in a circle with the lights turned off and engaged in “storytelling in the round.” With the lights back on, some shared their personal close encounters with things that go bump in the night.

Mark Dobrilovic, a member of seven years, said he continued as a member of the group even after he moved his employment from Irvine to San Clemente.

“This is great group,” he said.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Water Meeters has 25 members and has been in existence for more than 20 years.

Anyone who works or lives in Irvine is welcome to drop by and see what Toastmasters is all about. Meetings are held at 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine. Information is available by contacting Debbie Kanoff, Sergeant at Arms for the group, at (949) 453-5334.