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About Us

About IRWD

Irvine Ranch Water District is an independent special district that provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, drought-proof recycled water and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment for central Orange County.

Hero About IRWD

IRWD
by the numbers

IRWD serves all of Irvine and parts of Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Orange and unincorporated Orange County. The District’s service area encompasses about 20% of Orange County.

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Stewards of water efficiency

IRWD was established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code. IRWD is well-known for its innovative budget-based rate structure, stable water rates and cutting-edge water efficiency programs, and for providing a diverse, reliable and safe water supply.

On Jan. 23, 2021, IRWD celebrated 60 years of value to our community. This milestone was an opportunity to reflect on our vibrant history as an industry leader, our tradition of high-quality customer service and our unwavering commitment to provide the best service at the lowest possible cost.

Collage of four scenes: a scientist in a lab coat, outdoor science outreach with kids, a man by a lake, and a worker entering a manhole.

Our mission

The mission of Irvine Ranch Water District, a public agency, is to provide high-quality water and sewer services in an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sensitive manner, which produces a high level of customer satisfaction.

Our vision

Irvine Ranch Water District's vision is to achieve greater customer and employee satisfaction, increased reliability and resource conservation and excellent external relationships with suppliers and others.

Our guiding principles

About Us Guiding Principles
Customer service
We are dedicated to delivering superior service to our customers.
Employee development
We are committed to recruiting and retaining top-quality employees and to providing a workplace environment, training and a recognition and reward system that enhances employee performance and satisfaction.
Resource management
We are dedicated to providing, conserving, and maximizing the efficient use and reuse of water and renewable resources to the benefit of our customers and to enhance the environment.
Community leadership
We will share our resources with the community through education, policy leadership, and employee involvement.

Awards and certifications

Man in a light blue button-down shirt with a microphone on a rooftop overlooking campus buildings.
2023
Award of excellence, outreach, and education

Honored by WateReuse for the Virtual Recycled Water Adventures created in partnership with Discovery Cube Orange County.

Industrial facility with a large green dome, tanks, and a network of pipes.
2022
Project of the Year Award

Honored by the California Association of Sanitation Agencies for the Biosolids and Energy Recovery Facility.

Aerial view of a winding lake in a lush green valley with rolling hills and shrubs.
2021
Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project Campaign

Honored by PRWeek for Best in Public Sector for the planning and rollout of the campaign.

History of IRWD

IRWD 1961 History
1961
Established as a drinking water provider
IRWD 1963 History
1963
Added sewage collection and treatment
IRWD 1967 History
1967
Started recycled water program
IRWD 1979 History
1979
Began developing local groundwater wells
IRWD 1980 History
1980s
Pioneered the purple pipe, now used worldwide to identify recycled water pipeline
IRWD 1991 History
1991
Adopted budget-based rates
IRWD 1997 History
1997
Began treating urban runoff
IRWD 2020 History
2020
Began converting biosolids to fertilizer and fuel

Sustainability initiatives

Water and energy are interdependent. IRWD strives to improve, optimize and reduce its energy consumption.

Transparency center

We believe our customers have the right to transparent government and easy access to information.

Part of the community

We are proud to engage with customers through water education programs, workshops, and family-friendly events.

Our work matters

IRWD is a values-based organization providing essential water and sewer services to more than half a million people in our community.

Smiling male staff member in a light-blue striped uniform with a visible badge, standing near clothing racks.

Join the team

For general questions on IRWD careers, call 949-453-5349 or email Careers@IRWD.com