Congratulations to our newest WaterStar certified business, Moo Moo Hotpot.

IRWD’s WaterStar program recognizes local businesses and restaurants for their sustainable practices and responsible water use that betters our community.

Moo Moo Hotpot is an all-you-can-eat, highly customizable hotpot experience in Irvine that blends modern elegance with traditional Chinese elements — all while using water efficient equipment as part of its daily operations. Its kitchen includes EPA EnergyStar-certified dishwashers and ice-making machines, as well as low-flow spray valves. The restaurant’s toilets are also EPA Water Sense certified, meaning they use significantly less water per flush than standard, older models.

We applaud Moo Moo Hotpot for its commitment to efficient use of water and caring about the community it is a part of!

Moo Moo Hotpot is open daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m. and is located at 3967 Irvine Blvd., in Irvine. Enjoy daily lunch specials or unlimited all-you-can-eat dinners featuring tender wagyu beef, fresh seafood, and a wide selection of vegetables and condiments. Learn more at moomoohotpotoc.com.

If you’d like to learn how your business or restaurant can get WaterStar certified, visit IRWD.com/waterstar.

IRWD strives to keep customer rates as low as possible, and as a not-for-profit agency, we continually look for ways to reduce costs — because costs put pressure on rates.

When a customer uses a credit/debit card or other online service to pay their bill, the credit card companies charge IRWD for the transaction. Because of these increasing fees, and the rules that govern credit and debit card transactions, IRWD will no longer accept credit or debit cards for automatic payments effective July 1, 2025. This includes autopay using PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and other online payment services.

A no-fee, no-hassle autopay option

The best option for customers is to enroll in autopay using an eCheck or ACH payment as a no-hassle, no-fee option to ensure timely payments. To sign up, visit IRWD.com/paymybill, sign into your account (or register for one), choose autopay as your method of payment, and select eCheck/ACH as your payment option.

One-time payment options

Credit/debit cards and other online services like PayPal and Apple Pay will still be accepted for one-time payments, provided the customer assumes the cost of the fee charged by the company that processes those payments.

No-fee options for one-time payments include checks, money orders, and cashier checks via mail or brought to our Customer Service counter or drop box.

Cash payments can be made at these third-party locations.

For more information, go to IRWD.com/billpay.

Congratulations to our newest WaterStar certified business, Warehouse 72.

IRWD’s WaterStar program recognizes local businesses and restaurants for sustainable practices and responsible water use that betters our community.

Warehouse 72 is a modern bistro and bar inside the Hyatt Regency Irvine that strives to use water efficient equipment to better conserve this precious resource while operating as a full-service restaurant. Its dishwashers and ice-making machines are EPA EnergyStar certified models, its kitchen features low-flow spray valves and faucets, and its toilets use 20% less water per flush than standard, older models.

We commend Warehouse 72 for its commitment to efficient use of water and caring about our community!

Warehouse 72 is open daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Enjoy a unique dining experience for lunch or dinner where art and creativity intersect with cuisine. Learn more at irvine.warehouse72.com.

If you’d like to learn how your business or restaurant can get WaterStar certified, visit IRWD.com/waterstar.

Irvine Ranch Water District was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Board Member Mary Aileen Matheis — a valued leader in the water industry, the Orange County community, and in state and national professional and charitable circles.

Mary Aileen served as an IRWD Board member from 1988 to 2020, serving four times as president and eight times as vice president during that time. She was pivotal in the creation of IRWD’s San Joaquin Marsh and its Campus, and in the development of the District’s water infrastructure, water efficiency and supply diversification efforts that has made IRWD an internationally recognized leader in water-supply reliability.

For 32 years, Mary Aileen guided the quality of IRWD’s values-focused culture with an unwavering spirit to do what is right — motivating others with her boundless energy, electrifying smile and grace.

“She brought a level of maturity and intellect to every room, every conversation, every meeting,” General Manager Paul Cook said. “I always enjoyed the wisdom and guidance she brought to everything she did.”

Raised at a time when educational pursuits for women were rare, Mary Aileen earned a Bachelor of Arts in American History from The Sage Colleges in New York, a Master’s in Communication from the University of Buffalo, a Master’s in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from Buffalo State University, and Doctor of Law degree from Western State College of Law.

A practicing attorney and realtor, she was also active in professional circles serving on the Legal Affairs Committee of the Association of California Water Agencies, the Independent Special District of Orange County’s Executive Committee, the Urban Water Institute, Water Education Foundation, Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Council of Governments, South Orange County Economic Coalition, Water Education Foundation, and more.

She was admitted to the National Association of Realtor’s Wall of Honor in Washington, D.C., was selected as Woman of the Year by the State Senate Chamber in Sacramento, and presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

Her civic and charitable activities included the Exchange Club of Irvine, the Lincoln Club of Orange County, the Irvine Valley College Foundation Board of Governors, San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc., Shadetree Partnership, and the Catholic Charities of Orange County Board of Trustees.

“I was always amazed at Mary Aileen’s energy, focus and enthusiasm for life,” IRWD Board President Doug Reinhart said. “But despite her many significant accomplishments at IRWD, those things really pale in comparison to her inexhaustible faith and commitment to family.”

Mary Aileen passed away on March 5 after visits with her seven children and extended family members. She was 98.

Described by many who knew her as a pioneer, trailblazer, peace-maker and great human being, she will be missed and remembered by all. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. April 4 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. A reception will follow at Irvine Ranch Water District headquarters.