Fire hydrants are an important part of your water service
There are about 20,000 IRWD-owned fire hydrants stationed throughout the District’s service area. These fire hydrants and the water distributed from them provide the reliable source of fire protection expected by our customers.
IRWD, like other water suppliers in Orange County, owns and maintains these hydrants to aid the Orange County Fire Authority and other firefighting entities in extinguishing fires that threaten the properties we serve.
The hydrants are also used by the District for water system operations and maintenance.
Read on about hydrant location, placement and more: irwd.com/services/fire-hydrants
Traveling art show on display at IRWD headquarters
We are excited to announce the arrival of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) 2025 Traveling Art Show at IRWD, featuring the 2024 Water Awareness Poster Contest! As part of our partnership with MWD, IRWD is proud to host the showcase.
This exhibit, showcasing the winning posters from the 2025 Water Awareness Calendar, is now on display in the lobby at IRWD headquarters (15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine) from January 16 through February 3.
This year’s theme “Being Water Wise Is…”, is captured through the creative ways students from Kindergarten through 12th grade express their thoughts on saving and protecting our most precious resource — water. We encourage you to take a moment to enjoy these artistic perspectives.
Don't forget to check out IRWD's own winning poster, proudly displayed near the main entrance.
IRWD headquarters is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Create a yard you want to live in
Turning your backyard into the space you’ve always dreamed of is easier than you think. In our latest episode of The Shed Show, IRWD’s Juan Garcia will guide you through some simple steps to transform your landscape into a wonderful water-friendly retreat that you’ll love spending time in.
Go to IRWD.com/shedshow to watch the full 7-minute show, or click on short segments by topic:
Tip 1: Imagine life outside.
Get quick design tips to transform your backyard into a personal paradise with features that fit your lifestyle.
Tip 2: Expand your living space.
Create your home’s bestlooking room, on any budget. You can start small and level up later.
Tip 3: Spend more time in your yard.
If your backyard were just your style, wouldn’t you want to spend more time in it? Discover family-friendly features for kids, pets and adults.
Tip 4: The pathway to success.
Pull it all together with a few stepping stones or a walkway to create visual cohesion. Explore pavers, gravel, decks and other options.
Tip 5: Grow your own outdoor kitchen.
Adding an herb garden, veggies, or fruit tree is easier than you think. Consider raised beds, container gardening, and more. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference.
Check out the videos, and get started on your own Yardtopia today!
Longtime water professional joins IRWD Board of Directors
DECEMBER 18, 2024
IRWD welcomed Dan Ferons as the District’s newest Board member on Monday, as he was sworn into office to represent Division 4. He replaces Karen McLaughlin, who did not seek re-election to a second term in November.
Ferons is a water professional with more than 40 years of experience planning, designing, financing and operating public systems providing drinking water, recycled water, and sewer services.
He recently retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Margarita Water District, where he led a team of 175 employees serving more than 200,000 residents from Mission Viejo to San Clemente.
Key projects under his leadership included construction of the Upper Chiquita Reservoir and Dam, a reverse osmosis water treatment plant, and Trampas Reservoir, a 1.2-billion-gallon recycled water storage reservoir.
Also at Monday’s Board meeting, Doug Reinhart was selected to continue as president for 2025, and Steve LaMar was selected to continue as vice president.
Tips for a clog-free holiday
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
Are you looking forward to feasts of rich foods this holiday season?
Protect your pipes and keep your celebrations clog-free by disposing of fats, oils and grease in the trash— not down the drain.
Collectively referred to as “FOG,” fats, oils and grease cause pipe clogs and sewage spills.
Here’s how you can prevent a stopped-up sink from spoiling your festivities.
- • Never pour grease down your sink drain or toilet.
- • Place leftover fats, oils, grease, gravies, creams and heavy sauces into containers with lids, such as jars, and put them into a trash receptacle for pickup on trash day.
- • Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before washing. Place the towels into the trash.
- • Do not put potato peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells and other food scraps down the garbage disposal. Put them in the appropriate waste bin.
- • If using a deep fat fryer, let the oil cool and mix it with an absorbent material such as cat litter or newspaper, and put it into the trash.
Visit IRWD.com/fog for more information.
