Discover the World with Education
What’s a water bear? And what two natural forces drive the water cycle? Irvine Ranch Water District helps answer these and countless other questions in its educational outreach to the community.
IRWD partners with Discovery Cube on water-related school assemblies and field trips to the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, where students learn about the natural processes associated with the water cycle, water purification and the importance of water efficiency. The programs are open to any school in IRWD’s service area.
IRWD also teams with Sea & Sage Audubon Society to offer educational programs, tours and classes. These include summer day camps, a hands-on science program, birdwatching, bat-watching, and so much more.
Water bear? It’s an eight-legged creature, also called a tardigrade—one of many microorganisms that break down solids in sewer water as an organic part of water recycling. And for those still wondering: sunlight and gravity drive the water cycle, causing water to evaporate, form clouds and fall as precipitation. This process cleans and distributes life-giving water to the planet.
IRWD believes education is an important part of promoting public awareness and appreciation for the wonder of water. Check out these and other programs—and happy learning!
Learn More
- For information about Discovery Cube programs offered through IRWD, visit discoverycube.org or have your child’s school contact 714-263-3844 to set up an assembly or field trip.
- Visit seaandsageaudubon.org for information. Better yet, stop by the Audubon House, open daily at IRWD’s San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Third Public Hearing Evaluating Change in IRWD Election Process
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
IRVINE RANCH WATER DISTRICT
Public Hearing on Evaluating a Change in the Elections Process for the Irvine Ranch Water District Board of Directors and Establishing Division Boundaries
NOTICE is hereby given that the IRVINE RANCH WATER DISTRICT (IRWD) will hold a public hearing regarding the District’s evaluation of changing the elections process for the IRWD Board of Directors from an at-large method of election to a by-division method of election, and the composition of divisions in accordance with Elections Code Section 10010. The purpose of the hearing will be to invite and solicit public comment on the draft division maps which have been published by the District and the potential sequence of elections for the directors from each division at different times to provide for staggered terms of office.
The draft division maps to be discussed at the hearing have been published and made available at www.irwd.com/about-us/district-election-evaluation-process.
IRWD currently uses an at-large method to elect the members of its Board of Directors. The at-large method allows voters from the entire service area to elect each of the five members of the Board of Directors. A by-division method divides a service area into separate divisions and allows the voters in each division to elect a member of the Board of Directors. Additional information on IRWD’s evaluation of by-division elections and the public hearing may be obtained by contacting Leslie Bonkowski, District Secretary at (949)453-5312 or on the IRWD Web site located at www.irwd.com/about-us/district-election-evaluation-process.
The Board of Directors of IRWD will hold the hearing on Monday evening, December 10, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in the Board Room of the offices of IRWD located at 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine.
Dated: November 21, 2018
Leslie Bonkowski, District Secretary,
IRVINE RANCH WATER DISTRICT
and the Board of Directors thereof
An Easier-to-Read Bill
Your monthly bill is getting a makeover. We’re making it simpler to read, without skimping on detail. It will contain all the billing information you’re accustomed to—in a bright new format with a streamlined look and feel.
The most vital info will be front and center on Page 1:
A simplified Account Summary, for at-a-glance convenience
Easy-to-read Water Usage data, including your Monthly Water Budget vs. Usage chart
Want a more detailed breakdown of how your water and sewer charges are calculated? You’ll find that on subsequent pages. The new format debuts in December.
Veterans, Thank You for Your Service
Patriotism. Love of country. Willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. In honor of this year’s Veterans Day, IRWD recognizes the service of veterans at the District.
Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace.
"We are all so very proud of the veterans who work with us at IRWD," General Manager Paul Cook said. "Veterans Day is a great opportunity to show our appreciation. To IRWD's veterans and military families, thank you for your service and sacrifice. It's an honor to work with you."
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, and was later renamed by Congress so the day would honor American veterans of all stripes.
For Veterans Day 2018, a few of the veterans in the District shared their perspectives.
- Kevin Burton, executive director of engineering and water quality: “I love the way the military is treated these days. … They are appreciated. When you see what they do and what they go through, people appreciate and understand that.”
- George Sanchez, water maintenance supervisor: “My time in the Marine Corps was the best and hardest time of my life. Let’s never forget the real heroes serving overseas defending our country and our freedom.”
- Bill Wesson, water operations supervisor: “I feel connected to these veterans. I am patriotic for my country and understand the sacrifices they have made for our freedom.”
In that spirit, IRWD thanks all of our employees and customers who have bravely served our nation.
IRWD veterans gather at the Michelson Water Recycling Plant. From left are Rudy Perez, Bill Wesson, Gaspar Garza, Darin Nicholson, John Dayer, Joseph Sciabica and Anthony Lockhart
Pipe-Saving Tips for the Holidays
The holidays are fast approaching! Keep these tips in mind at home. Your pipes will thank you.
Keep grease out of drains. Grease from holiday turkeys, roasts and hams is a leading cause of sewage spills this time of year. Put leftover grease in containers with lids, such as jars, then throw them in the garbage. When cleaning a greasy pan, pour grease into a container, wipe excess grease from the pan with paper towels, and throw the towels away.
Don’t flush flushables. Despite the unfortunate name, “flushable” wipes are not flushable. Good old-fashioned toilet paper is made to disintegrate as it agitates in water. Flushables are not paper—they are made of plastic that can’t decompose or break into bits.
Toss the floss. Dental floss can clump in the pump. So keep your hygienist and your water worker happy by flossing every day—and then tossing the floss in the trash.
