Irvine Ranch Water District

Just how does compost happen? Join IRWD and the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County at our free Compost 101 Workshop. Learn why it is important to recycle organic waste; about the right balance of greens, browns, air and water; and how soon you can expect your first batch.

This free workshop is Saturday, July 11, 10–11:30 a.m. at IRWD headquarters in Irvine.

Sign up before spots fill at IRWD.com/events.

IRWD has a long history of planning for the future water needs of our community, and we're continuing this tradition with the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project.

This five-year undertaking begins in July to increase recycled water storage capacity at one of IRWD's four recycled water reservoirs.

By increasing recycled water storage capacity locally, this project will:
✔️ Prepare us for the future by storing more drought-proof water.
✔️ Enable IRWD to use nearly 100% of the recycled water it produces.
✔️ Keep our community green and beautiful.
✔️ Provide water to fight wildfires throughout the region.
✔️ Save customers $990 million to preserve low rates.

Learn more about the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project at syphonreservoirproject.com.

Looking for an early burst of color for your garden this spring? Check out our landscape expert Juan's pick for this May: the California bush sunflower.

Known for its bright yellow blooms that appear from winter into spring, it attracts butterflies and bees and offers cheerful stems for flower arrangements. As the season progresses, the plant’s seeds become an important food source for birds. The plant’s dense, fibrous root system also makes it useful for erosion control on slopes and disturbed soils.

Read more in the latest issue of IRWD's monthly customer newsletter at IRWD.com/pipelines.

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s IRWD Water Awareness Poster Contest. So many talented students created entries that highlight both their artistic abilities and understanding of this year’s theme, “Water Connects Us All."

Visit IRWD.com/postercontest to view the winning artwork.

All IRWD entries will advance to the next stage of the competition at the Municipal Water District of Orange County, with the opportunity to move on to the final stage at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Thank you to all our budding young creatives for sharing their skills with us!

If you haven't been on one of IRWD's Community Tours before, snag your spot for our upcoming event before it fills!

On Sunday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
✔️ Enjoy walking tours of Michelson Water Recycling Plant and the San Joaquin Marsh.
✔️ Learn from IRWD experts during information presentations and microscope demonstrations.
✔️ Socialize over a free lunch.

The Community Tour is free for IRWD customers, but registration is required. Sign up at IRWD.com/events.

It’s ! How have you used water today? By quenching your thirst, taking care of your family, or as a crisp complement to a meal?

At IRWD, we come to work every day on a mission to ensure that your drinking water is clean, tasty and high-quality. Our Water Quality staff continually monitors and tests the supply, and IRWD water meets all of the exacting standards set by the state and federal governments.

Tag along with real IRWD scientists and water system operators as water makes its way to your drinking glass, sippy cup or pasta pot. View our “Journey of a Water Sample” video at IRWD.com/waterquality.

Cheers!

A little sleuthing can go a long way, and IRWD customers proved that during this year’s Fix a Leak Sweepstakes. More than 160 people took part in IRWD’s annual contest — potentially saving almost 8,000 gallons of water a day!

Thank you to all who took part, and congrats to the winners of our gift card raffle: Sarah Kao (pictured), Kin Pong, Wendy Lee, Eric Carter, David Joseph, Wenting Tan, Charlotte Hsu and Jo Bacon.

Save water and fix leaks year-round. Get tips and expert advice at IRWD.com/fixaleak.

From design to reality to the outdoor retreat of your dreams — get tips and inspiration from landscape design experts at our free Designing Your Yardtopia™ workshop.

When: Saturday, May 16, 10–11:30 a.m.
Where: IRWD headquarters, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine

Learn simple drawing techniques, analyze the space you’re working with, and create a personalized, functional design for your own yard.

Spots are limited and registration is required. Sign up before the workshop fills at IRWD.com/events.

Bring harmony to your backyard with elevated planters that come alive with living pops of color. Raised planters for flowers, herbs or vegetables can serve as gentle guides to help define and balance the flow of activities in your yard.

Get tips on choosing the style that best reflects the architectural style and feel of your backyard in the spring issue of The Dirt, IRWD's quarterly gardening newsletter.

Read more at IRWD.com/thedirt.