2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPORT
PROUDLY SERVING YOU SINCE 1964
PARTNERS IN BUILDING THE FUTURE
2025: A YEAR OF PROGRESS IN WATER RESILIENCY, PLANNING, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Dear Neighbors, Customers, and Community Partners,
Each year we take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together, and 2025 is a year marked by thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and continued investment in the future of our community’s water.
At Santa Margarita Water District, we are proud to deliver essential services to support daily life in southern Orange County. From the water that flows from your tap to the systems that protect public health and safety, our commitment to excellence remains at the heart of all we do.
This year’s Accomplishment Report highlights key milestones and achievements, including:
• Investing $26 million in system-wide improvements to strengthen service and prepare for future growth.
• Securing over $20 million in grants to offset costs of infrastructure investments that promote water resiliency and reliability.
• Delivering smart savings and energy efficiency, generating $2 million in annual savings from renewable energy at the Chiquita Water Reclamation Plant and District headquarters.
HIGH QUALITY DRINKING WATER
SMWD is one of the few water districts with significant growth, supporting the expansion of Rancho Mission Viejo. We work closely with the developer to ensure that as new neighborhoods are built, we expand infrastructure and resources as needed to support our new neighbors.
This report features information to help you learn more about the work we do together. We invite you to explore, share, and stay connected with us as we continue building a water-smart future.
Thank you for your trust and partnership.
Robert Grantham General Manager Santa Margarita Water District
Board of Directors
RELIABLE SERVICE
BOARD MEMBER
LOCAL WATER WITH LOCAL CONTROL
Margaret Novak BOARD MEMBER
Frank Ury BOARD MEMBER
Trampas Canyon Reservoir & Dam
Betty H. Olson, Ph. D. PRESIDENT
Laura Freese VICE PRESIDENT
Saundra F. Jacobs
INVESTING IN LOCAL WATER RELIABILITY
SYSTEM-WIDE IMPROVEMENTS
$ 26 M
In Fiscal Year 2025, SMWD invested more than $26 million in system-wide improvements. These upgrades help SMWD maintain 1,745 miles of pipelines, improve service reliability, and plan for future growth.
TECHNOLOGY THAT KEEPS WATER FLOWING
Behind the scenes, SMWD’s IT team strengthens security, improves efficiency, and supports smart infrastructure planning through advanced tools and data integration.
PRE-PURCHASED IMPORTED WATER
• Over 4 B gallons secured for $15.5 M
• $1.7 M saved in 2025
• $1.6 M savings expected in 2026
1.7M
PROTECTING SYSTEMS, SAFEGUARDING DATA
Integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS), operations, and IT systems improve efficiency and service, while advanced cybersecurity safeguards SMWD’s operations and customer data.
& MODERNIZING BUSINESS PRACTICES
INCREASED LOCAL DRINKING WATER PRODUCTION
The District replaced two reverse osmosis units at the Ground Water Recovery Plant in San Juan Capistrano to double the plant's capacity.
M
LAS FLORES RECYCLED WATER PUMP STATION
Converted from a decommissioned sewer lift station, this facility serves 26 irrigation meters and saves 49.2 million gallons of drinking water each year.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR SMART METERS
A new cloud-based platform supports radio-based Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology, improving accuracy and efficiency, and preparing for future smart meter features.
SMARTER SEWER INSPECTIONS WITH CAMERA TECHNOLOGY
Linking closed-circuit television (CCTV) with GIS enhances monitoring, speeds issue detection, and prioritizes maintenance to improve system reliability.
FIRE READINESS
SMWD PROVIDED 700,000+ GALLONS OF WATER DURING THE AIRPORT FIRE
SMWD supported firefighting efforts by supplying 640,000 gallons from the Upper Oso Reservoir and 87,000 gallons from nearby hydrants. The District maintains emergency water reserves, portable fire pumps, and backup generators at key facilities, working closely with regional partners to safeguard the community.
Upper Oso Reservoir
500 M gallons of emergency drinking water stored locally
3 B gallons of recycled water available for aerial fighting
9 K fire hydrants throughout the SMWD service area
727 K gallons supplied during the Airport Fire
EMERGENCY backup power installed at key facilities
AWARD-WINNING EFFORTS
STATEWIDE RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATION
Recognized by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) with the Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award of Excellence for the Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir’s role in enhancing water sustainability and reliability.
EXCELLENCE IN WASTEWATER SERVICE
Presented by the California Water Environment Association for excellence in wastewater system management, operation, and maintenance.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR 60TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO
Honored with a Telly Award for What’s More Valuable than Water?, a video celebrating SMWD’s 60th Anniversary, which premiered at the 2024 Water Festival.
RECOGNIZED FOR TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST
Awarded the Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation for accountability, open communication, and responsible governance.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
SMART SAVINGS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
$ 2 M
Annual energy savings from solar panels and microturbines across SMWD facilities.
SMWD’s commitment to prudent financial management ensures the District can upgrade infrastructure, expand local water supplies, and maintain reliable service, while minimizing impacts on customers. Grants and energy savings offset project costs, and pre-purchasing imported water at current rates helps protect against future increases. $
Excellent credit rating supports long-term savings and low-interest financing.
ENGAGING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
CONNECTING THROUGH SERVICE
SMWD connects with the community through responsive customer service, conservation programs, and events.
The Water Use Efficiency team assists residents, businesses, and HOAs with rebates, site visits, and water-saving education. Public events like the annual Water Festival and Infrastructure
Tours offer hands-on learning and a behind-thescenes look at the District’s operations.
26,700 CUSTOMER CALLS & AFTER-HOUR RESPONSES
990 REBATES & CUSTOMER PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS
2,700 GUESTS AT THE 2025 WATER FESTIVAL
58 INFRASTRUCTURE BUS TOURS & EVENTS
THE JOURNEY OF WATER
FROM RIVER TO TAP
Embark on the fascinating journey of water as it travels from the distant sources of the Colorado River and Northern California, over 300 miles of canals and pipelines, to our homes in Southern California.
Explore the intricate and collaborative effort required to provide this essential resource.
Santa Margarita Water District brings this story to life as part of its mission to deliver high-quality drinking water and wastewater services.
Tesoro Water Tanks
INVESTING IN LOCAL RELIABILITY
