Santa Margarita Water District

News Releases

SMWD works regularly with local reporters and media organizations to provide timely and accurate information regarding industry happenings and District news. From local supply reliability projects to water use efficiency and community education programs, SMWD is a valuable source of news and information.

February 10, 2012

Public Comment Period Extended for Draft Environmental Impact Report on Proposed Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD), the Lead Agency for the proposed Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project, has extended the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) an additional 30 days through March 14, 2012. Read More...

December 5, 2011

Draft Environmental Impact Report on proposed Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project is available for public review

A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project has been released by Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) and is available for review. Read More...

October 20, 2011

Leading National panel of groundwater experts finds Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project is sustainable and environmentally sound

Panel aids design of state-of-the-art groundwater protection program; Finds Project can conserve up to 2.2 million acre-feet of groundwater. Read More...

October 14, 2011

Local Officials Mark the Completion of South OC’s Newest Reservoir

The Upper Chiquita Reservoir will not only improve water supply reliability in South County, but its construction has also benefitted the local economy Read More...

August 11, 2011

Refinancing of Bonds Saves $6.9 Million for SMWD Ratepayers in Talega

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) has successfully refinanced bonds issued in 1999, resulting in a present value savings of $6.9 million to ratepayers in Talega for the life of the bonds. This means ratepayers will save $156 per parcel each year. Read More...

June 2, 2011

Scholarships Awarded to Local High School Students

Santa Margarita Water District announces this year’s recipients of the District’s Jim Mizell Memorial Water and Environmental Scholarship Program. The program provides five $1,000 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school students who reside within the SMWD service area. Read More...

May 15, 2011

Water Awareness Day Held at Upper Oso Reservoir

With Water Awareness Month in May, the Santa Margarita Water District partnered with Moulton Niguel Water District to co-host its annual Water Awareness Day event at Upper Oso Reservoir. Read More...

April 28, 2011

Water Education and Family Fun Planned for Water Awareness Day Event

With Water Awareness Month in May, the Santa Margarita Water District has partnered with Moulton Niguel Water District to co-host its annual Water Awareness Day event at Upper Oso Reservoir. Read More...

January 28, 2011

SMWD Director Wilson to Serve in New Position on LAFCO Board

SMWD Director Charley Wilson was elected by the Independent Special Districts of Orange County to serve as their representative as the Special District Member to the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). Previously, Director Wilson served on LAFCO as the Alternate Special District Member since 2001. Read More...

December 3, 2010

Board of Directors Select Director Charley Wilson to Serve as Board President

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (December 3, 2010) – The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Board of Directors have selected Director Charley Wilson to serve as President of the Board for a 12-month term. Director Wilson has served on the SMWD Board of Directors since 2000. Read More...

November 11, 2010

Scholarships Available to Graduating High School Students Residing in the SMWD Service Area

The Santa Margarita Water District invites all high school seniors living within SMWD's service area to apply for the Jim Mizell Memorial Water and Environmental Scholarship Program. The scholarship is designed for students whose educational plans or career path include water related issues, and to encourage students to pursue scientific, financial and/or environmental education in the United States. Read More...

November 5, 2010

SMWD is Recognized by the South Orange County Regional Chamber for its Long-Standing Partnership

The Santa Margarita Water District was recognized by the South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce for its long-standing business partnership. Read More...

June 24, 2010

Santa Margarita Water District Honors Water Heroes and Winners of Poster and Slogan Contest

The Water Education Poster and Slogan Contest Encourages Elementary School Students to Showcase their Knowledge of Water Conservation. Read More...