Santa Margarita Water District

Press 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.

May 14, 2012

Fun and Learning Flows at Santa Margarita Water District’s Water Awareness Day

Santa Margarita Water District welcomed over 800 people to its Water Awareness Day event held on Saturday, May 12, where adults and children were able to learn more about water use efficiency and local supply reliability through a variety of crafts, water education presentations and tours. The event is held annually in the spring to celebrate the state’s recognition of May as “Water Awareness Month.” Read More...

May 11, 2012

SMWD Director Charley Wilson to Serve a Second Term on Orange County’s LAFCO Board

Santa Margarita Water District Director Charley Wilson has been selected to serve a second term as the special district representative on the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Board of Directors. Director Wilson’s four year term is effectively immediately and will run through 2016. Read More...

May 11, 2012

SMWD Board Approves Agreements for Independent Oversight of Proposed Cadiz Project’s Groundwater Management

The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Board of Directors approved two agreements during its board meeting on Friday for San Bernardino County to provide the independent monitoring and oversight of the proposed Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project’s Groundwater Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan. Read More...

May 4, 2012

Celebrate Water Awareness Day with SMWD

SMWD will celebrate Water Awareness Month with its annual Water Awareness Day event on Saturday, May 12. Enjoy a day filled with fun and learning at the District’s office, near the corner of Antonio and Oso parkways. Read More...

May 2, 2012

SMWD Finalist for Statewide Award of Excellence

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is a finalist for the Association of California Water Agencies’ (ACWA) Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence for its leadership in establishing the Upper Chiquita Reservoir in partnership. Read More...

April 20, 2012

New Training for Santa Margarita Water District’s Board Demonstrates its Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to transparency and public accountability, the Santa Margarita Water District’s (SMWD) Board of Directors and members of its executive team recently completed a training program to ensure they are maintaining the highest ethical standards and conducting all business openly. Read More...

April 16, 2012

Water District General Manager John Schatz Retiring after 35 Years of Service

John Schatz, Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) general manager, announced today that he is retiring after 35 years of service in the industry, saying he is very pleased with what the District has accomplished. Read More...

March 1, 2012

SMWD Announces SmartTimer Giveaway Program

One of the easiest ways to reduce excess watering and irrigation runoff is to install a SmartTimer. Read More...

February 24, 2012

State Reduces State Water Project Allocation to 50 Percent

The announcement to decrease statewide water deliveries underscores the need for Santa Margarita Water District’s continued approach to diversifying its water portfolio to sustain local reliability Read More...

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...

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