Orange County Water District (OCWD) Division 6: News & Updates

Dr. Antwon Grant 18 May 2025

Is the pursuit of a $1 billion ocean desalination plant, a vision sometimes perceived as unattainable, becoming a tangible reality for the Orange County Water District? For Cathy Green, President of the Board of Directors, this ambitious project along the southeast coast of Huntington Beach represents more than just a goal; it embodies a potential transformation of the region's water infrastructure.

The Orange County Water District (OCWD), managing the local groundwater basin that provides a substantial 85% of the water supply for 19 cities and retail water districts in north and central Orange County, serving a population of 2.5 million people, has seen a flurry of activity and recognition surrounding its leadership. The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), the nations largest statewide coalition of public water agencies, has played a significant role in this narrative.

Category	Details
Full Name	Cathy Green
Current Position	President, Orange County Water District (OCWD)
OCWD District	Division 6
Previous Positions at OCWD	President (2015, 2016), Director (since 2010), First Vice President
ACWA Involvement	Vice President of the Association of California Water Agencies, Vice Chair of Region 10
Key Initiatives	Advocacy for water infrastructure funding, support for groundwater replenishment, focus on water reliability
Key Projects	Overseeing the local groundwater basin providing 85% of the water supply for 19 cities.
Education	[Information Not Available in Source Material]
Professional Affiliations	Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)
Notable Achievements	Unanimous endorsement by ACWA Election Committee and Nominating Committee. Elected as Vice President of ACWA.
Community Involvement	[Information Not Available in Source Material]
Location	Huntington Beach, California
Links	Orange County Water District Official Website

The recent municipal elections in Orange County, California, witnessed a significant victory for incumbent Cathy Green. On November 5, 2024, she successfully defeated Nile Morgan in the general election for Orange County Water District District 6. This resounding win further solidified her position and influence within the district.

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) has been a significant source of support and recognition for Cathy Green. The ACWA Election Committee and Nominating Committee unanimously endorsed her, culminating in her election as Vice President. Additionally, she serves as the Vice Chair of Region 10 of ACWA, demonstrating her leadership within the organization. These endorsements and appointments underscore the respect and confidence she has earned within the water management community.

The Orange County Water District's dedication to securing and managing water resources is paramount, especially given the district's management of the groundwater basin, a critical resource. The district's commitment to sound planning and investment and maintaining high standards for water reliability reflects its dedication to providing a consistent and dependable water supply.

The efforts of Cathy Green and the OCWD extend beyond immediate water supply issues. Nelida Mendoza, for instance, advocates for and supports the Water Infrastructure Funding Act of 2022, which seeks to address the broader infrastructure needs of the region. The district's involvement in advocating for funding highlights its commitment to long-term water security.

The district's activities extend to strategic initiatives. A notable example is the $1 billion ocean desalination plant project that Poseidon Resources Inc. aims to construct along the southeast coast of Huntington Beach. This is an ambitious undertaking that aims to diversify water sources and guarantee a more reliable water supply in the face of challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.

The OCWD's commitment to recycled water is also noteworthy. Cathy Green has actively participated in events that celebrate advancements in water conservation and reuse. Her presence at the toasting of a new groundwater replenishment system in Fountain Valley, CA, underlines the districts embrace of innovative solutions in managing water resources.

The endorsements Green has received from nearly 40 statewide organizations further cement her position. This broad support indicates her ability to bring different interests together and form alliances for the common good of water management in the state. These endorsements provide tangible evidence of Green's leadership qualities and her capacity to work with a diverse group of stakeholders.

The elections held during the December 21 board of directors meeting were another point of focus. While the specific outcomes of these elections are not detailed in the available context, their occurrence underscores the ongoing governance and administrative processes that govern the OCWD. These proceedings contribute to the district's operations and ensure its continued effectiveness.

The significance of the Orange County Water District extends beyond local impact. The groundwater basin it manages provides 85% of the water supply for 19 cities and retail water districts in north and central Orange County, which supplies water for 2.5 million people. This underscores the critical function the district serves in assuring a steady water supply for a significant population.

The districts commitment to planning and investment, which adheres to stringent standards, has positioned the OCWD as a leader in water management. Greens involvement and leadership in many of these efforts have contributed to the districts standing in the field.

The contributions of Vincent Sarmiento, Esq., who is associated with Cathy Green, are significant. His role adds legal expertise and strategic insights to the team. Although the nature of his partnership is not described in the provided information, his contributions are essential to supporting Green and the OCWD's strategic endeavors.

Dina Nguyen's election to the Orange County Water District by the people of Garden Grove is another noteworthy event. Her position in representing the citizens of Garden Grove demonstrates the district's commitment to a wide representation of the communities that it serves.

The OCWD board of directors, including both Shawn Dewane and other directors, work to guarantee effective leadership and oversight. The board's collaborative method guarantees that the district's objectives are accomplished and that water resources are effectively managed.

The information provided emphasizes the significance of the Orange County Water District's activities, especially in light of the growing need for sustainable water management practices. The leadership of Cathy Green and her colleagues, together with the districts dedication to innovative solutions, will be crucial in ensuring a dependable water supply for the communities it serves.

The OCWD's dedication to water reliability, combined with Green's leadership, places it at the forefront of water resource management. Their success will be critical as they work to meet the future water needs of the region, guaranteeing the well-being of the communities served. In the end, the district's endeavors have a profound effect on the lives of millions of people in Orange County.