A Record of Accomplishment

Economic Resilience and Customer Support

In challenging economic times, SMWD has taken proactive measures to support our community. We established a rate stabilization fund to prevent sudden rate hikes and introduced special payment schemes during the pandemic for those facing financial difficulties. Our goal is always to provide flexible payment programs to help households and businesses manage their budgets effectively. We understand the importance of giving our community time to plan for changes, ensuring stability and predictability.

  1. San Juan Basin Aquifer: Rates are going up for Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and for SMWD. Santa Margarita has been 100% dependent on MWD for all its drinking water. We began developing recycled water for use as irrigation thirty years ago thereby freeing up more fresh water for our customers, hence maximizing the fresh water we purchase from the Metropolitan Water District. Today we are developing the San Juan Basin to increase our local water supply.  While this does not lower rates, it does allow local control. With inflation as high as 9 percent, rates have gone up faster than in the history of the district and expenses are also increasing faster.  Finally, the state keeps adding new requirements on water districts.  Since revenue comes primarily from rates, your rate will continue to increase at a slower rate than last year.

  2. Trampas Reservoir: Located just south of Ortega Highway, this reservoir holds 5,000 acre-feet of water, moving us closer to our goal of 100% recycled water with zero ocean discharge. These initiatives ensure reliable irrigation and significant cost savings by preserving our drinking water supplies.

  3. Upper Chiquita Reservoir: Located near Tesoro High School, this reservoir is crucial for summer water reliability, helping us avoid major shortages.

  4. Recycled Water Expansion: Nearly 50% of household water is now recycled, reducing our dependence on drinking water supplies. This recycled water is used for landscaping irrigation in homeowner associations, schools, and commercial areas.

  5. El Toro Reservoir: By securing capacity in this reservoir, we have bolstered our district's water reliability.

  6. Lake Mission Viejo Replenishment System: This system saves drinking water for our residents by utilizing recycled water for lake replenishment.

Water Reliability Initiatives

Expanding Our Drinking Water Supply

  1. San Juan Capistrano Water System Acquisition: We are committed to repairing and enhancing the entire drinking water and wastewater systems, including refurbishing the desalter to provide 3,200 acre-feet of drinking water—enough for 800 families of four.

  2. The Ranch Filtration Plant: Set to be completed by the end of 2025-26, this advanced plant will supply 3,000 acre-feet of water to new developments through treated groundwater and advanced treated recycled water.

  3. Oso Creek Reclamation Plant: We are expanding this wastewater treatment and recycling plant from 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) to 3.2 MGD. Additionally, water from the Oso Barrier is being captured and reused, further enhancing our water sustainability efforts.

These accomplishments reflect my dedication to ensuring that our community has access to reliable, sustainable, and high-quality water. Together, we will continue to build a resilient future for the Santa Margarita Water District.

Employee Development and Cybersecurity

Just like any thriving organization, SMWD is committed to creating a positive and growth-oriented environment for our employees. We invest in continuous learning opportunities and career advancement, recognizing that a skilled and motivated workforce is a significant asset to our customers. Our IT department is at the forefront of cybersecurity, safeguarding our systems and implementing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance our operations.