Water & Our Future
Where does our water come from?
A journey that begins hundreds of miles away. Most of us turn on the faucet without thinking about the extraordinary trip our water has taken to get there.
Moulton Niguel imports all of its potable water through the Municipal Water District of Orange County from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The primary imported sources are the State Water Project and the Colorado River.
Step 1
The State Water Project
Water from Northern California travels through the California Aqueduct and other infrastructure before reaching Southern California.
Step 2
The Colorado River
Water travels approximately 242 miles through the Colorado River Aqueduct before reaching Southern California.
Step 3
Regional treatment
Imported water is treated at regional facilities including the Diemer Filtration Plant in Yorba Linda and the Baker Water Treatment Plant in Lake Forest.
Step 4
Then it comes to us
Treated water moves through the regional transmission system into MNWD's service area—and finally, to your tap.
We can't control the weather. We can control how well we plan.
We cannot control the weather in Northern California. We cannot control the Colorado River. We cannot control every decision made by regional or state agencies. But we can control how well we prepare.
Building a more resilient future
Diversified, carefully planned, financially responsible.
MNWD already produces recycled water that meets approximately 25% of total water demand. The District also operates advanced wastewater treatment facilities and continues evaluating opportunities to expand highly treated wastewater reuse.
My goal is not to suggest that one technology will solve everything. Our water future should be diversified, carefully planned and financially responsible.
Use imported water wisely
Maximize recycled water
Invest in infrastructure
Evaluate advanced treatment
Strengthen conservation
Plan for emergencies
And always ask whether the next investment provides real value to the people paying for it.
How I'd evaluate new investments