FIRO Assists in Record Capture of More Than 18 Billion Gallons of Water at Prado Dam by Orange County Water District Aug 31, 2026 Member Submitted News CORONA – The Orange County Water District (OCWD) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) captured a historic 18.1 billion gallons of water at Prado Dam between July 2025 and June 2026, marking the highest stormwater capture total since the 1940s. The amount is enough to supply more than 110,000 households for one year and is valued at more than $55 million. The record reflects the benefits of Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), which uses advanced weather forecasting to better track atmospheric rivers and allows more water to be stored behind Prado Dam while maintaining flood protection. Close coordination between USACE and OCWD on the timing of releases helped create room for additional incoming storms and maximize every opportunity to capture stormwater for groundwater recharge. “This all-time high for stormwater capture is a major win for Orange County’s water supply and demonstrates what can be achieved through innovation and strong partnerships,” said OCWD President Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E. “FIRO is helping us store more local stormwater using the infrastructure already in place, without having to build new facilities, to strengthen water reliability for the communities we serve.” Water captured at Prado Dam is released downstream to OCWD’s recharge facilities in Anaheim and Orange, where it replenishes the Orange County Groundwater Basin. The basin provides approximately 85% of the drinking water supply for 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. During fiscal year 2025-26, Santa Ana River flows, including captured stormwater, accounted for approximately 60% of OCWD’s groundwater recharge. FIRO at Prado Dam was recently recognized with a 2026 California Municipal Utilities Association Impact Award in the Innovative Projects and Programs category. The recognition reflects the collective work of OCWD, USACE, the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in advancing new approaches to water management. For more information about OCWD and its stormwater capture program, visit www.ocwd.com. ###
