IRWD Helps Keep O.C. Beaches Clean by Irvine Ranch Water District Jul 2, 2025 Member Submitted News Once again this year, Orange County surpassed other regions in the state with top water-quality marks on Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card. Irvine Ranch Water District is proud to be part of efforts resulting in A+ grades for two top-ranked beaches: Los Trancos and Muddy Canyon. IRWD uses diversion pump stations at these Crystal Cove sites to divert polluted urban runoff to sewers, where it is later treated and recycled as part of Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System. This decreases the amount of pollution that makes its way to our beaches from activities such as washing a car, overwatering or hosing off a sidewalk. “Los Trancos and Muddy Creek were heavily polluted before IRWD’s involvement,” said Natural Resources Manager Ian Swift. “The extensive work of staff over recent years has contributed significantly to the improvement in water quality.” District staff from various teams collaborate daily to operate the pump stations 24/7. It’s just one of many examples of the District’s longstanding commitment to sustainability. Other examples include the San Joaquin Marsh and 45 other wetland sites, which naturally treat urban runoff in the San Diego Creek Watershed before it makes its way to the Upper Newport Bay and ocean. Learn more about Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card and read the full report here. Learn more about IRWD’s Natural Treatment System at IRWD.com/nts.
