OCWD Puts Local Resources to Work to Strengthen Coastal Storm Preparedness by Orange County Water District Oct 19, 2026 Member Submitted News FOUNTAIN VALLEY – The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) is working with the City of Newport Beach to support coastal storm preparations by providing sand for emergency sandbags and coordinating additional deliveries ahead of upcoming storms. “OCWD is committed to helping our communities by putting local resources to work where they can provide the greatest benefit,” said OCWD President Denis Bilodeau, P.E. “This partnership with Newport Beach reflects the strong regional coordination that helps Orange County prepare and respond.” OCWD is providing sand from its Anaheim facility for emergency sandbags and coordinating an additional supply from the Prado area near Norco. Newport Beach is one of 19 retail water agencies served by OCWD, and the District has previously provided mutual aid to the city when needed. OCWD Director and Newport Beach City Councilmember Erik Weigand helped bring the two agencies together for the current effort. “OCWD has a strong history of working with the agencies and communities it serves,” said Weigand. “Bringing Newport Beach and OCWD together is another example of how regional partnerships can quickly turn available resources into solutions that benefit the public.” OCWD and Newport Beach are also exploring the use of additional sand from an OCWD location in Anaheim for future beach replenishment. The effort supports a broader regional initiative with the County of Orange, the University of California, Irvine, and other partners to evaluate beneficial uses for inland sediment in coastal areas. These efforts complement OCWD’s storm preparations, including increasing recharge capacity, strengthening water infrastructure, and coordinating with regional partners to maximize stormwater capture. OCWD manages the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which provides up to 85% of the water supply for approximately 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. By putting local resources to work and strengthening regional partnerships, OCWD continues to support a reliable water supply and the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.ocwd.com.
