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May is Water Awareness Month
April 1, 2013 – May is Water Awareness Month, a statewide campaign that focuses on educating Californians about the value of water in everyday life. Since May is the month when the weather starts to warm up, we encourage our customers to practice water-wise conservation both inside and outside the home.

Meet the Biggest Water User in Most Homes
April 1, 2013 – You are probably thinking the biggest water user is either the toilets or the washing machine; well, it’s actually your irrigation controller. Control your controller by setting the timer to water only a maximum of three days per week for four to six minutes each station. This will help keep the water from running off your lawn and into the gutter. Allowing the water to seep into the soil, down to the plant’s root zone, creates a healthier and stronger landscape.

Regional Blood Drive – MNWD giving back to our community!
April 1, 2013 – In our ongoing efforts to enhance community outreach, Moulton Niguel Water District will be hosting a regional blood drive with the Red Cross. The blood drive will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at the City of Laguna Niguel City Hall, Community Room, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn How to Save Water and Money with a California-Friendly Garden
April 1, 2013 – If you would like to learn the California- Friendly way to a beautiful landscape that uses less water and saves you money, please join MNWD for a free California-Friendly Landscape Workshop. *Note: These are the last classes currently scheduled until fall 2013. This is because spring and fall are the best times to plant California-Friendly landscapes.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Water?
April 1, 2013 – MNWD has introduced a Speakers Bureau program where we are now offering to interested individuals/ organizations, presentations given by District representatives that are tailored to specific water information. Presentations are personalized to each request.

Assemblywoman Applauds Work Done at Ocean Ranch at Bear Brand Homeowners Association
April 1, 2013 – MNWD is proud to announce and acknowledge a Laguna Niguel community’s efforts to conserve water and adopt sustainable landscape maintenance practices. Thank you Ocean Ranch at Bear Brand Homeowners Association for your ongoing efforts to save water!

Employee Cross-Training Enhances Customers’ Experience with MNWD
April 1, 2013 – MNWD continues to strive to provide the best service to our customers. As part of service to our employees and customers, the District has implemented a new cross-training program called Learning Modules.

Water is Too Precious to Use Just Once
February 1, 2012 – Moulton Niguel Water District continues to strive for cost-effective ways to preserve our water supply. MNWD is 100 percent dependent on imported water supplies. Water recycling also helps to keep overall water rates low because it reduces the need to import more costly water from far-away sources like the Colorado River and Northern California. Recycled water now makes up approximately 25 percent of MNWD’s total water supply, reducing the District’s dependence on imported potable water.

Do You Know What to do With Unused or Expired Medications?
February 1, 2012 – In the past, many of us were directed and encouraged to dispose of unused or expired medications (or pharmaceuticals) by flushing them down the drain or toilet. With data from current research, it is now an improper way to dispose of such materials.

Crews Working in the Street to Fix Vital Infrastructure
February 1, 2012 – Every day, Moulton Niguel Water District is working to maintain water and wastewater infrastructure to provide great service throughout our service area. The main water lines beneath our streets are more than 50 years old and require repair or replacement. MNWD’s distribution system is decades old and in order to continue to provide reliable water service to our customers, we must maintain our infrastructure.

March 18 - 24, 2013 – Fix a Leak Week
February 1, 2012 – Did you know that more than 10,000 gallons of water can be wasted each year by not fixing one typical household leak, such as a dripping faucet or a running toilet? That is enough water to fill a residential swimming pool.

Customer Sewer Lateral Responsibility
December 1, 2012 – Anyone who has experienced a sewer backup can agree that they are unpleasant and costly if ignored. Most homeowners do not think about their sewer lateral line until it’s too late, and wastewater begins to back-up into their home. If you see any drains in your home draining more slowly than normal, that’s an early indicator that a blockage has begun forming.

MNWD Gives Back to our Community
December 1, 2012 – Each year, MNWD staff organizes a humanitarian volunteer effort to assist those in need. MNWD selected the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County this year to give back to our communities.

Expanding Outreach Efforts
December 1, 2012 – Fall is a busy time for MNWD’s involvement in local community events. This fall, we participated in four events all based on water efficiency and conservation:

Long-Time Employees Retire Leaving Legacy of Quality Service
December 1, 2012 – In this final retirement edition of WaterLines, we highlight two individuals who embody the highest standards in customer service and have helped us grow into one of the region’s largest water and wastewater providers.

Sign-up for AlertOC today!
December 1, 2012 – AlertOC is Orange County’s regional public mass notification system designed to keep those who live or work in Orange County informed of important information during emergency events. This system is sponsored and led by the County of Orange in partnership with many Orange County cities and water agencies.

Oil and Water Don’t Mix
October 1, 2012 – With all of the extra cooking that comes with the holidays, MNWD usually sees an increase in the number of problems within the sewer system. Here are a few tips to keep excess holiday cooking grease out of the pipes.

Long-Time Employees Leaving Legacy of Quality Service
October 1, 2012 – This year we bid farewell to four long-time, dedicated employees who combined have served you for more than 125 years. Over the next two editions of WaterLines, we’ll highlight these individuals.

Fall Back to Lower Watering
October 1, 2012 – Summer is over, and it’s time to adjust the way we use water. By simply adjusting your irrigation patterns to match your plants’ needs, you can conserve thousands of gallons of water during these three months alone.

Key Project to Improve Sewer System Reliability
October 1, 2012 – MNWD recently completed a significant rehabilitation of a key segment of sewer pipe within a residential community along Niguel Road, which will ensure continued reliable wastewater service for our customers.

Ready In Case of Emergency
August 1, 2012 – Last month, Moulton Niguel Water District conducted an emergency response drill for all staff to practice initiating and operating the District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to a significant earthquake or similar disaster that would likely impact our ability to provide service. During the drill, staff initiated the EOC, developed early-disaster priorities and reviewed emergency staffing shifts to address the priorities.

Water with the Seasons
August 1, 2012 – With summer’s warm temperatures in full swing, it becomes even more important to be mindful not to waste water – as the average MNWD customer typically uses 70 percent more water during the spring and summer months. Here are four easy ways to use water more efficiently this summer season:

Local Cities Recognize MNWD for Promoting Efficient Water Use
July 1, 2012 – Moulton Niguel Water District works hard all year long to provide a reliable water supply for our 164,000 customers. The most effective way to maximize our region’s limited water supply is to not waste the water we have. That is why several local cities took advantage of Water Awareness Month in May to recognize the District for helping residents to use water efficiently.

Ensuring a Reliable Water Future
July 1, 2012 – Many MNWD customers aren’t aware of the complex infrastructure involved when water comes out of the tap and after it goes down the drain. In fact, the District operates 38 reservoirs and 37 pumping stations, and maintains nearly 1,400 miles of pipe to keep the water flowing.

MNWD Welcomes New General Manager
July 1, 2012 – MNWD is pleased to announce the arrival of Joone Lopez as the District’s new general manager. Lopez joins MNWD after serving as general manager of Calaveras County Water District near Sacramento. Lopez brings a great deal of experience efficiently managing major utility operations.

Moulton Niguel Water District Announces Retirement of its General Manager, Appointment of New General Manager
May 18, 2012 – After more than 10 years of exceptional vision and leadership, the general manager of Moulton Niguel Water District, Dr. Robert C. Gumerman, has announced his plans to retire on June 24. The District also announced the selection of Joone Lopez as Gumerman’s replacement. Lopez is currently the general manager of Calaveras County Water District, southeast of Sacramento.

Triple Your Savings with Efficient Water Use
May 1, 2012 – Moulton Niguel Water District does not have the benefit of access to local supplies of water, so all of the District’s water is imported from the Colorado River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This water travels hundreds of miles before reaching local homes and businesses. It’s a journey that requires a great deal of energy, but many customers aren’t aware of the connection between water and power.

MNWD Helps Customers Conserve
May 1, 2012 – MNWD’s Water-Budget-Based Rate Structure began last July and our customers have taken great strides to use water more efficiently. In just less than a year, more than 90 percent of customers are living within the personalized water budget for their home or business, and are receiving the lowest available rates as a result.

Spring Forward to Water Efficiency
May 1, 2012 – Change in season means change in water use. Spring is now in full bloom, and as the weather becomes warmer our water habits will start to change.

Save Money and Water with a Free Home Savings Survey
April 1, 2012 – Moulton Niguel Water District customers can save hundreds of dollars each year on their water bills by becoming more efficient with their water use. An easy first step is to sign up for a free Home Savings Survey.

Dry Winter Leads to Low Snowpack
April 1, 2012 – Southern California water districts like MNWD receive a large portion of our water from the northern part of the state, which comes from melting snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Each month between January and May, state officials measure the Sierra snowpack at 130 locations to predict the state’s future water supply.

Get to Know Your Outdoor Water Use
April 1, 2012 – May is Water Awareness Month, so now is the perfect time to prepare by becoming more conscious of how you’re using this limited resource.

Crown Valley Improvements Nearing Completion
April 1, 2012 – MNWD crews have been hard at work over the past several months on a project to improve water reliability for customers near Crown Valley Parkway.

Home Surveys Help Customers Save
March 1, 2012 – Sign up for a free Home Savings Survey! It is an easy first step for Moulton Niguel Water District customers looking to use less water this spring.

Commercial and Irrigation Customers Learn to Keep it Green without Overwatering
March 1, 2012 – MNWD has been working with our commercial and irrigation customers this winter to help them become as efficient as possible with their water use. Several hundred large users attended a series of workshops hosted by the District to learn about tips and programs to keep their landscaping green without overwatering.

Water Quality and Service are #1 - The water treatment process at a glance.
March 1, 2012 – The domestic water MNWD delivers to our customers travels hundreds of miles from the Colorado River and Sacramento Delta, and it makes one key stop along the way before safely arriving at your tap.

Spring Forward to Water Efficiency
March 1, 2012 – As winter begins its transition to spring, the weather will soon become warmer and our water habits will start to change. It’s natural for MNWD customers to use more water in the warm spring and summer months, but it remains critical all year long to use only the water you need.

California-Friendly Landscape Workshops
March 1, 2012 – Please join us for one of our FREE landscape workshops to learn the California-Friendly way to a beautiful landscape that uses less water and saves you money.

Infrastructure Investments Paying Off
February 1, 2012 - The Moulton Niguel Water District was disconnected from our primary source of water for seven days in early January while a key regional treatment plant in Yorba Linda underwent planned annual maintenance. Thanks to the District’s recent key infrastructure investments, the impact of the shutdown went unnoticed by our customers.

Where’s Your Water Shut-off Valve?
February 1, 2012 - Do you know where your home’s water shut-off valve is? Does everyone else in your family know where it is? If there’s an emergency, you’ll need to know in a hurry. You can’t afford to waste precious minutes searching for the shut-off valve when you have a leak or a line break gushing water.

Do You Know How to Fix a Leaky Toilet?
February 1, 2012 - Do you know if your toilet is getting the right amount of water? If not, now is the time to check, because you could be wasting thousands of gallons each month without knowing it.

Commercial and Irrigation Customers Strive for Efficiency
February 1, 2012 - The District is hosting a series of Efficiency Workshops to help these large customers learn about tips and programs to keep their landscaping green without overwatering, which will help maximize our region’s water resources and potentially save thousands of dollars each year in unnecessary water costs.

California-Friendly Landscape Workshops
February 1, 2012 - Please join us for one of our FREE landscape workshops to learn the California-Friendly way to a beautiful landscape that uses less water and saves you money.

Request a FREE Home Savings Survey
January 1, 2012 - Saving water and money is easy, and MNWD is here to help.

Request a FREE Home Savings Survey
January 1, 2012 - Saving water and money is easy, and MNWD is here to help.

Infrastructure Investments Paying Off
February 1, 2012 - The Moulton Niguel Water District was disconnected from our primary source of water for seven days in early January while a key regional treatment plant in Yorba Linda underwent planned annual maintenance. Thanks to the District’s recent key infrastructure investments, the impact of the shutdown went unnoticed by our customers.

MNWD Helping HOAs Become Water Wise
January 1, 2012 - Healthy community landscaping plays a key role in property values and neighborhood pride. It’s also a major draw on our region’s water resources and a significant component to most community associations’ budgets. That is why MNWD is working with local community associations and their landscape professionals to promote the value of efficient irrigation and ensure they are making the best use of their water and money.

Have You Exceeded Your Water Budget? - MNWD is here to help!
January 1, 2012 - Follow these steps if your water use has exceeded your water budget:

Winter Watering - Are You Overwatering Your Plants this Season?
January 1, 2012 - Winter is in full swing, and that means it’s time to adjust the way we use water. Most plants go dormant in fall and winter and require far less water than in spring and summer when they are active. So even as warm weather continues, now is the time to save water and money by reducing your irrigation.

Efficiency Made Easy
January 1, 2012 - Moulton Niguel Water District now makes it easier than ever for our customers to use water efficiently with the launch of our new rebate program. Being efficient is right for the environment, right for your wallet and it helps ensure that there is enough water available to meet the current and future needs of our region.

 

Archived News

New Rebate Program Helps Customers Save
December 1, 2011 - Moulton Niguel Water District customers can cut their water use without changing their lifestyle, and save thousands of dollars on water costs over the coming years. The District is now offering rebates for the purchase of water-efficient products, which will help customers save water, save money and maximize our region’s natural resources.

Save Water and Money with MNWD Rebates
November 1, 2011 - Moulton Niguel Water District customers now have new ways to save water and money with the launch of the District’s water-efficiency rebate program.

Upper Chiquita Reservoir Ready to Serve
November 1, 2011 - New reservoir is one of the largest public works projects in South Orange County. Capping nearly 10 years of planning, two years of construction and three months of filling, the Upper Chiquita Reservoir is now online, providing MNWD customers an additional week of emergency water storage in the event of planned or unplanned regional supply disruptions.

Oil and Water Don’t Mix
November 1, 2011 - Help keep holiday grease out of the sewer system. Pouring cooking grease down the drain is the number one cause of sewage spills, because it can clog your sewer line and damage the District’s sewer system and wastewater pumping stations.

Have You Exceeded Your Water Budget? MNWD is here to help!
November 1, 2011 - Follow these four steps if your water use has exceeded your water budget.

Emergency Preparedness Starts at Home
October 1, 2011 - All of us in Orange County know how quickly disaster can strike, and how fast "too late" can arrive. That’s why MNWD has partnered with the County of Orange, local cities and water providers across the region on a notification system to keep those who live and work in our community aware of important information during emergency events.

Your Water Travels a Long Way
October 1, 2011 - MNWD, like most south Orange County water providers, does not have the benefit of access to local supplies of water, so the majority of the District’s water is imported from the Colorado River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, via the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Change in Seasons Means Change in Water Use
September 15, 2011 - As the calendar turns to October, fall is now officially in full swing, and that means it’s time to adjust the way we use water.

Alert: Reprogram Your Sprinkler Timers After the Power Outage
September 9, 2011 - Moulton Niguel Water District customers served by San Diego Gas & Electric are encouraged to reprogram their sprinkler timers following the September 8 power outage.

Efficient Toilets Provide Water Savings
September 1, 2011 - Toilets are one of the biggest water users in your home, and a leaky toilet can waste enough water to fill several swimming pools over the course of a year! That’s money literally going right down the drain.

Water Budgets Made Easy - Three simple ways to save
September 1, 2011 - Moulton Niguel Water District’s new Water-Budget-Based Rate Structure began July 1, 2011, and as our customers adjust to living with water budgets, the District is available to help make this transition as easy as possible.

MNWD Helps Customers Adjust to Water Budgets
August 1, 2011 - Moulton Niguel Water District’s new Water-Budget-Based Rate Structure began on July 1 and the District has been very busy working with customers to make the transition as smooth as possible.

MNWD Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting
August 1, 2011 - MNWD has some of the lowest water and sewer rates in Orange County due to the Board of Directors’ conservative fiscal approach and the Finance Division’s commitment to carry out the Board’s fiscal policies.

Upper Chiquita Reservoir Adds Greater Supply Reliability
August 1, 2011 - Culminating more than five years of planning and construction, the Upper Chiquita Reservoir reached a key milestone this month as construction came to a close and the first drops of water began to fill a former canyon that has been transformed into a 244-million-gallon storage facility.

Board Approves New Rate Structure to Encourage Efficiency
July 6, 2011 - The Moulton Niguel Water District’s new Water-Budget-Based Rate Structure is now in effect for water used beginning July 1, 2011, and will appear on your next bill.

MNWD Upgrading Electronic Billing System
July 6, 2011 - MNWD is excited to announce our NEW electronic billing program (e.Bill). The NEW more cost-efficient, user-friendly e.Bill program replaces the existing electronic billing option effective August 1, 2011.

Water Education Poster Contest Winners
July 6, 2011 - Each spring, the Municipal Water District of Orange County and its member agencies hold the annual Water Conservation Poster and Slogan Contest, and Orange County elementary students are encouraged to submit posters and slogans that reflect ways to save water.

Urban Water Management Plan/Notice of Public Hearing
May 4, 2011 - Please click here to learn more.

Water Awareness Day Water Awareness - Join MNWD and your neighbors for a fun family event!
May 3, 2011 - May is Water Awareness Month, and once again MNWD is joining with the Santa Margarita Water District to co-sponsor a water-wise celebration that will be fun for the whole family!

Efficient Water Use Remains Important - Rain or Shine
May 3, 2011 - Last month, following near-record winter precipitation, Governor Jerry Brown officially declared an end to California’s three-year drought emergency, which prompted MNWD’s wholesale water supplier to increase deliveries to Southern California.

Board Approves New Rate Structure
May 3, 2011 - The Moulton Niguel Water District Board of Directors last month approved transitioning from our current rate structure to a new structure that is based on meeting each customers’ specific water needs with individualized water budgets.

Water-Budget-Based Rates Explained - Answers to your questions about the proposed new rate structure
April 7, 2011 - The Moulton Niguel Water District Board of Directors is considering a change from our current rate model to a water-budget-based rate structure. Answers to the full list of questions that have been raised can be found at www.MNWD.com.

Water Awareness Day
April 7, 2011 - May is Water Awareness Month, and once again MNWD is joining with the Santa Margarita Water District to co-sponsor a water-wise celebration that will be fun for the whole family!

Thank you
April 7, 2011 - MNWD asked our customers to greatly reduce their water use during the first week in March to ensure a sufficient supply during the planned shutdown of the Diemer Water Treatment Plant in Yorba Linda, which provides all of our District’s water. Our customers did an outstanding job, reducing their use over previous weeks and helping to ensure we could continue meeting local needs.

California-Friendly Workshops
April 7, 2011 - Please join us for one of our FREE landscape workshops to learn the California-Friendly way to a beautiful landscape that uses less water and saves you money.

Spring Forward to Water Efficiency
March 14, 2011 - Moulton Niguel Water District customers to use more water in the warm spring and summer months than during winter and fall, but it remains critical all year long to use only the water you need.

Strong Start to State’s Rainy Season May Soon Fade
March 14, 2011 - After a promising start that brought several straight weeks of heavy rain to South Orange County, the second half of California’s rainy season is predicted to turn dry, prompting Governor Brown to maintain California’s state of drought emergency.

Dishes Still Dirty?
March 14, 2011 - When MNWD customers open their dishwashers these days, their plates and glasses may not look quite as clean as they used to. The water the District serves our customers hasn’t changed, but the detergent you use to wash those dishes has.

MNWD to Consider New Rate Structure
February 7, 2011 - The Moulton Niguel Water District Board of Directors will consider a change this month from the current water rate model to a Water-Budget-Based Rate Structure. The proposed rate structure is designed to meet customer’s specific water needs by providing each with a customized water budget, and would help the District to stabilize finances moving forward.

Water Reliability Projects Approach Key Milestones
February 7, 2011 – Progress continues at MNWD’s three major projects to improve water reliability for our customers.

Orange County will Receive Far Less Water Than Needed in 2011
January 01, 2011 – This past year brought slightly above-average precipitation to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which is a key source of water for Southern California, but our region is still in the midst of a water shortage due to several years of drought and court-ordered restrictions on water deliveries from the Sacramento Delta and Colorado River.

Water Less This Winter
January 01, 2011 – January and February are the wettest months in Southern California, and the cooler weather this time of year typically makes most plants go dormant, reducing their water needs by up to 70 percent. This means you can drastically reduce — or even eliminate — your outdoor watering.

Board Studies Methods to Encourage Efficiency
December 6, 2010 – The Water-Budget-Based Rate Structure would help customers achieve greater efficiency by providing a personalized amount of water – a water budget – to meet each customer’s specific needs.

AAA Bond Rating to Save Customers Millions
December 6, 2010 – MNWD’s bond rating was recently increased to AAA by Fitch Ratings, which makes the District one of few water agencies in the nation to achieve the industry’s highest available designation.

Helping to Improve the Lives of_Others
December 6, 2010 – Many District staff members have recently joined the City of Hope’s Employee Giving Program, and will have a donation automatically deducted from their paycheck each month to support cancer research, education and improving patient care.

Newly Proposed Rate Model Would Encourage Efficiency
September 1, 2010 – Every MNWD customer has unique water needs. Typically, more water is used in large homes than condos, and some businesses need more than others. That is why the District is evaluating the way we calculate water rates, and looking at new approaches to bring our customers more fairness and equity, and to encourage everyone to use water more efficiently.

Sowing the Seeds for a Drought-Tolerant Garden
September 1, 2010 – Drought-tolerant, California-Friendly gardens are a beautiful way to save water. Fall is the perfect time to start one and it is easier than you may think.

Summertime Efficiency is Key for Year-Round Reliability
August 1, 2010 – Our customers typically use the most water during the warm months of summer. But are you using more than you need? Up to 70 percent of your water use this summer will occur outdoors, so that is a great place to start.

Mandatory Conservation Continues Regional Water Allocations Remain Unchanged for Coming Year
August 1, 2010 – The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, MNWD’s water wholesaler, determined last year the southern part of our state may not have enough water to meet our long-term needs, so it put our region on a budget – a water budget.

Regional Water Picture Remains Unchanged
July 1, 2010 – Last July, Moulton Niguel Water District set a goal of using less water district-wide, as we faced potential financial penalties if our customers used more water than we were allocated by our regional water wholesalers. Thanks to the efforts of our customers, we used 11 percent less water, and because other water customers across Orange County did their part as well, our region was able to avoid any penalties.

District Sends Emergency Crew to Calexico Following Recent Quake
July 1, 2010 – Several water districts from Orange County, including MNWD, quickly jumped into action to help the city of Calexico following the recent earthquake, providing much-needed equipment, staffing and expertise.

District Expands Use of Recycled Water
July 1, 2010 – Three recent projects by MNWD will save more than 85 million gallons of drinking water each year and reduce the District’s dependence on costly and less reliable sources of imported water.

07/01/10 Benefiting Customers and the Environment MNWD utilizes technology to ensure reliable wastewater service
05/10/10 Ready In Case of Emergency
05/10/10 District Recognized for Outstanding Financial Reporting
04/01/10 Local Residents Talking Conservation
02/22/10 Winter Rains Prove Water Shortage is More Than Just Drought
02/22/10 MNWD Putting Bond Funds to Work For Our Customers
02/22/10 Added Customer Conservation Protected Supplies During Treatment Plant Shutdown
01/21/10 MNWD Expands Use of Recycled Water System
01/20/10 MNWD to Enforce Water Restrictions from Jan. 25-31 During Treatment Plant Shutdown
01/19/10 MNWD’s Excellent Credit Rating will Save Customers Millions
01/06/10 MNWD Finalizes 2008-2009 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report