Santa Margarita Water District was named “Recycled Water Agency of the Year,” from WateReuse California for building Orange County’s largest recycled water reservoir, Trampas. The award was presented at the annual WateReuse California Conference held in San Francisco on September 12, 2022.
The award recognizes large agencies that have developed recycled water, on a significant level, as an alternative water source. “We accepted the challenges of our time, to ensure our water supplies are resilient and ensure that we are excellent stewards of our imported water supply,” said Board President Dr. Betty Olson. “We’re honored to be recognized and proud of Trampas.”
Trampas Reservoir is the largest in Orange County and the jewel of the District’s recycling and reuse assets. At full capacity, the reservoir will hold 1.6 billion gallons of recycled water and move SMWD a step closer to its goal of storing and recycling 100% of its treated wastewater.
SMWD imports most of its drinking water supply from hundreds of miles away. Another key element of Trampas is that it saves imported drinking water supplies by using the recycled water for outdoor irrigation and construction. The District is pursuing a strategic goal of providing 30% of its local potable water supply from local sources by 2030.
“Trampas is filled with more than recycled water; it is filled with a vision of local, reliable and sustainable water for South Orange County,” Olson said.