Projects & Capital Improvements

Your Money at Work

At East Orange County Water District (EOCWD), every infrastructure project reflects our commitment to reinvesting customer dollars back into the system that keeps our water system safe, reliable, and sustainable.

From replacing aging pipelines to upgrading reservoirs and improving water quality treatment, each capital project is carefully planned to protect public health and strengthen long-term service. This approach ensures your rates are strategically invested to maintain and improve the essential systems our community depends on every day.

PFAS treatment team doing water inspections

Progress at a Glance

$16M+ Recent Investment

7,000+ Feet of Pipe Replaced

25,000+ Customers Served

100% Water Quality Compliance

Current Projects

PFAS Water Quality Response

Project Status: In Progress

In 2019, the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water directed water systems statewide to begin testing for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of compounds found in certain groundwater sources. In response, EOCWD began testing local wells and proactively took affected wells offline to protect water quality. To maintain uninterrupted service, the District temporarily relied on imported water sources that were not impacted by PFAS.

Water treatment tanks at the District’s water treatment facility

EOCWD then partnered with Orange County Water District (OCWD) to design and construct the VanderWerff Well and treatment facility, which is now fully operational. Using advanced treatment technology, it removes PFAS from groundwater, allowing the District to safely restore local well production and continue delivering safe, reliable drinking water to customers.

PFAS are man-made chemicals resistant to heat, water, oils, and stains that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products for decades.

Benefits:

  • Advanced PFAS treatment technology removing contaminants
  • Restored use of local groundwater sources
  • Reduced reliance on imported water
  • Long-term treatment solution ensuring water quality compliance
Water treatment tanks at the District’s water treatment facility

6MG Reservoir Upgrade

Project Status: In Progress

EOCWD’s 6-million-gallon reservoir plays a critical role in maintaining reliable water service throughout our community. It provides essential water storage capacity to support daily operations, meet peak demand, and ensure continued service during emergencies.

To strengthen long-term reliability, the District secured partial funding through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and is advancing comprehensive seismic upgrades. These improvements are designed to meet modern safety standards, reduce risk during earthquakes, and protect this vital infrastructure for decades to come.

Benefits:

  • Maintains local water storage capacity
  • Strengthens emergency preparedness and system resilience
  • Reduces reliance on imported water during high-demand periods
  • Supports long-term infrastructure sustainability
Current reservoir

Smart Water Meters (AMI)

Project Status: In Progress

EOCWD’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project is modernizing water service by replacing existing meters with new smart technology in the Panorama Heights (North Tustin) Retail Zone. This upgrade will provide more accurate usage data, improve system efficiency, and enhance customer service.

Customers receiving a new smart meter will be notified ahead of time. Most installations are completed in approximately one hour or less, with brief service interruptions typically lasting no more than 30 minutes.

AMI meter unit

The project is partially funded through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Grant Program to enhance leak detection and strengthen water conservation efforts.

Benefits:

  • Improves billing accuracy
  • Eliminates manual meter reading
  • Secure online access to daily and hourly water usage data through the customer portal [link to portal]
  • Real-time usage tracking, leak alerts, and customizable water budgets
  • Enhanced conservation and resource management
AMI meter unit

Project Milestones

These completed projects reflect our ongoing commitment to water quality, infrastructure modernization, and long-term system reliability.

Summer 2021

VanderWerff Well Construction Project

BENEFITS

Constructed in partnership with Orange County Water District

Key Improvements:

Expands local groundwater supply access

Provides emergency backup water source

Integrated treatment ensures water quality standards

BENEFITS

60–year-old infrastructure replaced

Key Improvements:

Improved access for maintenance and repairs

Modern metering equipment for better monitoring

Enhanced system reliability and operations

Summer 2023

OC-43 Vault Reconstruction

Fall 2023

Sewer Capacity, Reliability & Augmentation Project

BENEFITS

Three segments of sewer pipeline replaced

Key Improvements:

Added backup sewer line crossing under I-5

Larger pipes accommodate community growth

Ensures reliable service for homes and businesses

BENEFITS

3,200 feet of pipe replaced

Key Improvements:

Replaced aging pipes up to 70 years old

Improved water pressure and flow to homes in the area

Added backup supply route for Panorama Heights

Winter 2024

Circula Panorama Pipeline

Summer 2024

Brae Glen Pipeline

BENEFITS

60-year-old pipes replaced

Key Improvements:

Larger pipes increase water capacity for the neighborhood

Eliminated old pipelines in backyard easements

Improved water pressure for surrounding homes

Request for Proposals & Contractor Portal

East Orange County Water District (EOCWD) partners with qualified consultants, contractors and vendors to deliver critical infrastructure, water system improvements, and capital projects that support reliable service for our community. This section provides access to current and past bid opportunities, registration information, and project resources.

Need Assistance?

EOCWD is committed to making the contracting process secure, reliable, and accessible. If you need assistance navigating the bidding system or accessing project features, please visit the online help section. For technical support, contractors and vendors should contact Planet Bids directly.

We’re here to help.

For additional questions regarding projects or RFPs, please contact the District.

Getting Started

To participate in EOCWD’s bidding opportunities, contractors must register through the Bid Opportunities website.

Registration allows you to:

  • Search for active bid requests
  • Download bid documents
  • Submit bids electronically where applicable
  • Receive project updates

Contractors and vendors are responsible for keeping their profile information current.