Water Quality
The GWRS produces high-quality water that exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards.
The GWRS was reviewed, approved and permitted by the California Department of Public Health and California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana River Basin, to ensure public health, water quality and environmental compliance. Approval for injection along the coast at Talbert Barrier was received on January 3, 2008 and began on January 10, 2008, while approval for percolation via Kraemer and Miller Basin was received and began on January 17, 2008. The permit establishes criteria for GWRS treatment, Total Organic Carbon (TOC) limits, and travel time and blending requirements.
One of the provisions of the permit requires that an Independent Advisory Panel (the Panel) provide an on-going periodic scientific peer review of the GWRS. The permit specifies minimum qualifications for the Panel members and requires that the Panel meet at least annually during the first five years, and then every two years thereafter. The Panel is appointed and administered by the National Water Research Institute (NWRI), and made up of experts in toxicology, chemistry, microbiology, hydrogeology, environmental engineering, public health and water treatment technology.
Below are documents that speak to the GWRS’ stringent operations and exceptional water quality. For additional information regarding GWRS water quality and regulatory issues, please contact: Jason Dadakis, Director of Health & Regulatory Affairs, Orange County Water District: (714) 378-3364 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .