Mark your calendars for IRWD events What do you have planned for 2026? This year, we have lots in store for our customers! Visit IRWD.com/events and sign up for workshops, community tours and nature walks. All events are free but require registration. New offerings are regularly added — check back often for a heads-up on what’s coming up. Here are a few fun, educational outings on the calendar:
Q: Does Irvine Ranch Water District serve more than just Irvine? A: Yes, we do! IRWD is an independent, not- for-profit special district covering 181 square miles of central Orange County, including all of Irvine, most of Lake Forest, and parts of Newport Beach, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Orange and some unincorporated areas. We serve a daytime population of more than 630,000 people, operating six drinking water treatment plants, two recycled water plants, 27 wells, four recycled water reservoirs and Irvine Lake. More than 4,200 miles of pipeline are used in our drinking water, recycled water and sewer collection systems underground.
Community Tour Saturday, Feb. 21 Michelson Water Recycling Plant
Fix a Leak Workshop Saturday, March 7 IRWD Sand Canyon Headquarters
San Joaquin Marsh Special Tour Wednesday, March 25 San Joaquin Marsh
Bird Walk at the Marsh Sunday, May 3 San Joaquin Marsh
IRWD is also proud to take part in Earth Day celebrations, community festivals and more. Follow us on social media to keep tabs on where we’ll be next! For questions, email info@IRWD.com .
Q: Juan, I want to bring some life back into my landscape this spring. Got any tips? A: Start with a cleanup: removing winter debris and pruning dormant shrubs. Since our soil is typically clay, amend it with 2 to 3 inches of organic compost to improve drainage and nutrient density. Then, inspect your sprinkler system for leaks and get them repaired.
When selecting plants, consider drought-tolerant native shrubs, trees, grasses and succulents that thrive in our Mediterranean climate. California lilacs ( Ceanothus sp. ) and Cleveland sage ( Salvia sp. ) offer stunning spring blooms with minimal water. For at-home harvesting, transplant tomatoes and peppers or sow seeds for squash and cucumbers. Finish by applying a thick layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
Got a question? Email info@IRWD.com .
Send your landscape questions to askjuan@IRWD.com .
California native corner Juan’s February plant: foothill penstemon Foothill penstemon ( Penstemon heterophyllus ) is a native evergreen perennial known for its vivid spring and early summer flowers. Its tubular blooms — ranging from sky blue to deep violet — attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, making it a standout in pollinator gardens. It thrives in dry, rocky or sloped areas and, when planted from a 1-gallon container, will grow into a full, flowering mound up to 3 feet in size within a single growing season.
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24-Hour customer service: 949-453-5300 Email: CustomerService@IRWD.com Address: 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618 Website: IRWD.com
Board of Directors: Dan Ferons (Div. 4), Steve LaMar (Div. 2), Doug Reinhart (Div. 3),
Peer Swan (Div. 5), John Withers (Div. 1) General manager: Paul A. Cook, PE
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