Pipelines is Irvine Ranch Water District's free monthly newsletter, where you'll find the latest water-saving tips and updates from IRWD on topics including District events, rebate programs, water-saving irrigation scheduling and more.
MAY 2026
Bring your vision to life at yardtopia.com .
Caterpillar phacelia
Student posters make a splash in IRWD contest Congratulations to the winners of this year’s IRWD Water Awareness Poster Contest. These talented students created entries that highlight both their artistic abilities and their understanding of this year’s theme, “Water Connects Us All.”
• Beacon Park K-8 School: Seorin C. (sixth grade) • Deerfield Elementary: Akshin G. (kindergarten) and Eunhu L. (fourth grade) • Eastwood Elementary: Sophia K. (second grade) • Jeffrey Trail Middle School: Jiwon S. (eighth grade) • Loma Ridge Elementary: Liam I. (third grade) • Northwood High School: Hyejun P. (ninth grade)
• Oak Creek Elementary: Jihwan K. (fifth grade) • Orange County School of the Arts: Sophia K. (10th grade) • Pioneer Middle School: Naelyn K. (seventh grade) • Portola High School: Jane P. (11th grade) and Seetha V. (12th grade) • Woodbury Elementary: Hugo I. (first grade)
Jiwon S. of Jeffrey Trail Middle School submitted this winning entry.
All IRWD entries will advance to the next stage of the competition at the Municipal Water District of Orange County, with the opportunity to move on to the final stage at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Visit IRWD.com/postercontest to view artwork by all IRWD winners.
Congratulations to our Fix a Leak winners
A little sleuthing can go a long way, and IRWD customers proved it during this year’s Fix a Leak Sweepstakes. More than 160 people took part in IRWD’s annual contest, and 39 of them found toilet leaks — collectively saving a potential 8,000 gallons of water a day! An additional 22 leaks were found by IRWD customers taking part in the sweepstakes, which is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Fix a Leak Week. Get water saving tips any time of year at IRWD.com/savewater .
Save the date Community Tour Sunday, June 7 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. At this event, witness the water recycling process and see how IRWD encourages water efficiency and environmental stewardship. RSVP required: IRWD.com/events
Congratulations to the 2026 Fix a Leak Sweepstakes winners: Sarah Kao (pictured), Kin Pong, Wendy Lee, Eric Carter, David Joseph, Wenting Tan, Charlotte Hsu and Jo Bacon.
How to identify an IRWD employee If someone knocks on your door claiming to be an IRWD employee or contractor,
don’t hesitate to ask for identification. All IRWD employees carry staff IDs with photos and are required to show them on request. Many also wear uniforms with District logos and drive an IRWD vehicle.
Q: I noticed some graffiti at an IRWD
facility by my house. How can I report it? A: Glad you asked! IRWD has a graffiti hotline at 949-453-5535 to help us stay on top of tagging problems before they spread. Call this number to report graffiti and other nuisances at our facilities. When you call, be sure to note the location, including the street, intersection and address, if possible. Describe the surface the graffiti is on (block wall, pipe, etc.) and the type of paint or marker that was used. This will help our crews respond with the cleaning tools they need. Please provide your name and contact information so we can reach out if our crew has questions or can’t find the problem. Got a question? Email info@IRWD.com with “Ask Customer Service” as the subject line.
IRWD contractors should be able to produce information confirming they are authorized to do work in your neighborhood on behalf of the District. That work might include meter reading, construction, landscaping and temporary shutdown notifications related to new construction. No IRWD employee or contractor will attempt to sell you a product or service. If you ever have questions, call 949-453-5300.
Q: With summer approaching, my kids say it’s getting too hot to be outside. How can I add more shade to my landscape? A: You have several ways to make your yard more comfortable. Quick options include shade sails, which block up to 98% of UV rays and can be installed easily, or market umbrellas that you can reposition throughout the day. For kid-focused areas, playset canopies provide instant overhead shade. Or, consider a pergola or gazebo to create a permanent shaded zone. Pairing these with fast growing trees gives both immediate relief and long term cooling. For more ideas and inspiration, explore the full guide at your go-to resource, yardtopia.com .
Send your landscape questions to askjuan@IRWD.com.
California native corner Juan’s May plant: California bush sunflower California bush sunflower ( Encelia californica ) is a semi- deciduous perennial that grows quickly and brings an early burst of color to native plant or pollinator gardens. Known for its bright yellow blooms that appear from winter into spring, it attracts butterflies and bees and offers cheerful stems for flower arrangements. As the season progresses, the plant’s seeds become an important food source for birds. The plant’s dense, fibrous root system also makes it useful for erosion control on slopes and disturbed soils.
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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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