Pipelines — August 2026

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.

Have questions about your drinking water? Refer to our 2026 Water Quality Report and other information

AUGUST 2026

at IRWD.com/ waterquality .

Garden rose

Dive into our redesigned IRWD website Good things have happened to improve your online experience at IRWD.com . Redesigned based on customer feedback and research, the website provides a smoother, more user-friendly experience with

enhanced viewing on mobile devices. The first thing visitors might notice is the look and feel of the website. “IRWD Blue” is prominent throughout, but the new design also features various pops of color. Each page within the site is now broken into different sections to help users get to the information they need as quickly as possible. The new navigation is also set up to highlight the things customers use most. All of the necessary information previously available on the site is still available, but in an easier-to-read format. To provide feedback about the redesign, email info@IRWD.com .

Preparing Irvine Lake for the next 100 years

Irvine Lake, formed by the Santiago Creek Dam built in 1933, supplies locally sourced water to nearly one million people in Orange County while supporting recreation for visitors. IRWD is undertaking a large-scale project to modernize the dam, spillway and outlet tower. Once completed, the Santiago Creek Dam Improvement Project will significantly increase regional water reliability long into the future. Early preparation is beginning now. Construction is expected to begin next year. To learn more about the project, visit SantiagoCreekDam.com .

Silent leaks, significant losses Pool leaks often go unnoticed, especially when an autofill valve gets stuck and continually sends water out through the overflow drain. A steady hiss in the autofill box usually means the valve is stuck open and needs professional repair. Cracks can also waste water. Use the bucket test to distinguish evaporation from a leak. Normal evaporation lowers the pool and bucket evenly, while a crack causes the pool level to drop faster. If the pool drops more than the bucket, you likely have a leak and should contact a pool expert. For helpful videos, visit IRWD.com/poolcrack and IRWD.com/poolleak .

Q: I’m having trouble finding where to pay my bill. Can you help? A: Absolutely! Access to the bill pay portal is prominently displayed in our new website redesign. Look for a button in the top right of the homepage navigation at IRWD.com . You’ll also find access in the top left photo of the IRWD homepage. Both spots are prominently marked “Pay your bill” and will direct you to the bill pay services page, also accessible at IRWD.com/billpay . Once there, you can scroll down to sign up for autopay or make a one-time payment. To ensure timely and hassle-free payments, enroll in autopay using eCheck or ACH. If you haven’t signed up for that already, click on “Register Now” when you enter the autopay portal. Got a question? Email info@IRWD.com .

Q: Hi, Juan. I really enjoy The Shed Show. Are we going to get a new episode any time soon? A: I’m glad you asked! We are actively developing segments for Episode 5, which will focus on “plants with personality.” These segments will look at plants that are safe for kids and pet-friendly, too. We’ll delve into various ground covers and low-allergen plants for a worry-free landscape. Look for the episode’s release in the fall. To revisit past episodes, visit IRWD.com/shedshow .

Got landscape questions? Email askjuan@IRWD.com .

California native corner Juan’s August plant: De La Mina Verbena De la Mina verbena ( Verbena lilacina ‘De La Mina’ ) is a rare yet easy growing California native known for its airy stems, fragrant foliage and soft lilac purple blooms that draw in butterflies and other pollinators. Thriving in well- draining soil with minimal summer water, it’s a standout choice for drought-tolerant gardens. This resilient species adds color, movement and ecological value while remaining low-maintenance and beautiful.

It’s easy to pay your bill online at IRWD.com . Look for a “Pay your bill” button in the top right of the homepage navigation or on the top left photo of the homepage.

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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

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