Honors and Awards 2018

2018

Energy Storage Project Incorporates Efficiencies with Cost Savings

The Orange County Business Council presented its Best Public-Private Partnership Award to the District’s Energy Storage Project, a 6.25 MW/35.7 MWh network of high-efficiency lithium batters installed at six of our water treatment, recycling and pumping facilities. The batteries allow IRWD to buy and store electricity when rates are low, then use that energy to power operations during peak hours when rates are high. Projected to save the District $500,000 or more in energy costs annually with no upfront investment, the installation also provides a source of stored power for Southern California Edison to tap when necessary to avoid service interruptions. Renewable energy is being incorporated into the project for even more economic and environmental benefits.

California’s First Dual-Plumbed Hotel

The WateReuse Association honored the District and Hyatt House Irvine with its national Excellence in Action award for being the first fully dual-plumbed hotel in California (and perhaps in the nation). The seven-story building, with 149 extended-stay guestrooms, also saves water with high-efficiency fixtures, a water-conscious laundry program and recycled water for irrigation. 

List of 2018 Awards:

• Orange County Business Council, Best Partnership Program, Energy Storage Project
• PRSA PROTOS Community Relations/Institutional Programs, “See it From Your Lawn’s Perspective”
• WateReuse National Awards, Excellence in Action, Hyatt Hotel.
• California Association of Sanitation Agencies, Outstanding Public Outreach/Education “See It from Your Lawn’s Perspective.”
• Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
• Association of California Water Agencies Best in Blue Finalist for “See it from Your Lawn’s Perspective” water efficiency campaign
• National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Achievement of Excellence in Purchasing Award
• Southwest Membrane Operators Association, Best Tasting Membrane Water in the Southwest Region, for the Irvine Desalter Potable Treatment Plant