Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

IRWD’s New Website Updates the Customer Experience and wins “Best in Industry” New Media Institute Award

The New Media Institute has selected the Irvine Ranch Water District’s newly redesigned website, http://www.irwd.com as one of 24 winners in this year’s 2010 New Media Award competition. The District was recognized as the Best in Industry for the Government Utility Category.

The annual New Media Awards celebrate excellence in online communications.  Websites are judged based on how well they serve their audience, the overall user experience, ease of navigation, content and design.   “The New Media Institute is proud to recognize irwd.com with a Best in Industry Award for demonstrating their superior use of new media communications.  The Irvine Ranch Water District did a fantastic job of developing a website with an excellent user experience, rich content geared towards its audience and an aesthetically appealing design,” announced Barbara Eber-Schmid, EVP, New Media Institute upon presenting the award.

“We are proud to receive this recognition," said Paul Jones, IRWD General Manager. "The award recognizes the advances we have made in providing timely and relevant information to our customers. We look forward to continually improving the site and finding new and innovative ways to engage our customers, stakeholders and the media.”

IRWD’s newly redesigned website features current technology to make it easier for customers to use. Whether they are paying a bill, getting a question answered or learning more about water conservation, the site is designed to be customer-friendly and easy to navigate. In addition, the website makes it convenient to connect with IRWD via social media.  IRWD, known for innovation in water use efficiency, allocation based conservation rate structures and in use of recycled water, utilizes the new website to increase transparency by providing current, robust, and educational information on the District's programs and practices.

Also recognized was IRWD’s web design and development firm, Evolve Media.  To explore IRWD’s award-winning website, please visit www.irwd.com.  The award can be viewed by clicking on the following link:  http://www.newmediaawards.org/websiteawards/2010/irwd.html.

About Irvine Ranch Water District

Established in 1961 as a California Water District, IRWD provides drinking water, sewage collection and treatment, recycled water, and urban runoff treatment to Central Orange County, California. IRWD encompasses nearly 181 square miles extending from the Pacific coast to the foothills. The District serves the City of Irvine and portions of the Cities of Costa Mesa, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange and unincorporated Orange County. As an independent public agency, IRWD is governed by a five-member, publicly elected board of directors. These officials are responsible for the District’s policies and decision making while day-to-day operations are supervised by the general manager and his staff. 

All about Evolve Media

Evolve Media is a strategic crossmedia solutions agency. Whether it’s print or interactive, they deliver a rare blend of imaginative design, grounded in a rich understanding of strategic objectives and business requirements and combine it with deep technology expertise. With expertise in emerging and traditional markets, experience working with blue chip and new chip companies, and the support of a multitalented team, Evolve Media has been partnering with clients across North America and abroad for over 16 years, interested in building their brand and online presence.

About the New Media Awards

The New Media Awards is an annual competition, held by the New Media Institute, celebrating excellence in online communications. Websites are judged based on how well they serve their audience, considering the overall user experience, ease of navigation, content and design. Unlike many Web Awards competitions, winners are not selected based solely on design, but rather on how well they are using technology to serve and communicate to their audience. The award is given to sites that excel in both creating and engaging with an online community. 

To explore IRWD’s award-winning website, please visit www.irwd.com.