| Irvine Ranch Water District encompasses approximately 179 square miles in southern central Orange County. The District's name comes from the fact that its boundaries approximate those of the original Irvine Ranch, founded by James Irvine in 1876.
Today, IRWD serves all of the city of Irvine and portions of Tustin, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange and Lake Forest. In 1997, Irvine Ranch Water District began providing water to the Santa Ana Heights community. The Carpenter Irrigation District chose to consolidate with IRWD in 2000, and at the beginning of 2001 a consolidation between IRWD and Los Alisos Water District of Lake Forest was completed. On July 1, 2006 a consolidation with the Santiago County Water District, serving the Silverado, Modjeska and Baker Canyon areas of unincorporated Orange County, was completed.
Irvine Ranch Water District extends from the Pacific Coast to the foothills, with elevations ranging from sea level to 3,200 feet. The area served by IRWD is a semi-arid region with a mild climate and an average annual rainfall of 12-13 inches.
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| SERVICE AREA | IRWD HEADQUARTERS | MICHELSON WATER RECLAMATION PLANT |
Directions to IRWD Headquarters
Irvine Ranch Water District's (IRWD) headquarters building at 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. may be easily accessed from either the San Diego (405) or the Santa Ana Freeway (5). From either freeway take the Sand Canyon exit.
From the 5 Freeway: Exit at Sand Canyon Ave. and drive South approximately half a mile. After passing Irvine Center Drive, the next light is Waterworks Way. You may make a legal U-turn at Waterworks and enter IRWD from the Sand Canyon driveway, or make a left turn at the Waterworks signal and enter IRWD from the Waterworks driveway.
From the 405 Freeway: Exit at Sand Canyon Ave. and drive north approximately 7/10ths of a mile. Just after the signal at Waterworks Way, make a right turn into the IRWD driveway.
Directions to IRWD Operations Center and Michelson Water Reclamation Plant
From the southbound 405 freeway exit Jamboree Road, turn right and proceed to Michelson Drive. Turn left and go three signals to Riparian View. Make a right turn onto Riparian View, the entrance road to the IRWD facility.
From the northbound 405 freeway exit Culver Drive, turn left and proceed to Michelson Drive. Turn right on Michelson and proceed past Harvard Avenue to the next signal, Riparian View. Make a left turn onto Riparian View, the entrance road to the IRWD facility.
To the Operations Center / Michelson Water Reclamation Plant
(3512 Michelson Drive): After approximately one-quarter mile there will be a stop sign. Continue ahead and veer to the right at the windmill, following signs to the Operations Center. Parking is available in the lot to the right of the Operations Center.
To the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary and Duck Club: Follow Riparian View through two stop signs and past the Michelson Water Reclamation Plant. The entrance to the Duck Club and Sea & Sage Audubon House parking area will be on the right. |
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