Our mission at the Orange County Sanitation District is “to protect public health and the environment by providing effective wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling.” Which means that here at OC San, every day is World Oceans Day.

We recognize that water is an invaluable resource, that is why our treated wastewater from Plant No. 1 in Fountain Valley is recycled at the Orange County Water District as part of the Groundwater Replenishment System. The treated water at Plant No. 2 in Huntington Beach is released through a 5-mile-long ocean outfall pipeline offshore of Huntington Beach. At OC San we are dedicated to safeguarding the health of the environment. This has led us to take a comprehensive proactive approach to assuring our ocean waters are protected.

How are we able to ensure our slice of the Pacific Ocean is safe and clean for fish and humans alike? With our ocean monitoring program. The team leading the program plays an important role in ensuring our mission is upheld by frequently monitoring the marine life, sediment quality, and water quality within 35 square miles of ocean. Which is the size of the city of Santa Ana!

On our monitoring vessel, Nerissa, OC San’s ocean monitoring team regularly examines the marine communities along our outfall pipe. Extensive research has revealed that the fish and other critters are healthy and no different from those living in similar parts of the ocean.

OC San is proud of the efforts we take every day to protect public health and the environment. We take great care in using the best wastewater treatment technologies and our comprehensive ocean monitoring program continues to be a model for others throughout the nation. Join us in celebrating World Oceans Day as we protect our world’s shared ocean today and every day! A healthy ocean is essential to our future.

What part will you play in protecting and conserving our oceans?

Follow us on social media @OCSanDistrict to view a video created just for World Oceans Day.