OCWD Board of Directors
President
Cathy Green
First Vice President
Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E.
Second Vice President
Philip L. Anthony
Jordan Brandman
Shawn Dewane
Jan M. Flory, ESQ.
Dina L. Nguyen, ESQ.
Roman Reyna
Stephen R. Sheldon
Roger C. Yoh, P.E.
General Manager
Michael R. Markus
P.E., D.WRE.




OCWD Sound Financial
Credit Rating

Underscoring the Orange County Water District's (OCWD; the District) commitment to sound financial management, Fitch Ratings recently affirmed its 'AAA' rating. The District's financial performance was cited as being "exemplary, marked by strong financial policies, limited fixed expenditures, and a history of increasing rates in line with operating and capital costs."

Since 2008, OCWD has maintained the 'AAA' rating assigned by Fitch, which benefits the District and local water rate payers by allowing it to borrow money more easily and at lower interest rates. This results in a cost savings for the 19 water retailers served by the District and more than 2.4 million customers.

The District manages the groundwater basin in north and central Orange County that provides approximately 72 percent of this region's water supply. District revenues are derived primarily from annual assessments on groundwater users and property taxes, both of which have proven to be stable over time. This is one of numerous positive credit considerations that were taken into account when affirming the District's high rating.

"Maintaining a strong financial portfolio helps the District better weather economic downturns, variations in water demand, major equipment failures and catastrophic events," said OCWD President Cathy Green. "This is made possible through the board's support of robust financial policies that encourage conservative fiscal management," she added.

The District's favorable financial position has allowed it to provide greater water reliability for the region by financing and securing funding for critical capital projects like the Groundwater Replenishment System and its Initial Expansion, while also affording the ability to adequately manage and maintain the District's complex operations. This has garnered OCWD a reputation as a global leader in groundwater management, water reuse and water quality.

The District will continue to maintain strong financial policies that support investments in infrastructure and programs that help Orange County sustain its water supplies.