Innovating Water Management: OC San’s Groundwater Recharge Project with Rob Thompson

In a world where water scarcity is rapidly becoming an urgent issue, innovative water management strategies are crucial. On the latest episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, hosted by Piers Clark, Rob Thompson, General Manager at the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), discusses their groundbreaking Groundwater Recharge Project. With a focus on providing clean and sustainable water resources to Southern California, Thompson shares insights into the project’s inception, execution, and impact.

The Vision Behind Groundwater Recharge

The OC San’s Groundwater Recharge Project, in partnership with the Orange County Water District, was born out of necessity. For over half a century, Orange County has relied on a vast aquifer to supply water to its 3 million residents. Realizing the threat posed by ocean water intrusion into this precious aquifer, Rob Thompson and his team began exploring ways to combat this issue. Reclaimed water emerged as a viable solution, integrating technology with a proactive educational outreach.

Understanding the Groundwater Recharge Process

Rob Thompson meticulously explains the intricate process behind groundwater recharge. Initially, wastewater undergoes rigorous treatment to remove contaminants. This treated water, suitable for discharge to the ocean, is then further processed for indirect potable reuse. The partnership with the Orange County Water District enables the water to be micro-filtered, treated with reverse osmosis, UV-light disinfected, and enhanced with peroxide before recharging the aquifer. This innovative approach plays a crucial role in replenishing the aquifer, maintaining a delicate balance between water extraction and ocean intrusion prevention.

Community Education and Overcoming Public Resistance

While technological innovations were paramount, the project’s success hinged on public education. Emphasizing the quality of the reclaimed water compared to traditional water sources, OC San spent years addressing the public’s concerns about the so-called “toilet to tap” stigma. By engaging with community groups and media, Thompson and his team successfully debunked myths and highlighted the safety and necessity of the project, earning public trust and support.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Since 2008, the project has evolved, expanding capacity from 70 million to 130 million gallons daily. Reflecting on OC San’s journey, Thompson advises future water reclamation projects not to skimp on initial investments. Ensuring infrastructure can accommodate future expansions is critical to long-term success. Thompson emphasizes the importance of education over technology, advocating for a recognition of water’s intrinsic value and the necessity to avoid polluted water sources.

The Human Element of Water Management

Throughout the discussion, Rob Thompson extends his wisdom to those pursuing similar projects. He stresses moving beyond technological advances; the focus should be on educating communities about the benefits of water reclamation. Ultimately, Thompson’s story underscores the vital role of human ingenuity and collaboration in addressing water challenges. 

As the podcast concluded, Rob Thompson humorously contemplated who might play him in a movie portrayal, revealing his dry, intellectual wit. His dedication to OC San’s transformative Groundwater Recharge Project not only sets a benchmark for water management but also serves as an inspiring tale of resilience and foresight.

Join Piers Clark on the Exec Exchange for more enlightening conversations with global water sector leaders. This episode with Rob Thompson is a testament to the benefits of combining technology, education, and strategic partnerships to solve pressing environmental issues.