Item 18 - Agreement with the Municipal Water District of Orange County for Shared Programs

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Shared Program Services Agreement with the Municipal Water District of Orange County September 16, 2025 Page 2 5 3 1 1 2 6 9 0 MWDOC are member agencies of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and have many common interests related to water activities, programs, and organizations within Orange County, the agencies have partnered to fund and collaborate in efforts including water supply planning, research, policy development, and other activities. The following are examples of the MWDOC-led programs that PWA staff have utilized in the past and plan to continue to use over the term of the proposed agreement: •Water use efficiency programs •School education programs (K-12) •Shared consulting services (Conservation Framework Technical Assistance Program) •Water resource planning •Water loss control shared services and technical assistance •Water emergency preparedness and support of the Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County (WEROC) On June 21, 2022, City Council approved a Shared Services Agreement with the Municipal Water District of Orange County. PWA has utilized MWDOC’s shared services, such as water loss and water use efficiency programs, to remain in compliance with existing and upcoming state regulations. Staff recommends continuing the Shared Service Agreement with MWDOC to continue to provide quality services to the community. Partnering with MWDOC proves advantageous because their regional presence helps ensure consistent, high-quality deliverables, and compliance across Orange County water agencies. MWDOC is able to secure large, specialized technical contracts that are shared among nearly all water agencies in Orange County, resulting in more competitive rates. If the City were to take these services on independently, the City would need to hire consultants and subject matter experts for individual projects and efforts. In many cases, the limited scope of work may attract a smaller pool of technical professionals and lead to higher individual rates. Invaluable resources such as WEROC, the Choice School Program, and access to additional grant funding for conservation rebate programs, are only available through partnership with MWDOC. To standardize and simplify implementation of these activities, the agreement requires approval of all programs and services on annual basis at the City’s sole discretion. There is no obligation by the City to participate in, or provide financial contribution for, any program or service other than those elected each year. As described in the agreement, if additional supplementary programs or services need to be added during the term of this agreement, staff will return to City Council for approval of an amendment to incorporate those activities.