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5 Critical Updates From El Toro Water District (ETWD) That Will Affect Your 2025 Water Bill

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The El Toro Water District (ETWD) is a vital utility serving nearly 50,000 residents in Southern Orange County, California, and keeping up with its operational and financial changes is crucial for every customer. As of late December 2025, the district is heavily focused on implementing its new fiscal year budget, which includes significant water and sewer rate adjustments, advancing critical infrastructure projects, and finalizing major long-term planning documents that will shape water management for years to come.

This deep dive provides the most current, unique, and fresh information available from ETWD’s recent announcements and board decisions, focusing on the five most impactful developments. From the details of the 2025 rate structure to the multi-million dollar capital improvement projects, understanding these updates is essential for residents in Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, and the surrounding service areas.

ETWD Leadership and Governance: The Board of Directors

The El Toro Water District is governed by a five-member, publicly elected Board of Directors. This board establishes the policies, approves the budget, and makes critical decisions regarding water, wastewater, and recycled water services for the district's approximately 5,400-acre service area. Their recent actions, particularly concerning financial planning and capital projects, are central to the district's 2025 operations.

  • Role of the Board: Directors are elected at large by registered voters within the District boundaries and are responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services.
  • 2024 Officers: For the 2024 calendar year, the Board of Directors selected new officers, with Director Mark Monin serving a key role in the leadership team. Other notable directors who have served recently include Mike Gaskins (President) and Kay Havens (Vice President).
  • Key Entities in Governance: The Board oversees the implementation of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), the Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), and the annual budget.

The board's most recent focus has been on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/2026 Budget and the associated rate updates, which are necessary to cover increasing operational costs, water purchase costs, and funding for extensive Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).

The 2025 Rate Structure Overhaul: What Customers Need to Know

One of the most significant updates for all ETWD customers is the planned increase in the residential monthly water and sewer rates, which are set to take effect on July 1, 2025. These adjustments are a direct result of the District’s Cost of Service Studies and are implemented following Proposition 218 requirements to ensure rates cover the actual cost of providing service.

Details of the FY 2024/2025 Rate Increases

The rate increases are designed to address rising costs in several key areas, including the purchase of imported water, the maintenance of aging infrastructure, and the operation of the wastewater treatment system. The changes affect multiple line items on a customer's monthly bill.

  • Water O&M Charge: The Water Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Charge is being updated. For a standard 5/8” meter, the monthly charge will be $21.18, effective July 1, 2025.
  • Sewer O&M Charges: Increases are also slated for the Sewer Operations and Maintenance Charges, which fund the critical work of the wastewater treatment system.
  • Private Fire Operations and Maintenance: Charges related to private fire service infrastructure are also part of the 2024/2025 rate update.
  • Recycled Water Rates: The District is also updating its recycled water rates based on the FY 2025-26 budget and the cost of service analysis. Recycled water is a key component of the District’s water reliability strategy.

These adjustments are crucial for maintaining the financial health of the District and ensuring the long-term reliability of the water supply in Southern Orange County. Customers are encouraged to review the official Proposition 218 Notice for the full details of the rate schedule.

Major Infrastructure and Planning Initiatives for 2025

Beyond rates, ETWD is aggressively pursuing several major capital projects and long-term planning initiatives to secure a sustainable water future. These projects represent a significant investment in the community's infrastructure.

The Aliso Creek Lateral Sewer (ACLS) Rehabilitation

One of the most significant projects in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Budget is the final design phase for the rehabilitation of the Aliso Creek Lateral Sewer (ACLS). This is a multi-million dollar undertaking critical for maintaining the integrity and capacity of the wastewater collection system.

  • Project Scope: The ACLS rehabilitation is a vital part of the wastewater treatment system capital budget. The final design contract alone for the ACLS Rehabilitation is budgeted at $600,000 for FY 2024-2025.
  • Impact: Rehabilitation projects prevent major sewer failures, reduce environmental risks, and ensure uninterrupted wastewater service for the district's customers.

The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP)

The District is currently engaged in the development of its 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), a state-mandated document that projects water supply and demand over a 20-year horizon. This plan is a cornerstone of ETWD’s long-term water security strategy.

  • Key Components: The UWMP includes a detailed Water Demand Forecast, an assessment of water shortage contingency measures, and a review of water-use efficiency programs.
  • Timeline: While the planning process is underway in 2025, the final 2025 UWMPs are due to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) by July 1, 2026.
  • Water Shortage Contingency Plans: Directly tied to the UWMP, the District is also updating its Water Shortage Contingency Plans, which outline the necessary actions to be taken during drought or other water supply emergencies.

These planning documents and capital projects demonstrate ETWD’s commitment to "Serving the Public, Respecting the Environment," which is a core part of its mission statement.

Historical Context and Service Area Overview

Understanding the El Toro Water District's history provides context for its current challenges and achievements. Formed in 1960, the district has grown significantly alongside the development of Southern Orange County.

  • Founding: The District was officially formed on September 26, 1960, after a group of local landowners gathered in 1959 to address the community's growing water needs.
  • Service Area: ETWD serves nearly 50,000 people and covers approximately 5,400 acres. This area includes all of the City of Laguna Woods and significant portions of the cities of Lake Forest and Mission Viejo.
  • Comprehensive Services: The District provides a full suite of services: potable (drinking) water, wastewater treatment, and recycled water. The use of recycled water is a major initiative to conserve precious potable water resources.

The complexity of providing water and sewer services to a dense and growing urban area, particularly one dealing with aging infrastructure and climate volatility, is the driving force behind the 2025 financial and infrastructure updates. The move towards a robust recycled water program is a key strategy in mitigating future water scarcity risks across Orange County.

5 Critical Updates from El Toro Water District (ETWD) That Will Affect Your 2025 Water Bill
el toro water district
el toro water district

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