A map of the United States shows a clustering of locator pins in the Northeast and Midwest, but just one solitary marker in California: identifying Irvine Ranch Water District’s San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary as the only Wetland of Distinction in the state.

The international Society of Wetland Scientists this month named the ecological preserve one of just 32 in the nation to qualify for the honor. Candidates are judged based on biology, ecology, conservation status and public access for high-functioning wetlands. Plants established at the marsh reflect botanical records of the fauna that was present there 150 years ago.

“This is a very prestigious recognition,” said General Manager Paul Cook. “It showcases the significant work that has been done by Irvine Ranch Water District to protect native plant and animal species, create a public oasis and educational center in the midst of an urban community, and to improve the quality of water that flows into the environmentally sensitive Upper Newport Bay.”

Established in 1996, the San Joaquin Marsh is home to a variety of rare, threatened and endangered species, including the Least Bell’s Vireo, Long Eared Owl and Western Pond Turtle. It comprises more than 320 acres, 12 miles of walking trails, and is home to some 230 species of birds, many of which are counted and monitored by Sea and Sage Audubon volunteers.

The marsh is open to the public every day during daylight hours, and hosts educational field trips, tours and other activities conducted by the local Audubon chapter and Discovery Cube Orange County.

“As one of very few freshwater marsh habitats left in the South Coast area, the San Joaquin Marsh provides a crucial habitat for migratory bird species,” said IRWD wetlands scientist Mo Wise.

Yet Wise is most proud of the marsh’s role to naturally clean more than 1 billion gallons of urban runoff annually from San Diego Creek to help protect the Back Bay.

Sunlight in holding ponds deactivates harmful bacteria before it can threaten marine life downstream, and marsh plants and sedimentation help to capture other pollutants. The marsh removes more than 33,000 pounds of nitrogen, 140 pounds of selenium, 36 pounds of copper, 4,929 pounds of trash and 47 tons of sediment each year.

Routine monitoring of water quality, sediment composition, vegetation and wildlife has provided data and insight into best management practices for freshwater treatment wetlands in a region deplete of these crucial natural resources.

“This data provides valuable insight into best management practices for freshwater treatment wetlands in urban communities,” Wise said, adding that researchers from the University of California, Irvine; Concordia University; Chapman University and various local high local high schools also use the wetland system to study biogeochemical processes within coastal freshwater systems.

The Society of Wetland Scientists is an international nonprofit established in 1980 to promote understanding, conservation, protection, restoration, science-based management, and sustainability of wetlands. Criteria for the award include the protection of biologically diverse wetland flora, fauna and their habitat, ecological connectivity, public access and recreation, and water quality improvement.

The marsh's proximity to an urban setting, public accessibility and educational outreach were some of the criteria considered to qualify for the award.

The marsh is home to hundreds of migratory birds species, providing a valuable oasis to them on their journey up and down the coast.

It’s the holiday season—time for our festive little reminder that pouring fats, oils or grease down a sink can be unhealthy, costly and, well … gross.

Grease in the sink can lead to sewer clogs, and clogs can lead to sewage backing up into your home or business, spilling onto the street, or finding its way into storm drains and to the beach. (Not the charming holiday scene you dream of.)

Cleanup can be expensive for homeowners, and especially for businesses such as restaurants, which can be fined or closed.

Keeping your drains healthy is easy. After cooking, put fats, oils and grease in a container, and throw it in the garbage. If possible, mix it with absorbent waste such as paper towels, kitty litter, coffee grounds, or shredded newspaper before throwing it away.

Happy holidays!

Have you noticed a sudden increase in your water bill? This could be a symptom of several possible causes. But don’t worry. We’re here to help. Take these steps to find the problem:

• Turn off all water and check your meter to see if the dial is still spinning. (If it is, you probably have a leak.)
• Run a test of your irrigation system to check for broken sprinkler heads—or puddles that indicate a cracked pipe.
• Check that your irrigation timer is properly set. (After a power outage, default settings can kick in, and they are often very wasteful.)
• Check indoor fixtures and toilets. (A leaking toilet can waste 40 gallons a day. A running toilet can waste up to five gallons per minute!)

If you discover a leak and repair it, please contact IRWD Customer Service to request an adjustment to your bill. If you believe there has been an error in the reading of your meter, Customer Service can help with that, too. Call 949-453-5300 or email CustomerService@IRWD.com. Also, register for the Water Insight Program at IRWD.WaterInsight.com. The mobile-friendly Water Insight website alerts you to potential leaks and walks you through steps to evaluate your bill. Visit RightScapeNow.com/how-do-i/how-do-i-fix-a-leak for instructional videos.

The threat of wildfires has prompted electric utilities throughout California to turn off power temporarily in high-risk areas to reduce the likelihood of a fire starting from power lines and related equipment. But IRWD is ready.

Irvine Ranch Water District is prepared to continue operating during these Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and other events with the use of backup generators, daily monitoring of local weather, ongoing planning and preparation, and clearly established communication lines with other agencies and first-responders.

If a PSPS is called in your neighborhood, you should see no disruption in your water service.

“IRWD plans ahead for emergencies in everything that we do, making sure that back-up options are available whenever anything goes wrong,” said General Manager Paul Cook.  “IRWD has the expertise and resources in place to continue providing water and sewer services to our customers, even when the power goes out.”

The frequency and intensity of wildfires in California is increasing, with 2018 classified as the worst fire year on record and 14 of the 20 most destructive fires in state history occurring since 2007. Here are some of the steps IRWD takes to be prepared:

Backup generators: Permanent generators are set up at IRWD’s critical facilities, and the District has portable generators that can be moved quickly to where they are needed.

Monitoring: Our staff watches local weather patterns and conditions to anticipate potential problems before they strike.

A plan of action: IRWD has several plans in place to address emergencies. This includes topping off water storage tanks, mobilizing equipment and supplies to where they may be needed, and coordinating with other agencies to evaluate conditions and plan a coordinated response.

Alternative power sources: Several IRWD facilities have alternative sources of power such as solar to help supplement power needs.

Visit irwd.com/home/about-us/public-safety-power-shutoffs for more information and safety tips.