FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2026
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of October 2026.
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BACKGROUND
This report summarizes activities managed by the Public Affairs Office during the October 2026 reporting period.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
• Listen to and seriously consider community input on environmental concerns
PROBLEM
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is a recognized leader in the water/wastewater industry. Despite our industry recognition, awareness among our customers may be limited regarding the pivotal role we play in protecting public health and the environment. The absence of direct communication through a billing method may contribute to this gap in knowledge.
It is our responsibility to ensure that our ratepayers understand the vital services we provide. Many customers may not realize that improper waste disposal into the sanitation system can adversely impact OC San sewer lines, reclamation plants, and the quality of water supplied by the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). By enhancing communication channels and fostering understanding, we aim to bridge this gap and empower our ratepayers with the knowledge needed to support and appreciate the essential work we undertake for the well-being of our community and the environment.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours, community outreach, education, and general communication via OC San’s website, social media, and direct mailings, we can share information with the community, local agencies, and businesses on key programs such as the What2Flush program, energy production, water recycling, biosolids, and our source control program. This, in turn, helps improve the quality of wastewater that is recycled or released to the ocean, as well as public knowledge and understanding of wastewater treatment.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Failing to inform the community, local agencies, and businesses about OC San may result in insufficient support for OC San’s mission and hinder its effectiveness.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
May 2026 - Received and filed the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2028.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities for this Reporting Period (September 21 - October 20):
Outreach Report
An outreach report that includes tours, website updates, social media posts, construction notifications, speaking engagements, and more is attached to this Agenda Report.
Internal Communication and Employee Engagement
Internal Communication
During the reporting period, 47 posts were published on the employee intranet -The San Box, five emails were distributed to staff on relevant weekly topics through the Three Things to Know email, and the bi-monthly issue of the employee newsletter, Pipeline, is scheduled for publication in late October highlighting staff efforts and recent OC San events.
Public Awareness and Education
Tours and Presentations
During this reporting period, OC San staff hosted seven tours welcoming various groups including new employees, Cypress College, Cal State Fullerton Nursing, Whitney High School, and a neighborhood group. Additionally, OC San staff held educational booths at the Cypress Community Festival, Healthy Living Expo in Irvine, and the Orange County Water Summit, and participated in the OC Water Association’s Women in Water Panel.
Library Program
OC San’s library program continued with its goal of reaching a younger audience by partnering with local libraries to provide age-appropriate programs that promote environmental awareness and career exploration. During the reporting period, OC San brought the Storytime and Pipe Patrol Activity to the City of Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library where attendees heard a reading of a Vactor Truck Tale and learned firsthand what not to flush.
OC San Connection Newsletter
The Fall issue of the community newsletter was published and distributed in late September, highlighting OC San’s mascot-Steven the Sewer Pipe, construction updates, and OC San’s new video library. Read the issue at www.ocsan.gov/newsletter.
California Water Professionals Appreciation Week
OC San celebrated Water Professionals Appreciation Week by recognizing its staff across OC San’s social media channels, the external website, and the employee intranet site.
Media and Digital Communications
Social Media
OC San messaging, announcements, and program updates are posted across OC San’s social media platforms featuring a variety of topics such as awards received, career opportunities, and so much more. OC San’s social media handle is @OCSanDistrict.
• Facebook: 20 posts reaching 17,149 people
• X: 19 posts with 541 impressions
• Instagram: 20 posts reaching 16,083 people
• LinkedIn: 9 posts reaching 5,228 people
• Nextdoor: 2 posts with 2,785 impressions
Website
Over the course of the reporting period, seven posts were published on the external website highlighting recent award achievements, promoting OC San’s community newsletter, and sharing messaging related to the proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease.
Public Broadcasting System Feature
The Groundwater Replenishment System was featured in a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) SoCal story that highlighted OC San’s role in advancing water recycling and supporting water reliability in Orange County. The piece can be viewed at www.ocsan.gov/news/oc-san-featured-by-pbs-socal/.
Brand Management and Creative Services
Awards
• Utility of the Future Today
OC San was honored by several national water sector organizations for earning status as a Utility of the Future Today, with recognition in the Energy Generation and Recovery category. The Utility of the Future Today recognition program is a partnership between the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Environment Federation, the Water Research Foundation, the WateReuse Association, and the U.S. Water Alliance, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Government Finance Officers Association
OC San received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28 budget. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.
• Municipal Information Systems Association of California
OC San received the Excellence in Information Technology Practices Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California for the 19th consecutive year. This award recognizes exceptional performance in several technology-focused areas.
Government and Legislative Affairs
Member Agency Outreach Toolkit
In preparation for the holiday season, OC San distributed a holiday-specific toolkit promoting videos from OC San’s new video library for distribution to Public Affairs Officers and communications staff across OC San’s member agencies.
Legislative and Regulatory Plan
The draft 2027 Legislative and Regulatory Plan was presented to the Administration Committee in October with the final scheduled for adoption in November.
Capital Project and Construction Outreach
Community Outreach Update
Outreach efforts for OC San construction activities are ongoing in the cities of Orange, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Los Alamitos, La Palma, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. Project updates were shared during this reporting period through OC San’s website, email alerts, text alerts, and direct notifications. For details on each project, visit www.ocsan.gov/construction.
All major construction work on the Taft Avenue Sewer Project in the City of Orange was completed. A communications survey was distributed to impacted residents and commuters through mail, email, and on Nextdoor to gather feedback on project outreach.
General Manager and Executive Support
VIP Tours and Presentations
OC San General Manager Rob Thompson gave a tour to the Orange County Business Council.
Media Interview
The CEO Magazine interviewed the general manager for a special issue scheduled for publication later this year featuring public agency leaders.
Activities Planned for the Next Reporting Period:
Presentations & Outreach
During the next reporting period, OC San is scheduled to host eight tours. Staff will also participate in an Executive Management Panel for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies.
Construction Outreach
Communication will continue for various construction projects including the Cypress Trunk Sewer Project in Cypress, Los Alamitos, and La Palma, the Santa Ana Trunk Sewer Project in Santa Ana, and the Wall and Soil Improvements Project in Huntington Beach.
Halloween
OC San delivered a Halloween Lunch to Headquarters and Plant No. 2 in late October for staff. Staff were encouraged to dress up in this year’s Game On! theme and enjoyed office trick-or-treating, a door decorating contest, and skits. Photos can be viewed in the upcoming Pipeline publication.
Volunteer Outreach
Public Affairs will host a booth at the Health Fairs at Plant No. 2 and Headquarters to recruit new volunteers for the Volunteer Incentive Program, providing an opportunity to expand OC San’s community outreach efforts through tours, events, and more.
Engagement Survey
As part of OC San’s employee engagement initiative, a survey will be launched in November to seek feedback from employees on a variety of topics ranging from communication methods used, information received, development opportunities, etc. Results will be shared with this committee as previously done.
Deep Well Injection Project Public Sentiment
SGA Inc. has been retained to assist with the public education efforts for the Deep Well Injection Project. The first phase of the outreach is to identify the public sentiment as it relates to OC San and the project which will begin in November. Project updates will be provided to this committee as the effort progresses.
Veterans Banners
In honor of Veteran’s Day, OC San will recognize employees who have proudly served in the Armed Forces. Street banners will be displayed through Plant Nos. 1 and 2 and the Headquarters parking lot to highlight OC San’s veterans, and a special spread will be included in the next Pipeline issue.
Virtual Food Drive
OC San will once again hold a virtual Holiday Food Drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. Employees are invited to participate by donating online to help families in need.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2026-2028 Budget and Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2028.
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Outreach and Media Report for October 2026