City of Huntington Beach

Orange County's water supply combines groundwater from OCWD and imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River through the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) via MWDSC. The groundwater comes from a natural underground aquifer replenished by the Santa Ana River, local rainfall, OCWD's Groundwater Replenishment System, and imported water.

The groundwater basin spans 350 square miles beneath north and central Orange County, stretching from Irvine to the Los Angeles County border and from Yorba Linda to the Pacific Ocean. Over 20 cities and water districts draw from this basin to serve residents and businesses.

In 2017, Huntington Beach's water consisted of 74% local groundwater and 25% imported treated surface water. The City operates 8 groundwater wells and several MWDSC treated imported surface water connections. Emergency water connections with neighboring Fountain Valley, Seal Beach, and Westminster are also maintained.

As water demand increases statewide, Orange County must carefully manage this precious resource. OCWD and MWDOC collaborate on innovative water management programs including reuse and recycling, wetlands development, groundwater recharge facilities, ocean and brackish water desalination, storage solutions, and efficiency initiatives.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and underground aquifers. As water travels over land or through the earth, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from human and animal activity. Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife.

1. When is my refuse and recycling collection day? View the Trash Collection Route map on our website to determine your specific pickup day.
2. Who do I contact to initiate collection service? Reach the City Clerk's Office at 785-628-7300, or visit them at City Hall, 1507 Main Street, Hays, KS 67601.
3. Why is water conservation so critical in Hays? Among Kansas's 105 counties, 34 have populations exceeding 15,000 residents (2010 census). Of these, 27 are located on or east of U.S. Highway 81, a traditional eastern/western Kansas dividing line. Among the 7 western Kansas counties, all except Ellis County are situated near a major aquifer. This limited access to primary water sources, combined with ongoing regional drought conditions, makes water conservation in Hays absolutely essential.
4. How can I monitor my water usage? Check your monthly utility bill or contact the City Clerk's office at 785-628-7300 for consumption details.
5. What landscaping and irrigation regulations does the City enforce? Review the City's comprehensive landscape and irrigation regulations (PDF) on our website.