MWDOC Honored with Dual Recognition for Transparency and Governance Excellence
Fountain Valley, CA (April 17, 2025) — The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) has received two prestigious awards from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF), recognizing the agency’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and good governance. MWDOC has earned the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence and the District of Distinction accreditation—two of the highest honors given to California special districts. These accolades confirm that MWDOC not only meets but exceeds state requirements for public access, financial integrity, and board accountability.
“This award is a testament to Municipal Water District of Orange County’s commitment to open government,” said Harvey De La Torre, General Manager. “Our Board and staff are to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with accessible information to facilitate engagement.”
To achieve the Transparency Certificate, MWDOC demonstrated excellence in open government practices, including the completion of essential governance transparency requirements, conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.
The District of Distinction accreditation recognizes MWDOC’s commitment to the best operational and financial practices. To qualify, the district must meet strict transparency standards, ensure Board and executive training in public governance and ethics, and post key information, such as budgets, audits, and compensation, on its website.
“SDLF provides an independent audit review of the last three years of the district’s operations to ensure prudent fiscal practices,” said Neil McCormick, SDLF Chief Executive Officer. “The committee members who review the audits are volunteers from the special district community, including district controllers, directors of finance, and certified general managers.”
These dual recognitions place MWDOC among a select group of agencies statewide that go above and beyond in transparency and performance, reinforcing its leadership role in public service.
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The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is a wholesale water provider and resource planning agency whose efforts focus on sound planning and appropriate investments in water supply, water use efficiency and conservation, public information and outreach, legislative advocacy, water education for all ages, and emergency preparedness. MWDOC’s 27 water agencies, comprised of both city water departments and water districts, provide water service to the public.