Award Winning Division

The City of Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division is an award-winning utility where excellence flows through every drop!

With a comprehensive approach to water management, exceptional engineering, and a steadfast commitment to reliability, efficiency, and green practices, we've consistently earned acclaim from prestigious organizations nationwide.

We invite you to explore how our dedication to quality, innovation, and community service shines through.

The City of Santa Ana is proud to share exciting news with the community. Our tap water has once again earned the title of the best-tasting and highest-quality tap water in the world!

Santa Ana has struck gold in the municipal water category not once, not twice, but three times at the renowned Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting. This event gathers municipalities, private water agencies, and bottled water companies from around the world to vie for the coveted "best tasting" title.

We faced off against waters sourced from 16 states and 18 foreign countries and yet emerged as the winner. It's a significant achievement, demonstrating that Santa Ana's tap water is a cut above the rest. This triple gold win is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Water Resources Division.

Year after year, our certified specialists ensure that your tap water meets and exceeds the strictest federal and state drinking water regulations. With over 120 different constituents tested and thousands of quality tests performed annually, you can trust that every drop from your tap is of the highest quality.

But what makes Santa Ana's tap water so special? It all starts with our vast groundwater basin beneath northern and central Orange County. The natural filtration system of the basin’s deep aquifers purifies the water as it flows through porous layers of soil, removing sediment and impurities. The fresh groundwater is then pumped to the surface through our city-owned wells, and tested and treated before it reaches your tap.

“It is not a simple task to maintain a healthy, reliable, safe drinking water supply. It requires a large investment in infrastructure and resources as well as people.”
—Cesar Barrera, Deputy Public Works Director | Water Resources Manager, City of Santa Ana

We're incredibly proud of this achievement, and it's all thanks to the dedication of our Water Resources team who work tirelessly to serve our community and our partnership with the Orange County Water District (OCWD), which manages the groundwater basin. Together, we ensure that your tap water remains not only high in quality but also a reliable and plentiful source. Please join us in celebrating Santa Ana’s triple gold victory for drinking water excellence!

To discover more about our award-winning tap water, including its sources, composition, and the rigorous measures we employ to maintain its quality, visit santaanaccr.org. Stay tuned for the upcoming release of the 2023 Water Quality Report in July, where you'll find detailed insights from last year's monitoring and tests, along with important updates.