When you turn on the tap in Newport Beach, it's easy to take for granted the planning and infrastructure that make clean, reliable drinking water possible. Behind the scenes, the City’s Utilities and Public Works Departments are continually investing in innovative projects that will protect our water supply for generations to come.

 

One of the most exciting examples is Newport Beach’s new Groundwater Well Project, a regional partnership that recently earned the 2026 Association of California Cities–Orange County Golden Hub of Innovation Award. The award recognizes the City of Newport Beach and its leadership in collaborating with the Laguna Beach County Water District and the City of Fountain Valley to strengthen long-term water reliability through a shared, forward-thinking approach.

 

The project centers on drilling a new municipal groundwater well in Fountain Valley to benefit all three communities. Under the cooperative agreement, the City of Newport Beach will lead the planning, design, and construction of the well in partnership with the Laguna Beach County Water District, the City of Fountain Valley, and the Orange County Water District. By sharing resources and existing infrastructure instead of each agency building its own facilities, the partnership maximizes public investment while delivering long-term benefits to every community involved.

 

The new well will allow the City to source approximately 85 percent of its water from the groundwater basin. It will also give Newport Beach the ability to increase that amount to 100 percent, when necessary, such as during droughts, periods of reduced imported water availability, or when other operational or financial incentives make greater local production beneficial.

 

That flexibility is important. Imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River remains a valuable part of the region’s water system, but increasing our access to local groundwater gives Newport Beach greater control over its supply and improves our ability to respond to changing conditions. Local groundwater also requires less energy to transport than water moving hundreds of miles across the state, providing environmental benefits while strengthening the City’s resilience.

 

While much of our water system remains out of sight, its impact is felt every day. The Groundwater Well Project demonstrates how the City’s leadership of regional partnerships, thoughtful planning, and innovative engineering can provide lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and future generations. It is an investment not only in our water system, but in the long-term sustainability and resilience of Newport Beach.