Meyers Nave Achieves Major Appellate Victory for Water Districts in Groundwater Management Case

We are pleased to announce a significant appellate victory for our clients, Mesa Water District, East Orange County Water District, and Yorba Linda Water District, in the case of Irvine Ranch Water District v. Orange County Water District. The California Court of Appeal’s decision upholds critical groundwater management practices that protect local ratepayers and ensure fair access to water resources.

Background of the Dispute

The litigation began in 2016 when Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) challenged the Orange County Water District’s (OCWD) management of the Orange County Groundwater Basin. IRWD sought to reclassify its recycled water, which would have allowed it to pump more groundwater at reduced costs, while shifting millions in expenses to other water suppliers. IRWD also aimed to secure approval for exporting water outside of OCWD’s jurisdiction, a move that threatened the reliability of the water supply serving 2.5 million residents in northern and central Orange County.

Meyers Nave was retained by Mesa Water District, East Orange County Water District, and Yorba Linda Water District to defend against IRWD’s claims and safeguard their interests. Working alongside the City of Anaheim and Golden State Water Company, we coordinated a common interest group that opposed IRWD’s efforts.

Appellate Court Decision

The Court of Appeal’s ruling is a pivotal win for our clients, affirming OCWD’s established groundwater management practices and prevailing on 15 out of 16 claims. The lone unfavorable ruling was effectively nullified by other decisions in our clients’ favor. The appellate court’s decision ensures fair groundwater access and rate stability for local communities, preventing the cost shifts IRWD sought to impose.

Acknowledgments

We are proud of the exceptional teamwork demonstrated by Meyers Nave throughout this litigation. With critical contributions from Kiana Amiri-Davani our team played a key role in this significant win for our clients. This result reflects our dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and protecting vital public resources.

We remain committed to delivering outstanding legal representation and are honored to have played a role in preserving fair water management practices that benefit millions of Orange County residents.

For more details on the case and its outcomes, visit the Orange County Water District’s official announcement here.