On May 28, nearly 200 people gathered at the Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach to celebrate a century of service by the Laguna Beach County Water District. The 100th Anniversary event honored the District’s long history of innovation, community partnerships, and commitment to water reliability. Guests were treated to a short film that highlighted key moments from the past 100 years, and got a first look at the District’s newest ambassador, Dew Drop (aka “Dewey”), a water-saving duck with roots in the District’s early days. The evening also included proclamations from the City of Laguna Beach, the Association of California Water Agencies, Supervisor Katrina Foley, and Senator Tony Strickland, each recognizing the District’s milestone and lasting impact on the community.
Since its establishment in 1925, the District has been a vital part of the community, pioneering sustainable water management, overcoming historic challenges, and ensuring a safe, reliable water supply for future generations.
A century ago, in true Laguna fashion, a small group of creative, determined residents set out to solve the town’s growing water needs—with a little ingenuity and a lot of spirit. Posing as “duck hunters” in 1924, they secured 120 acres of water-rich land in Huntington Beach that would lay the foundation for a future built on resilience and local pride. Just months later, on May 4, 1925, Laguna Beach residents made it official, voting unanimously to create the Laguna Beach County Water District, an institution that would safeguard their most precious resource for generations to come.
Their bold action couldn’t have come at a more critical time. As Laguna’s population grew, the fragile private wells in Laguna Canyon, once sufficient, began to fail, leaving the village increasingly vulnerable. Early settlers, who once collected rainwater in barrels, now faced long waits in growing lines, sometimes as many as 50 cars deep, to draw water from the county well. Heavy pumping of shallow wells led to saltwater intrusion, and the village’s first water system, managed by the Skidmore brothers, could no longer meet the needs of a growing population.
By the fall of 1924, village residents pulled together to form a citizens’ committee to search for a reliable water supply. With few viable options nearby, the search led them north toward the Santa Ana River Basin. Five committee members, armed with a cover story about forming a "duck hunting club," discovered promising groundwater lands in Huntington Beach. Pooling $1,000 from their own pockets, they secured the land, setting Laguna Beach on a new path.
On May 4, 1925, residents went to the polls and unanimously approved the formation of the District, 359 to 0. Just months later, on January 5, 1926, they overwhelmingly passed a $600,000 bond measure, 437 to 0, to fund the purchase of the Huntington Beach land, construct a 13-mile transmission pipeline, and build a new water system. By spring 1927, water was flowing into Laguna, marking the beginning of a new era for the community.
“Reaching 100 years is a tremendous milestone,” said Keith Van Der Maaten, General Manager of the District. “This anniversary is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team—past and present, and to the enduring spirit of our community. Together, we’ve faced challenges, embraced innovation, and built a water system that will continue to serve Laguna Beach for generations to come.”
While the District’s early success helped stabilize Laguna Beach’s water needs, new challenges soon followed. By the early 1940s, seawater intrusion again threatened groundwater supplies, forcing the District to seek new sources. In 1943, the District secured a connection to the Colorado River through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, marking a major milestone in regional water security and resilience.
“Water is the quiet hero of Laguna Beach, it fuels our gardens, protects our homes, and brings us together as a community,” said Laguna Beach Mayor and District Board President Alex Rounaghi. “It’s easy to take it for granted when it’s there every time you turn on the tap. But behind that reliability is a century of commitment, and a future that depends on all of us continuing to value and protect it.”
Today, the District continues to lead by example, setting the standard for water stewardship and innovation. It has invested in state-of-the-art infrastructure, partnered in regional desalination efforts, expanded groundwater access, and launched award-winning public outreach efforts to promote water conservation, sustainable landscaping, and fire resilience. Throughout every initiative, the District remains firmly committed to transparency and the responsible stewardship of ratepayer dollars, ensuring that every investment reflects both community priorities and long-term value.
“We’ve always been more than a water provider,” said Debbie Neev, Chair of the District’s Water Commission. “We’re educators, protectors, and partners with our community. This centennial isn’t just a look back, it’s a celebration of Laguna’s creativity, resilience, and shared commitment to a sustainable future.”
From duck hunting disguises to cutting-edge water innovation, the Laguna Beach County Water District’s journey reflects the enduring spirit of a community that always finds a way forward. As the District steps into its second century, one thing remains clear: in Laguna Beach, water is more than a resource, it’s a bond that connects and sustains us all.
