Current facility service locations and proposed expansions are shown on the adjacent map. Orange County's Utilities Division is the largest provider of central wastewater treatment service in the unincorporated portions of Orange County. Package plants, which are used to provide temporary service to small developments, are currently being eliminated as capacity and lines in the County's central sewer system become available. Septic tanks are primarily used by homeowners to serve their individual site and are allowed only under certain limited conditions.
Central sewer is the preferred method of wastewater treatment.
The Wastewater Element provides that all wastewater facility plans and programs will be designed and implemented in a manner that supports the LSA growth management strategy. The source of drinking water for Orange County's population is the underlying aquifers. The amount of water in the aquifers is not infinite and must be constantly replenished. The most important initiative that Orange County has undertaken in order to protect and replenish the aquifers is the Conserve II project. Conserve II is an innovative water reuse program that has achieved international recognition for its high-tech water conservation and reuse methods.