Orange County Utilities Secures AAA Bond Ratings, Retains Level of Excellence

Orange County Utilities Secures AAA Bond Ratings, Retains Level of Excellence

The water and wastewater system of Orange County Utilities was awarded the prestigious AAA ratings by S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings for bonds issued in October 2026.

These elite ratings were earned due to the system's exceptionally strong financial profile during the rating agencies evaluation of the system's Series 2026 Water and Wastewater Utility Revenue Bonds that were recently sold. Both firms also affirmed their AAA ratings on the water utility system's existing outstanding debt.

AAA is the highest possible rating from both S&P and Fitch. These ratings were issued after the county responded to a lengthy information request process from each firm and conducted follow-up ratings calls.

"Our team is extremely proud to, once again, achieve these results," said Marc Cannata, Director, Orange County Utilities. "The support from the Board of County Commissioners and accomplishment by our fiscal experts is truly noteworthy - particularly in the current challenging economic climate," he added.

Also involved in the rigorous and collaborative process were: the Orange County Fiscal & Business Services Division, Orange County Comptroller's Office; Orange County Attorney's Office; financial advisory firm PFM Financial Advisors, LLC; bond and disclosure counsel Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson; engineering firm Carollo and rate consultant Stantec Consulting, Inc.

Orange County Utilities provides services to a residential population of 871,000 water, 1.14 million wastewater, 421,000 reclaimed water and 687,000 solid waste customers.

Congratulations to all involved in this latest financial success.

Photo: Eastern Regional Water Reclamation Facility