Well 28 and Antepasado Park Complete

The City of Orange recently completed Well No. 28, a critical addition to the City's water supply system and a powerful example of collaboration among multiple agencies and community partners. This project was partially funded by the Orange County Water District (OCWD) through grant funds from the Santa Ana River Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program (SARCCUP). OCWD also provided funding for a new state-of-the-art treatment system at the site to remove PFAS, ensuring that residents have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water.

At 1,300 feet deep, Well No. 28 is the City's deepest groundwater production well and one of its most productive. Equipped with a 600-horsepower motor-the largest operated by the Water Division-the well has the capacity to produce 3,000 gallons per minute. At full operation, it will provide approximately 14% of the City's total water production capacity, enough to serve about 20,000 residents.

The story of Well No. 28 is also one of innovation and partnership. Originally, the City had designated a future well site adjacent to Chapman University's Panther Village student housing. When Chapman University expressed interest in acquiring that parcel, the City and the university reached a mutually beneficial agreement: a land swap. Chapman exchanged a 15,681-square-foot property at Maple Avenue and Lemon Street for the City's reserved parcel. This new site proved to be more advantageous for water operations, while also allowing Chapman to fully develop its project near Panther Village.

Adding even more value for the community, the City constructed Antepasado Park in front of the well site. Though modest in size-less than 5,000 square feet-this pocket park carries great historical and cultural significance. Named to honor the Cypress Street Barrio, a once-thriving Mexican American neighborhood in Orange, Antepasado Park preserves the legacy of a resilient community that flourished despite adversity. Today, the park provides a welcoming green space for nearby residents, students, and commuters.

Well No. 28 demonstrates what can be achieved when public agencies, local government, and community partners work together. By combining reliable water supply, advanced treatment, creative land use, and meaningful cultural recognition, the project delivers long-lasting benefits that extend well beyond water infrastructure.