Veteran Irvine Ranch Water District Engineer Wins Top Distinction

Cited for helping develop water portfolio, leading to lower rates for IRWD customers

Many successful Irvine Ranch Water District projects developed over the past 32 years have Greg Heiertz’s stamp on them. Heiertz, IRWD Director of Planning and Water Resources, has been recognized by the Orange County branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers as Government Engineer of the Year.

Heiertz is an example of the caliber of IRWD engineers, who have worked diligently to diversify our water portfolio, which helps keep IRWD rates among the lowest in Orange County.

“It’s exciting to be recognized by my peers in the industry,” Heiertz said. “This reflects the quality of work that we as an organization do. It’s as much a statement about the staff and the board and the way we work together.”

Heiertz joined IRWD in 1979 and has been responsible for projects such as the Dyer Road Wellfield, the Irvine Desalter Project, the Deep Aquifer Treatment System, the Michelson Water Recycling Plant expansion and improvements to the Los Alisos Water Recycling Plant, to name a few.

Currently, he develops policies for master planning of water and wastewater facilities and business strategies for planning, water conservation, groundwater, recycled water and water banking activities. He manages the conservation program and oversees a highly qualified staff of 30.