Protect Public Health & Environment
Navigating new PFAS regulations and Senate Bill 1383 requirements while protecting public health, the environment, and ratepayer costs through environmentally sound biosolids management.
30+
Years of Water Leadership
100%
District Recycling Goal Advanced
Meet
Saundra Frances Jacobs
Saundra Frances Jacobs has served as a member of the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Board of Directors since 1996 and is a past Board President. A longtime resident of Mission Viejo, she has dedicated nearly three decades to shaping policies that keep our community's water safe, reliable, sustainable, and affordable for every customer.
With more than 30 years of experience as an environmental planner in both the public and private sectors, Director Jacobs brings deep technical expertise to the Board. She is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she built a strong foundation in earth sciences that she continues to apply to water quality initiatives and District project planning.
She previously served as President of a successful Women-Owned Business Enterprise telecommunications consulting firm based in South Orange County and continues to consult for nationwide environmental firms.
Director Jacobs is actively engaged in the water industry and her local community.
Affiliations
- Treasurer, Independent Special Districts of Orange County (ISDOC)
- Urban Water Institute
- ACWA Communications & Local Government Committees
- California Association of Sanitary Agencies (CASA)
- California Special Districts Association (CSDA)
- Orange County Water Association
- Former President, Lake Mission Viejo Association
- Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce
- Mission Viejo Elks Lodge
- Mission Viejo Rotary Club
Why I'm Running
Our community deserves experienced, steady leadership that puts water reliability and affordability first.
I'm running for re-election to the Santa Margarita Water District Board because our community deserves experienced, steady leadership that puts water reliability and affordability first — especially in the face of climate challenges, regulatory changes, and growing demand.
As a Mission Viejo resident for decades and a Board member since 1996, I've seen firsthand how thoughtful planning today protects our families, our environment, and our future. I've helped guide SMWD through droughts, annexation opportunities, and major infrastructure upgrades, always with ratepayers in mind. My background as an environmental planner and my deep roots in the community give me the knowledge and commitment to continue delivering on the ambitious 2030 goals we've set together.
With your support, I'll keep fighting to strengthen local water supplies, expand storage, and ensure every drop is used wisely — so our kids and grandkids inherit a secure water future.
Priorities
Delivering for Our Water Future
Five commitments driving my work on the SMWD Board. Hover or tap a card to learn more.
Expand Local Water Supply
Championing efforts to reach 30% local water production (10,000–14,000 acre-feet) to reduce dependence on imported water and improve reliability for our community.
Strengthen Emergency Water Storage
Maintaining nearly 430 million gallons of drinking water storage — one of the largest in Orange County — while supporting over 3 billion gallons available for aerial firefighting operations.
Reuse Every Drop
Advancing the District's goal to recycle 100% of wastewater through one of Orange County's largest recycled water programs, serving more than 200,000 residents via three advanced reclamation plants.
Fiscal Responsibility & Stewardship
Maintaining affordability, fostering regional partnerships, and protecting our creeks, beaches, and natural resources through sound environmental and governmental policy.
Accomplishments
Proven Results for SMWD Customers
Three decades of leadership delivering tangible wins for our community.
30%
Local Water Supply Goal by 2030
Water Supply & Reliability
Reducing Dependence on Imported Water
- Championed the District's 2030 goal of 30% local water supply (10,000–14,000 acre-feet), reducing reliance on Metropolitan Water District imports and enhancing drought resilience.
- Played a key role in major infrastructure wins, including the Trampas Canyon Reservoir — Orange County's largest recycled water reservoir at 1.6 billion-gallon capacity — recognized for innovation by the Association of California Water Agencies.
3B+
Gallons for Firefighting Operations
Emergency Storage & Fire Readiness
Protecting Our Community in Crisis
- Oversaw expansion of drinking water storage capacity to nearly 430 million gallons — one of the largest systems in Orange County.
- Secured over 3 billion gallons available for aerial firefighting operations through regional partnerships.
200K+
Residents Served by Recycled Water
Sustainability & Wastewater Reuse
Recycling Every Drop
- Advanced SMWD's commitment to recycle 100% of wastewater through one of Orange County's largest recycled water programs.
- Helped build a system serving more than 200,000 residents via three advanced reclamation plants, preserving drinking water for essential uses.
$3M
Recovered for Ratepayers
Fiscal & Environmental Stewardship
Watching Out for Every Dollar
- Secured a $3 million recovery from Metropolitan Water District billing errors — money returned to ratepayers.
- Navigated complex PFAS regulations and Senate Bill 1383 requirements while protecting both ratepayers and the environment.
- Maintained strong regional partnerships across south Orange County to safeguard water supplies from natural disasters and ensure long-term affordability.
Endorsements
Trusted by Leaders Across Our Community
Saundra is proud to be supported by elected officials, civic leaders, community members, and organizations who know what experienced water leadership looks like.
Laura Freese
President, Santa Margarita Water District Board
Frank Ury
Vice President, Santa Margarita Water District Board
Dr. Betty Olsen
Director, Santa Margarita Water District Board
Margaret Novak
Director, Santa Margarita Water District Board
Megan Yoo-Schneider
Director, Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC)
Denis Bilodeau
President, Orange County Water District (OCWD) Board
Andrew Hamilton
Orange County Auditor-Controller
Jeffrey Jacobs
Community Member
Sarah and Tim Collins
Community Members
Want to add your name?
Join the growing list of community members and leaders supporting Saundra's re-election.
Get Involved
Join the Campaign
Whether you can give an hour, host a sign, or simply spread the word — every contribution matters. Sign up to receive campaign updates and find out how you can help re-elect Saundra to protect our water future.
- Stay informed with campaign updates
- Get invited to community events
- Find out how to help — on your schedule
Questions? Email Saundra@JacobsforWaterBoard.com
Donate
Power the Campaign
Every contribution — large or small — helps us reach voters across Division 2 with our message of experienced, steady water leadership. Your support funds mail, digital outreach, and the grassroots organizing it takes to win in November.
Contributions are not tax-deductible. Jacobs for Water Board 2026 is registered with the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
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