[1] The city of Costa Mesa, having been incorporated in 1953, provided municipal services such as a water supply to its residents.

In 1957, the city held a special bond election for the construction of water-related infrastructure, which failed.

[5] In 1978, legislation was adopted to change the name to the Mesa Consolidated Water District.

[8] Mesa Water was in support of the merger, with the Sanitary District opposed to it.

[12][13][14] Mesa Water District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, each elected to a four-year term.