In Focus
LADWP Takes Major Step Towards Developing Drought Proof Local Water Supplies through Groundwater Replenishment Project
by Christina Holland
Many, if not most of us, are accustomed to the concepts of recycling or reusability. Reusable shopping bags, straws, utensils, food storage containers, and water bottles are all standard in today’s households. But what about water? Is there a potential for reuse there? LADWP says yes, 100-percent yes! As a matter of fact, LADWP has been recycling wastewater for over 40 years, and just recently, the Department embarked on the construction of one of the state’s largest recycled water projects: the Los Angeles Groundwater Replenishment (LAGWR) Project, based out of the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Facility in the San Fernando Valley.
In partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation and Environment (LASAN), this $740 million milestone project will create a sustainable source of local drinking water for over 250,000 Angelenos by producing 20-million gallons per day of purified recycled water. New facilities will be built utilizing proven technology that produces safe, high quality drinking water that in turn, enhances public health.
“We’re committed to being a national and global leader in innovative water management by focusing on three key areas: the safety of drinking water, reliability of water infrastructure, and developing sustainable local water supplies. This project reflects our commitment to these objectives, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team for their contribution in making these objectives a reality.”
Janisse Quiñones, LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer
Photo courtesy Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment
Currently, the Tillman facility collects sanitary sewer flow from the San Fernando Valley and fully treats it to state regulated, non-potable, recycled water standards. Approximately three million gallons of recycled water makes its way daily to more than a dozen LADWP customers for use in large-scale irrigation at municipal parks and golf courses, and for HVAC cooling at commercial properties. The remaining recycled water, that is not earmarked for these commercial customers, supports our environment in the Sepulveda Basin and the L.A. River. The LAGWR project will build on this success by producing advanced treated recycled water, which LADWP will then utilize to recharge the San Fernando groundwater basin. LAGWR aims to produce safe, high-quality drinking water that meets and exceeds California’s stringent water quality standards.
"With the clear and persistent effects of climate change, the LAGWR project represents LADWP’s determination to reduce our reliance on purchased imported water, while developing a more resilient local water supply. Upon completion in 2027, L.A. will have a guaranteed source of water that is climate and drought resistant."
Jesus Gonzalez, LADWP Manager of Groundwater and Recycled Water
A major component of LAGWR is the Advanced Water Purification Facility that broke ground in December 2024. The new state-of-the-art facility includes proven technologies such as membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet advanced oxidation. After undergoing advanced treatment, the purified water will be conveyed by LADWP’s existing 10-mile pipeline to the Hansen Spreading Grounds (HSG), where it will replenish the San Fernando Groundwater Basin. The water will then spend approximately 28 months traveling through Mother Nature’s soil filters for another level of purification. When the Department is ready to pump out the water, it will receive a final round of treatment and testing before it is introduced into LADWP’s potable water distribution system. Construction on the project also includes an equalization storage facility, a maintenance and warehouse facility, and the Japanese garden effluent bypass.
LADWP and LASAN have been collaborating together to develop the LAGWR Project in the San Fernando Valley for several years, conducting pilot testing, performing research of the groundwater basin, and conducting significant outreach to the community. Completion of construction on the LAGWR is scheduled for winter of 2027. More than half of the $740 million towards the project has been funded through federal, state, and local partnerships. The project is being constructed via a design-build delivery model to minimize cost, reduce risk, streamline construction, and improve schedule performance.
LADWP will continue to work closely with LASAN, the community, and all stakeholders throughout the city to ensure the project’s success, bringing us that much closer to a more resilient and sustainable water future.
For more information visit the LAGWR project website.
