SECURING A CLIMATE-RESILIENT WATER SUPPLY
Pillar:
Los Angeles depends heavily on imported water, much of it from distant snowpack in places like the Colorado River Basin and beyond. For decades, that snowpack functioned as a natural reservoir, melting gradually to provide a steady, reliable supply. Now, that supply is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. By investing in sustainable local water sources—capturing stormwater, recycling water, restoring groundwater, and conserving what we have—we can fix LA’s water challenges and build a more reliable and equitable water future.
KEY CAMPAIGNS:
4R Integrated Water Management
Los Angeles relies heavily on imported water, which is becoming less reliable in the face of climate change. We push for local solutions, like stormwater capture, water recycling, and conservation, to make our water supply cleaner, safer, and more reliable.
Reusing Stormwater
As climate change brings more extreme swings between drought and intense storms, we must take advantage of every drop we get. By investing in multi-benefit, nature-based solutions, we can capture and store stormwater, recharge groundwater, reduce urban heat, and create healthier, greener communities.
Reducing Water Waste
We advocate for stronger conservation policies and investments that make efficiency the norm, from expanding direct-install programs and fixing aging infrastructure to setting more ambitious, enforceable water-use targets.
By using less water every day, we can ease pressure on limited supplies and avoid costly, environmentally harmful alternatives.
Recycling Wastewater
Advanced purification technologies make it possible to transform wastewater into a safe, reliable source of water for groundwater recharge, drinking, and other essential uses. Expanding these systems can significantly reduce pollution while strengthening our region’s long-term water security.
Restoring Groundwater
Groundwater supplies nearly half the drinking water for about four million people in southern Los Angeles County. Yet contamination and aging infrastructure have left wells offline and limited access to this vital local resource.
We work to restore and protect groundwater basins through cleanup, expanded recharge, and stronger long-term management.