NEWS & STORIES
Explore stories from the field, updates on our work, and the people and communities helping protect Los Angeles waterways.
See the latest press coverage featuring LA Waterkeeper’s advocacy, expertise, and impact across the region.
Dive into research, reports, guides, and other resources that shed light on the challenges facing our waters—and the solutions ahead.
Worried about the water impacts of data centers? Vote No on Proposition 45
Prop 45’s promise of more affordability raises the question, “more affordability for whom, corporations or consumers?” There is nothing in the measure that requires developers to pass along the savings they will gain from fewer environmental review requirements, or from the savings they will realize by transferring pollution cleanup costs to public coffers.
Prop 45: Weakened Public Oversight Could Cost Californians Clean Water and Tax Dollars
As California faces growing industrial development and mounting pressure on its water supplies, Proposition 45 could reduce environmental oversight when communities need it most.
LA Waterkeeper's November 2026 Voter Guide: Vote for a Cleaner, Greener LA
From cleaner waterways to greener neighborhoods, here's what's at stake for LA's environment this November.
Beyond Watershed Planning: Engaging Communities to Improve Outcomes of the Safe Clean Water Program
LA Waterkeeper’s new Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP) Watershed Planning Report highlights how LA County can maximize the benefits of its stormwater investments through more proactive, watershed-wide planning.
LA City Council Votes to Allow Billion Dollar Scattergood Gas Plant Retrofit to Move Forward
This afternoon, the Los Angeles City Council voted to allow the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to disregard the concerns of Angelenos and environmental advocates and move forward with its ill-conceived plans to retrofit the Scattergood gas plant to be able to burn a mix of hydrogen and natural gas.
Los Angeles Regional Water Board Adopts First-in-the-Nation Permit Requiring Large Commercial Properties to Clean Up Their Stormwater Pollution
After a decade of litigation and advocacy from environmental non-profits, big box stores, warehouses, and office complexes in two of L.A.’s most polluted watersheds will finally be held responsible for the toxic runoff flowing off their parking lots and rooftops
Transforming Schoolyards into Climate Solutions
The sold-out From Runoff to Resilience Symposium highlighted how living schoolyards can transform paved campuses into greener, healthier spaces that benefit students and strengthen climate resilience.
Five Industrial Emergencies, One Warning: How Toxic Industry Is Threatening LA's Water Future
Industrial risk is no longer limited to the smokestacks, pipes, and visible discharges our laws were built to regulate. It is increasingly cumulative, regional, and hard to detect. The five emergencies that recently struck the Los Angeles area should be a wake-up call — and an opportunity to fix the systems failing to protect us, before it’s too late.
Riverpark Coalition and Los Angeles Waterkeeper announce landmark settlement to expand public park space and protect the Los Angeles River
The Riverpark Coalition (RPC) and Los Angeles Waterkeeper are proud to announce a comprehensive settlement agreement with the owner of the property at 3701 Pacific Place. Resolving the case advances the organizations’ commitment to enhance public open space, improve regional trail connectivity, and protect the Los Angeles River.
New California water coalition breaks with century-old playbook, releases "Water Renaissance" vision for the state's water future
Plan identifies specific strategies for developing drought-proof water supplies in SoCal by 2045 that will generate significantly higher yields than projections for the Delta Conveyance Project
A Personal Note from LA Waterkeeper's Board Chair
An important update for our community on LA Waterkeeper’s leadership, continued strength, and commitment to advancing our mission.
Metropolitan Water District board votes unanimously to support ongoing planning for groundbreaking wastewater recycling project
Environmental groups applaud important step to move toward local water supplies; vote allocates $150M for Pure Water So. Cal. over next two years
Dozens of labor, tribal, conservation, and environmental justice groups urge Metropolitan Water District to prioritize funding for massive wastewater recycling project
Board approved environmental review document; next step is budget appropriation in April
Statement from LA Waterkeeper: Metropolitan Water District board votes to move Pure Water So. Calif. wastewater recycling plan forward
Board approved environmental review document; next step is budget appropriation in April
The Fires Changed LA—Now What?
From rainwater capture to restored wildlands, resilient landscapes and local water systems can reduce fire risk, protect waterways, and prepare LA for climate whiplash.
Celebrating Our 2025 Cleanup Volunteers: Spotlight on Nicholas Golowko
Reflecting on a year of community-powered cleanups and the people who made them possible
Building Momentum for Green Schoolyards Across Los Angeles County
Greening schoolyards by removing pavement and implementing nature-based solutions can make schoolyards safer and healthier for students.
Great Cities Start with Great Water
“Water is life” is more than a phrase–it’s reality! Water shapes our survival, health, and resilience. Yet we still fail to treat water with the respect and protection it deserves. Dive deeper into how water shapes Los Angeles’ climate resilience and learn how Great Cities Start with Great Water.
LA Waterkeeper and Riverpark Coalition Join Forces in Lawsuit against Long Beach over Approval of Pacific Place Self-Storage Project
The organizations will continue their fight to preserve open space in frontline communities, and protect the LA River from further development
Building Bridges: How LA Waterkeeper is Bringing Communities Together for a Healthier LA
To ensure the Safe Clean Water Program truly reflects the priorities of voters and communities, LA Waterkeeper convened a series of workshops to gather feedback on the County’s recently-released draft initial watershed plans.
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