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.

From rainwater capture to restored wildlands, resilient landscapes and local water systems can reduce fire risk, protect waterways, and prepare LA for climate whiplash. 

For over 50 years, the Clean Water Act has done much to protect our nation’s waterways, but loopholes in the regulations and lax enforcement have crippled its effectiveness, allowing polluters to exploit the system and contaminate our waters with impunity.

Angelenos are experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand, with extreme droughts and floods becoming more frequent. Proposition 4 offers a solution by funding stormwater capture, groundwater recharge, and climate resilience efforts. Voting "yes" will ensure LA's water future is secure and sustainable, especially for underserved communities.

The CAMP4W marks a historic shift for MWD, placing climate change at the core of its planning and emphasizing local water supplies. This move is crucial for addressing water sustainability and climate resilience across the United States.

To fully deliver on its promise of healthy waterways, thriving communities, and resilient water supplies, the Safe Clean Water Program has to evolve.

Groundwater has always played an integral role in the water supply for the region and is poised to play a primary role in our drought resiliency. Understanding the region’s groundwater journey reveals how this critical resource will secure the LA Basin’s water security for decades to come.