Advanced treatment science
A 16-month pilot tested microfiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation to reliably purify water to potable standards.
The city is turning to large-scale water recycling to cut reliance on imports, protect supplies and build a resilient future through its groundwater replenishment project.
L.A. Department of Water and Power
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has long depended on imported water, but rising demands, limited groundwater and regulatory pressures pushed the city to find a sustainable alternative. We've helped the L.A. Department of Water and Power advance the groundwater replenishment project to ensure safe, reliable potable reuse.
A 16-month pilot tested microfiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation to reliably purify water to potable standards.
The team worked closely with state regulators, aligning treatment goals with evolving recycled water limitations.
Teams provided detailed analysis on how the project could affect groundwater levels, contamination plumes and production wells.
Public workshops and advisory groups built trust, countering past misinformation and earning recognition from the WateReuse Association.
Through detailed treatment testing, regulatory coordination, modeling and community outreach, the groundwater replenishment project set Los Angeles on track to recycle 100% of its wastewater by 2035 while reducing its greenhouse gas footprint compared to seawater desalination. Engineers continue refining tracer testing and preparing for the final inspection as the city advances toward spreading water. “The groundwater replenishment project will be the first potable reuse project in the San Fernando Valley and will serve as a model for future reuse projects,” said Yoshiko Tsunehara, PE, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
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