Managing water in Los Angeles County is complicated. The County is sustained by a complex
network of natural and engineered water systems that work collectively to meet the needs of our
communities and environment. With over 200 water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control,
and land management agencies, collaboration on a regional scale is critical to facilitating the
resilience and sustainability of this shared resource.
Water resources in Los Angeles County are increasingly stressed. Climate change is causing a
“new normal” of intense droughts, as well as more torrential rains; some groundwater basins are
over-drafted and/or polluted, and some of our most vulnerable communities do not have access to
safe, reliable water.
At the same time, water management in LA County is already rapidly evolving to address many of
the region’s most pressing water issues. Water agencies throughout the county are working
collaboratively with each other and community stakeholders to develop integrated programs and
projects that generate innovative solutions to complex problems.
Healthy Watersheds and Livable Communities |
Surface water quality, mitigating flood risk, healthy habitats, and recreational opportunities are not consistently provided to support livable communities. |
Water Supply Resilience |
Climate change, earthquakes, increasing demand, and groundwater quality are among many challenges to LA County’s water supply. Coordinated efforts to increase resilience are needed in all water sectors – stormwater, potable water, and wastewater. |
Small Water System Infrastructure |
Some small water distribution systems lack the infrastructure and management systems to be resilient in the face of disruptions to supply and aging assets. |
Public Education and Engagement |
Enhanced communication and engagement are important to improve public and decision-maker understanding of water issues. |
Regional Collaboration and Integration |
There are over 200 agencies with separate water management responsibilities and infrastructure. Improved cross-sector collaboration and infrastructure integration could improve water resources management and help meet regional water goals. |
Drinking Water Equity |
Drinking water quality and cost are not equitable across the county. |
The County Water Plan will provide an opportunity to think holistically and regionally about our water resources – fostering collaboration among stormwater, potable water, and recycled water stakeholders to identify opportunities for integrated solutions.
Challenges and Targets |
The CWP will establish targets for measuring progress towards some of the key water management challenges that have been identified by local water agencies, stakeholders, and members of the public. |
Strategies |
The CWP will identify strategies toward addressing the region’s water management challenges. Strategies will draw upon other planning efforts and will be developed in close collaboration with stakeholders. |
Actions |
The CWP will include specific actions, to be led by the County and its partners, to achieve progress toward the region’s water management challenges. |
We will leverage existing efforts like the OurCounty Sustainability Plan, the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan, the LA River Master Plan, and Metropolitan Water Districts Integrated Resource Plan to facilitate the development and implementation of integrated solutions to key water management issues through collaboration with water agencies, stakeholders, and members of the public.
Please check back for updates on how to get involved and upcoming meeting schedules, or sign up to join the County Water Plan contact list.