California Construction News staff writer
The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners has approved the construction of the Groundwater Replenishment Project, one of California’s largest potable water reuse initiatives. The project, in partnership with the city’s Bureau of Sanitation, aims to create a sustainable, drought-resistant source of drinking water by producing 20 million gallons of purified recycled water per day.
Jacobs Solutions will act as a progressive design-build contractor for the Donald C. Tillman Advanced Water Equalization Basins project in the City of Los Angeles.
The project is a critical part of the city’s strategy to reduce reliance on imported water. Once complete, the site will supply high-quality drinking water for 250,000 Los Angeles residents.
LADWP CEO Janisse Quiñones called the approval a significant step in the city’s efforts to secure a reliable local water supply. “This project reflects our commitment to innovative water management, with a focus on safe drinking water, reliable infrastructure, and sustainable local supplies,” Quiñones said.
The project includes a 30-million-gallon-per-day Advanced Water Purification Facility, an Equalization Storage Facility, a Maintenance and Warehouse Facility, and the Japanese Garden Effluent Bypass.
The initiative supports the goals outlined in Los Angeles’ 2020 Urban Water Management Plan and Mayor Karen Bass’ Executive Directive 5, both of which prioritize local water sources over imported supplies.
“This project is essential as we work to combat the effects of climate change and build a more sustainable Los Angeles,” said Mayor Bass. “Through this partnership, we will strengthen our city’s infrastructure and continue to lead in sustainable water management.”
In addition to $740 million from LADWP, the project has secured nearly $400 million in funding from federal, state, and local sources. LADWP and the Bureau of Sanitation will continue to seek additional external funding to minimize costs for ratepayers.
The Groundwater Replenishment Project will significantly increase the city’s water resilience, providing a reliable, locally sourced water supply while reducing reliance on imported water.
