The Ballona Creek Watershed carries water from Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills into the Pacific Ocean. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Public Works Department)

Los Angeles city officials broke ground on the Ballona Creek Watershed Safe Clean Water project, which will rid the watershed of pollutants including trash, metal and pesticides while focusing on bacteria water quality objectives.

“The Safe Clean Water project is an investment in the future for all Angelenos, including those who live on the Westside,” said Councilwoman Traci Park, CD 11. “I commend the work [Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment] and the other city departments have done to make critical projects like this a priority.”

The watershed-wide, multi-benefit project consists of low flow treatment facilities at city-owned properties in Culver City and in the Sepulveda Channel. The facilities will treat and release dry-weather flow locally, in addition to directing water for treatment and reuse/recycling.

“Improving the quality of the Ballona Creek watershed by removing pollutants will protect both public health and the local ecosystem,” said L.A. Sanitation and Environment director and general manager Barbara Romero.

Some of the specific benefits of the project include water quality improvement, improved downstream wetlands and enhanced conditions in the Ballona Creek ecosystem, and community investment opportunities, including job creation and environmental education.

The Ballona Creek Watershed is approximately 128 square miles and drains into the Santa Monica Bay. Construction is scheduled to conclude in spring 2025.

In Beverly Hills, crews expect to complete the Burton Way median project, which is aimed at diverting polluted water from the Ballona Creek Watershed, in June.