The L.A. County Safe Clean Water Program aims to capture more storm runoff and reduce pollution in waterways. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Since fall 2020, Los Angeles County has invested nearly $1 billion in almost 500 water projects through the Safe Clean Water Program. To date, the voter-approved Measure W-funded efforts have led to water quality, water supply, flood control and multi-benefit projects that will capture an additional 60,000-acre feet of stormwater annually.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved changes on March 19 to accelerate the program further, through a motion introduced by Board Chair Lindsey Horvath, 3rd District, and Supervisor Hilda Solis, 1st District. Changes include expediting watershed planning with specific goals, metrics and timelines associated with issues such as water quality, water supply, community benefits and disadvantaged community investments.

“Los Angeles County and our taxpayers have invested more than $1 billion to capture, treat and beneficially reuse all the water we can, recognizing that a sustainable future depends on our water resilience,” Horvath said. “[This] motion helps us move faster and with greater efficiency and equity in adaptively managing our Safe Clean Water Program, which is a key tool to reach our ambitious L.A. County Water Plan goals.”

“The Safe Clean Water Program allows us to change the trajectory of many thousands of residents living in our most underserved communities,” Solis added. “It is a fact that many people of color live without adequate water quality and water supply, not to mention without adequate housing and green spaces. We have heard time and time again that the lack of housing, open space and clean water leads to poor public health outcomes. [This] action aims to combat these disparities. This comprehensive report will help streamline critical investments and project delivery – ensuring alignment with program objectives.”

In July, Horvath introduced a motion focused on accelerating the implementation of the Safe Clean Water Program, pushing L.A. County Public Works to streamline processes and bring more projects online. Earlier this year, the SCWP Regional Oversight Committee completed a SCWP Biennial Progress Report with key findings. L.A. County Public Works subsequently issued a report with recommended changes to expedite water projects countywide. The two reports informed the changes the board acted on to expedite the program.

“This is an exciting time for the Safe Clean Water Program and the entire region,” Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said. “We have an energized and engaged stakeholder community, including elected officials, public works professionals, nonprofits, community-based organizations, academics and the public. And we are launching several initiatives that will greatly improve our ability to achieve the population outcomes identified by the board of supervisors and within the program ordinance.”

For information about the Safe Clean Water Program, visit waterforla.com.