For a century, Southern California has relied on a vital system of imported water brought from hundreds of miles away. But as climate change puts new pressure on those traditional sources, Los Angeles is making a multi-billion-dollar bet on a new, drought-proof local supply: advanced water recycling.

In this episode, we go inside the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant to understand this monumental shift. Can we really turn wastewater into a pure, safe, and reliable source of drinking water? We explore the technology, the cost, and the challenge of building public trust with the people who are essential to making it work:

• Eileen Alduenda (Council for Watershed Health): The environmental advocate focused on community impact and watershed health.
• Joe Broughton (Jacobs Engineering): The engineer who managed the complex construction of the expansion.
• Anselmo Collins (LADWP): The senior manager tasked with securing water for four million people.

Join us as we explore what it takes to turn a city’s wastewater into its most valuable resource, and ask: Is this the future of water in Southern California?

If you like this episode, you may also enjoy What Matters Water TV + Podcast Episode 18, titled Wastewater to Wonder: California’s Charge to Advanced Purified Water. 

The post #26 – L.A. Is Banking on Recycled Water appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

The evening featured a rousing keynote address from Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, representing the 62nd Assembly District in Southeast Los Angeles. Two prestigious awards were presented to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of three distinguished leaders in the water industry.

Martin Adams, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, received the Harriett M. Wieder Water Leadership Award for his commitment to providing affordable, reliable and sustainable water for all Angelenos today and into the future.

Mike Markus, general manager of Orange County Water District, joined Mr. Adams in being honored with the Harriett Wieder Award for his contributions to providing high-quality drinking water for the millions that live in Orange County.

Steve Elie, Board Vice President of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, was honored with the Kathy Cole Award for his significant dedication, unwavering perseverance, and exceptional collaborative spirit within IEUA and SCWC, where he currently serves as second Vice Chair and led the Legislative Task Force.

Harriett Wieder Water Leadership Award Goes to Marty Adams and Mike Markus

“Marty Adams and Mike Markus, the Harriett M. Wieder Water Leadership Award recipients in 2023, exemplify unwavering dedication to advancing California’s critical water supply issues,” said Charley Wilson, the executive director of the Southern California Water Coalition.

Wilson explained that the award, symbolized by a block of wood, resonates with the spirit of former Orange County Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder, who famously stated that sometimes, to drive change, one must use a 2×4 to capture attention. Wieder was the founder of the Southern California Water Coalition.

“In the case of both Marty and Mike, their extraordinary leadership has indeed captured our attention and spurred remarkable change,” said Wilson.

About Marty Adams

Marty Adams, the Harriett M. Wieder Water Leadership Award recipient, boasts a remarkable career spanning four decades, mainly dedicated to the LADWP. Starting as an entry-level engineer in 1983 after earning his degree from Loyola Marymount University, Marty ascended the ranks, overseeing pivotal projects in water storage, conveyance, and treatment. As the General Manager and Chief Engineer of LADWP, he’s shown unwavering leadership on regional and statewide water issues, earning a stellar reputation for collaboration with elected officials and neighborhood councils.

Marty’s accomplishments include driving LADWP’s local water supply development efforts to reduce reliance on imported water while meeting L.A.’s environmental commitments in the Owens Valley and maintaining the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which continues to be the most cost-effective water source for the second largest city in the US. His work also encompasses crucial water initiatives like stormwater capture and groundwater system construction in the San Fernando Valley. Known for his innovative deployment of shade balls to protect water quality in the Los Angeles Reservoir, Marty is also leading LADWP’s transition to clean energy.

“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Marty has prioritized building trust in public water and power utilities. As he enters retirement, his continued contributions will undoubtedly shape a brighter and more sustainable future for our community,” Wilson said.

About Mike Markus

Mike Markus, a prominent figure in water management, has been the general manager of the Orange County Water District since 2007, leaving a legacy of excellence and innovation.

His illustrious career is closely associated with OCWD’s emergence as a global leader in advanced water treatment and groundwater management. The groundbreaking Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) project stands as a testament to Mike’s visionary leadership, replenishing groundwater supplies with purified wastewater and earning numerous industry awards.

Mike’s journey began at OCWD in 1988, where he rapidly rose through the ranks, subsequently managing GWRS and earning accolades like the 2008 Stockholm Industry Water Award.

“Mike’s remarkable leadership at OCWD, notably spearheading the groundbreaking GWRS project, has set the global standard for advanced water treatment and groundwater management,” noted Wilson. “His vision and tenacity in the face of daunting challenges, from technological hurdles to public acceptance, have not only earned him well-deserved accolades but have also paved the way for monumental projects like Metropolitan’s Pure Water Southern California.”

Steve Elie Honored with Kathy Cole Award

“SCWC is proud to recognize our second vice chair and longtime board member Steve Elie as the recipient of the 2023 Kathy Cole Award. This prestigious accolade, established in 2020 by SCWC, celebrates individuals who exemplify the dedication, perseverance, and collaborative spirit embodied by former Metropolitan Water District Executive Legislative Representative, Kathy Cole,” Wilson said.

The award is more than a mere accolade; it includes a whiskey decanter and two glasses etched with Mark Twain’s famous words, “Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting.”

Steve Elie, a true champion in the water policy field, is a deserving recipient of this honor. Serving as a board member of IEUA, SCWC, and other organizations, Steve’s contributions have been nothing short of exceptional.

Steve’s journey on the IEUA board began in 2010, and his three re-elections underscore the trust and respect he commands from the community. He currently serves as the Board Vice President.

As an accomplished environmental and water law attorney, Steve champions the causes of public entities and regulated public utility entities, particularly focusing on soil and groundwater contamination.

Steve’s commitment extends to leadership roles in various organizations, including Chair of the National Water Research Institute and representing the Chino Basin Watermaster, Chino Basin Desalter Authority, Association of San Bernardino County Special Districts, and the Chino Basin Water Bank.

“As a coalition builder, educator, and advocate for water, Steve’s enduring contributions and his ability to bring insight as well as levity and camaraderie to complex water policy discussions have been truly remarkable,” Wilson said.

The area’s largest networking event for water, business, agriculture, local public policymakers, labor groups, and environmental leaders commenced with a VIP reception followed by a dinner and program. 

The post Southern California Water Coalition Recognizes Exceptional Leaders at 2023 Annual Dinner appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Are you curious to learn more about how Infrastructure L.A. will affect Los Angeles’s water landscape? 

In this episode of SCWC, we are joined by three esteemed experts from Los Angeles County Public Works and the LA Department of Water and Power. They’ll provide cutting-edge insights into the implications of this ambitious undertaking for water supply management and beyond—don’t miss it! 

Joining the discussion is Mark Pestrella, the CEO and Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, bringing his expertise on infrastructure development and its implications for the county. 

Our second guest is Marty Adams, the general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, who will enlighten us on the crucial role of water supply management in this monumental initiative.

Thirdly, we have Anselmo Collins, the senior assistant general manager of the water systems for LADWP and the chair of the Infrastructure Initiative’s Water Committee. His insights into the integration of recycled water and sustainable practices will be instrumental in understanding the far-reaching impact of Infrastructure L.A. on LA’s water landscape. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s embark on this enlightening journey through the world of Infrastructure L.A. and its profound implications for the future of water in Los Angeles.

Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SoCalWaterComm on Twitter.

You might also enjoy our episodes with Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and a subsequent episode featuring Metropolitan Water District’s Water Resources Manager Brad Coffey, who is the lead on Metropolitan’s Pure Water Initiative; Liz Crosson, who is MWD’s Chief Sustainability, Resiliency and Innovation Officer, and Liji Thomas, who is MWD Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.

The post #14 – Mark Pestrella, Marty Adams, and Anselmo Collins appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Protecting Every Source: Southern California’s Water Story highlights the work that Southern California’s water agencies are doing to transform the regions’ water systems amidst a record drought. The video demonstrates how Southern California has become one of the most water-efficient regions in the world — diversifying our water supply portfolios to expand local water resources while protecting the health of our imported supplies.

“As climate change continues to make year-to-year hydrology less predictable, having a diversified water supply portfolio will help us adapt to meet the needs of our changing climate, and we want to make sure our ratepayers understand how that will happen,” said Paul Liu, SCWC Board Member and Managing Water Utility Engineer at LADWP. “This video will be a vital tool in dispelling the common misconception among Southern California residents that local water supplies will lead us to outgrow the need for imported water — this belief isn’t rooted in reality. Imported water will always be a vital piece of our portfolio.”

The video takes viewers on an animated journey, explaining the sources that make up Southern California’s water supplies. Viewers are shown the foundational importance of imported supplies, like those from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Colorado River, as well as added strength provided through local water investments in stormwater capture, water recycling and groundwater recharge — and how each of these sources have been impacted by California’s changing climate.

“We’re proud to have LADWP’s support in the development of this resource,” said Charley Wilson, SCWC Executive Director. “SCWC members have been hard at work innovating and modernizing our region’s water systems and it’s important that the communities we serve understand that their water comes from a variety of wide-ranging sources, as far away as the Eastern Sierras and as close as their backyards.”

The video series was made possible through generous funding provided by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.  Animation studio Epipheo also produced SCWC’s Recycled Water video series and a video encouraging California legislators to fund recycled water projects.

The post New Educational Video Highlights SoCal’s Water Supplies appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

This is why LADWP offers outdoor water conservation programs and resources to help our residential and business customers make the switch from thirsty grass to a beautiful drought-tolerant landscape to save thousands of gallons of water.

TURF REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Starting October 1, 2022, the turf replacement rebate will be $5 per square foot to replace your thirsty lawn with drought-friendly landscaping. Available to Residential and Commercial Customers. Learn more here: ladwp.com/landscaping

LANDSCAPE DESIGN SERVICES
Get a free customized, professional design to help you plan your own turf replacement project. Customers receive a planting and irrigation plan, list of low-water use plants, and a rough cost estimate for their project.
Single Family Residential Customers Only. Learn more here: designyourgarden.ladwp.com

LAWN BE GONE HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
Free workshops where customers can learn how to make their garden drought-tolerant and become waterwise gardeners.
Residential Customers Only. View upcoming classes here: lawnbegone.ladwp.com

CA NATIVE PLANT LANDSCAPER CERTIFICATE
A free program designed for professional gardeners to educate on proper maintenance of a water-efficient, California-friendly or native garden. Held in partnership with the Theodore Payne Foundation.
Learn more here: theodorepayne.org/learn/landscaper-certification

ONLINE RESOURCES & INSPIRATION
From downloadable low water use landscape design templates to searchable plant databases to landscape transformation videos,
LADWP has the help you need for your next water conservation DIY project. Learn more at ladwp.cafriendly/landscaping.com

FREE MATERIALS
Mulch is a great way to save water by keeping the soil around your plants cool and moist. Free mulch is available through our partners at LA Sanitation. Find a location nearest you at: lacitysan.org/freemulch

City Plants distributes free trees to residents for yards and parkways. You may be able to receive up to 7 free trees for use on your project and to help save energy and cool your home. Learn more at CityPlants.org

NOT READY TO MAKE THE SWITCH?
LADWP also offers rebates on efficient irrigation products like efficient sprinkler heads and weather-based irrigation controllers to help reduce the amount of water used on your existing landscape. See all our available rebates at ladwp.com/save

For more information on landscape transformation resources from LADWP, visit ladwp.com/landscaping.

The post Helping to Make Conservation a Lifestyle One Customer at a Time appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.