DCT Ozone Demonstration Project

At LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN), we test innovative solutions to protect local water supplies and build long-term environmental resilience. The DCT Ozone Demonstration Project added ozone treatment to the multi-step water recycling process at the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant (DCTWRP) in the San Fernando Valley. Ozone gas, a powerful, naturally reactive form of oxygen, disinfects water and breaks down trace pollutants without leaving chemical residues behind, raising recycled water quality to higher standards. Completed in March 2023, this demonstration showed that ozone technology effectively boosts recycled water quality and is ready for broader use.

Ozone treatment provides a powerful oxidation step during water purification. By adding ozone gas to the treatment process, standard systems can break down trace organic compounds and micro-pollutants far more effectively. Testing this technology at the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant demonstrated its reliability, safety, and ability to produce higher-quality recycled water for our community.

Between 2021 and 2023, LASAN plant operators ran the demonstration facility under real-world conditions while gathering critical water quality data. Beyond proving the technology's performance, the project offered valuable hands-on training for our plant operators, building in-house expertise for operating next-generation water purification facilities.

The value of this demonstration project extends far beyond its completion date. Operational data and lessons learned are directly informing the design of future water recycling and stormwater treatment projects across the City of Los Angeles. These insights help us maximize efficiency as we work toward our citywide goal of Zero Waste, Zero Wasted Water.

This $5.2 million project was successfully planned, funded, and operated through a close partnership between LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

Use this link to learn more about LASAN's Recycled Water program.