Los Angeles is transforming its relationship with water by maximizing the use of recycled water, a critical, drought-resistant local supply. The City's goal is to recycle 100% of its wastewater, significantly reducing our dependence on costly purchased imported water and ensuring a safe, reliable water future for all residents.
For decades, Los Angeles has relied heavily on water imported from sources over 200 miles away, including the Colorado River, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. These supplies are increasingly threatened by:
By establishing a drought-resistant water source that stays under local management, water recycling effectively reduces these risks.
Water recycling involves multiple advanced treatment stages to turn used water into a high-quality resource, meeting or exceeding all state and federal safety standards. The process, championed by LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN), generally includes:
Is the water safe? The answer is a definitive yes. Purified recycled water is already used safely in many cities across the country, including Orange County.
Is recycled water safe? Yes! Our purification process meets or exceeds strict state and federal safety standards. Every drop is rigorously monitored, resulting in water often cleaner than bottled water.
To completely remove impurities, micro-plastics, and "forever chemicals," we use advanced technologies like Membrane Bioreactors, Reverse Osmosis, and Ultraviolet Light.
| Benefit Category | Impact for Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| Water Security & Resilience | Establishes a local, drought-resistant water supply that is not vulnerable to external disruptions. |
| Sustainability | Instrumental in achieving the city's goal to source 70% of its water locally. |
| Environmental Protection | Reduces treated wastewater discharge into the Santa Monica Bay, improving coastal water quality. |
| Local Economy | Expected to generate approximately 5,000 jobs per year during construction. |
Serving as a proof of concept for the Pure Water Los Angeles program, Hyperion uses advanced technology to offset imported potable water.
We are replenishing the San Fernando Valley groundwater basin, providing a drought-resistant local supply for up to 500,000 residents.
Terminal Island recycles 100% of its wastewater. We inject this highly purified water to protect our coastal aquifers from saltwater.
Serving the eastern San Fernando Valley, this plant provides recycled water for environmental uses, local parks, and athletic fields.
The City of Los Angeles has a long-standing commitment to water recycling. LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) is the region’s premier producer of recycled water, already converting almost half of its treated wastewater for beneficial uses. This operational success is built upon existing projects across our four Water Reclamation Plants: