Create an integrated and resilient water system

Historically, water management in LA County has failed to account for the interconnectedness of all water, including groundwater, surface water, rainwater, and wastewater. This approach has led to a complex, disjointed system that is not well-suited to meet regional water demand and a changing climate, nor ensure reliability during shocks such as earthquakes and increasing climate-driven disasters such as wildfires.. With increased understanding of integrated water management strategies, recent planning efforts have focused on solutions that take a “one water” approach to water resources management, which recognizes this interconnectedness and achieves multiple benefits. Full implementation of these strategies, however, will require addressing fundamental challenges, including cost and existing governance structures.

The County has made important strides toward supporting a more integrated and holistic water system. The passage of the Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W) in 2018 created a new funding stream to support stormwater projects, with an emphasis on those that achieve multiple benefits, including addressing water quality and water supply and other goals, such as creating recreational space, supporting biodiversity, and focusing benefits in disadvantaged communities. In 2023, the Board adopted the County’s Water Plan, which presents a regional path toward a resilient water system for Los Angeles and was built collaboratively with communities and regional water agencies. The region must continue to build on this planning effort and implement the County’s Water Plan by investing in a 21st-century water system that prioritizes multi-benefit strategies and restores natural processes and cycles sothat we are able to meet our region’s water needs both in the day to day, but also during times of emergencies and crisis.