As we get started with a new year, we thought it would be a good time to reintroduce the Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP) with answers to five of the most frequently asked questions we receive about the SCWP. Read on to learn more about this vitally important environmental program

1. What is the Safe Clean Water Program and what are the program’s goals?

In 2018, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure W, which created the Safe, Clean Water Program. This two-pronged program develops activities and implements projects on both a regional and municipal level with the following goals:

  • Stop toxins and trash from flowing into local waterways
  • Capture more rainfall from LA’s infrequent, yet intense, rain events
  • Clean and treat this rainwater for use
  • Add natural areas, shade and green space
  • Improve the quality of life for Angelenos
  • Protect residents against the negative effects of climate change

2. Why do we need to capture rainwater? There were recent news reports that the drought is over in California. Doesn’t California have plenty of water?

During a typical rainy season, Los Angeles receives 15 inches of rain annually, but Southern California is still considered a water-scarce region. And, climate change will cause future weather extremes including periods of drought. We need to protect and improve our local water resources and create a more sustainable LA.

3. How much money does the Safe Clean Water Program generate for the City of Los Angeles and how is that money utilized?

The Safe Clean Water Program generates significant funding for the city of Los Angeles from Los Angeles County property tax assessments. Here are a few facts about the funding LA has received and how that funding has been used:

  • The SCWP generates approximately $285 million every year County-wide.
  • The City of Los Angeles receives approximately $36 million annually through the Municipal Program, and has secured $180 million in municipal returns in the first five years.
  • The SCWP’s Regional Program is a competitive program which funds three categories: Infrastructure Projects, Operation & Maintenance and Scientific Studies.
  • $315 million in regional funding has been programmed for City of LA led Projects
  • $307.7 million programmed for 21 City-led stormwater projects including LA Sanitation, Bureau of Street Services and LADWP.
  • $5.9 million programmed to support the Operations and Maintenance of two completed Proposition O-funded projects.
  • $1.3 million programmed to support two scientific studies to improve Los Angeles’ water quality.

4. What types of projects does the Safe Clean Water Program fund?

The Safe Clean Water Program funds myriad multi-benefit projects throughout Los Angeles. These projects capture, clean and treat rainwater, add green space for residents, create habitat for wildlife and improve the quality of life for residents. For a full list of the current City of Los Angeles-funded Safe Clean Water Program projects, please visit our webpage.

5. Can you share a goal for the Safe Clean Water Program for the next five years?

One major goal for the next five to 10 years for the Safe Clean Water Program is to leverage funding (also known as Measure W funding) and build at least 10 multi-benefit stormwater capture projects by 2035 to improve local water quality and increase local water supply for the City of Los Angeles.

If you’d like to learn more about the City of Los Angeles’ Safe Clean Water Program, please visit our website.

Photo of the Safe Clean Water Program-funded Ballona Creek Low Flow Treatment Facility Project courtesy of LA Sanitation and Environment, Safe Clean Water Implementation Division.