LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) held its fifth Infrastructure Week last week, highlighting the Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP). Since the program’s inception, the City has done amazing work to care for Los Angeles’ water quality, develop water supplies through decreasing LA’s reliance on imported water, improve flood control, and protect local rivers, creeks, lakes, and bays.

Through the support of Measure W, passed by LA voters in 2018, the SCWP provides water quality projects across Los Angeles, including the MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project, the Ballona Creek Project, and the maintenance of Echo Park Lake and Machado Lake.

These projects help strengthen the local water supply and invest in disadvantaged communities to create greener spaces and combat environmental injustice across Los Angeles. SCWP delivers on these objectives through projects like the Haynes Street Greenway and the five low-flow diversions along the LA River and Arroyo Seco. These low-flow diversions divert an anticipated whopping total of 356 million gallons of  runoff annually. This diverted water is then treated at our water reclamation plants. 

“The Safe Clean Water Program demonstrates how infrastructure investments can directly improve quality of life for Angelenos,” said Board of Public Works President Steve Kang. “From expanding green space in underserved neighborhoods to improving water quality and reducing our reliance on imported water, these projects are building a more sustainable and resilient Los Angeles for future generations.” 

“In the first five years of the Safe Clean Water program, Los Angeles has secured $219 million for municipal programs and $319 million in regional programs,” said Michael Scaduto, P.E., ENV SP as LASAN Principal Engineer and Safe Clean Water Program Manager.  “LASAN is proud to spearhead these projects throughout the region.” 

Through green spaces and clean water, the Safe Clean Water Program benefits local communities with the resources that help them thrive daily. 
Interested in learning more about Safe Clean Water Projects across Los Angeles? Visit lacitysan.org/safecleanwater.