County of LA’s Safe Clean Water Program
East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project (County of Los Angeles)
Project Description
LA County imports two-thirds of its water, so collecting rainfall is a vital need for meeting water supply demands. The Safe, Clean Water Program provides local, dedicated funding to increase the local water supply, improve water quality, and protect public health.
As accelerating cycles of extreme drought, wildfire, and flooding began to impact the community, LA County residents saw an opportunity to utilize local resources. In 2018, voters passed Measure W to create the Safe, Clean Water Program. This one-of-a-kind program invests approximately $285 million annually into multi-benefit rainwater collection projects, studies, and programs. Its projects are designed to clean, capture, and conserve billions of gallons of rainwater that would otherwise be lost to the ocean. Safe Clean Water projects are designed to improve the livability and resilience of LA County’s communities through development of green space, recreational opportunities, and other enhancements.
The Program is funded via ballot Measure W, which allows for the collection of a special private parcel tax. It funds multiple projects that collect and protect rainwater, modernize infrastructure and protect public health.
Case Studies
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![Earvin Magic Johnson Park]()
Earvin Magic Johnson Park
The rainwater collection system at this popular park collects up to 85% of the water that was flowing away and brings community health benefits to a disadvantaged area.
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![East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project]()
East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project
The project collects more rainwater, while also adding much-needed greenspace to a couple of parched and barren medians in East Los Angeles.
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![Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District Stormwater Basin System]()
Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District Stormwater Basin System
The system collects and channels rainwater that once caused flooding. But is now channeled safely to recharge the water supply, while adding green space and places for rest and recreation.
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![San Mateo County Sustainable Streets Master Plan]()
San Mateo County Sustainable Streets Master Plan
The Plan includes multi-benefit projects designed to improve street conditions for walkability, cycling, urban greening, climate resiliency and water quality.
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![Orange Memorial Park, South San Francisco]()
Orange Memorial Park, South San Francisco
The park is the site of an underground rainwater collection project that will return as much as 78 million gallons of water to the groundwater basin each year, while providing renovated athletic fields for the community.
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![Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza]()
Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza
This one-acre site incorporates a wetland, surrounded by swales and native plants/trees, a large rain garden, examples of pervious paving material and rain barrels and rain chains.
