Recycled Water Connection at LASC Sets Precedent for Sustainability Efforts
West Basin Municipal Water District Partners with Los Angeles Community College District for Recycled Water Irrigation System at LA Southwest College
A new recycled water irrigation system at the Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) campus marks an impactful stride toward sustainability and a significant reduction of potable water use. West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin), in collaboration with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), announces the completion of a transformative recycled water connection that will provide irrigation to approximately 20 acres of landscaping across the LASC campus.
The recycled water used to irrigate the campus landscape amounts to about 60 acre-feet of recycled water per year, significantly reducing the campus’s reliance on potable water for irrigation. For perspective, that water savings would otherwise cover roughly 79 football fields with a height of one foot of water annually. The use of recycled water as a sustainable resource inspired the inception of the Measure CC funded Campus Water Upgrades project, which supports water infrastructure upgrades at LACCD campuses. This $1.3 million pipeline project marks a key milestone in this partnership between West Basin and LACCD to support ongoing efforts of promoting sustainable water management and addressing regional water conservation challenges.
"This is a shining example of how collaboration and partnerships can drive meaningful change in water conservation," said West Basin Board President and Division II Director Gloria Gray. "By working with LACCD to implement this recycled water system, we’re not only advancing the use of recycled water as a sustainable resource but also setting an example for other institutions and businesses to implement similar practices that will help our collective efforts of preserving potable water."
This project is part of West Basin’s broader initiative to expand the use of recycled water across Los Angeles County, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply. West Basin produces the recycled water and delivers it directly to the LASC campus through the purple pipe system. In addition to providing recycled water to LASC, this project represents the first phase of the college’s ongoing efforts to modify its irrigation and potable water systems to support long-term water conservation. Moving forward, all modernization and renovation projects at the college will incorporate recycled water solutions, setting a new standard for sustainability.
"LACCD remains committed to providing sustainable, enriching, and equitable learning environments across all nine colleges. The addition of the recycled irrigation water system at Southwest College is a great example of our longstanding water retention and conservation policies, complementing the over $100 million investment in stormwater capture systems across the District," said LACCD Board President Dr. Kelsey Iino. “These initiatives aren’t just about sustainability—they’re about creating better, healthier campuses for our students, ensuring they have the resources and spaces they need to thrive. By making environmentally responsible improvements like these, we’re not only protecting our future but also ensuring that our students can learn and grow in the best possible environment."
Through the Metropolitan Water District’s SoCal WaterSmart rebate program, LASC has also applied for an incentive for its recycled water retrofit projects, which is expected to result in approximately $149,000 in recovered costs. This serves as a model for other universities and businesses looking to integrate sustainable water practices into their operations.
Please see the online media gallery for pictures of the college landscape that utilizes recycled water.