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New State Regulations Pave Way for West Basin to Expand Water Recycling Projects

Join Live Discussion About the Impact of Artificial Intelligence at the 24th General Assembly

Residents: Receive a $1,500 Rebate for Your EV Charging Stations from LADWP

NEW STATE WATER RECYCLING REGULATIONS TO BRING NEW DRINKING WATER RESOURCES TO

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Q: What is Potable Water?

A: Potable water is defined as water that is suitable for human consumption (i.e., water that can be used for drinking or cooking). The term implies that the water is drinkable as well as safe.

Source: Water Education Foundation

As the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) prepares to accept plans for direct potable reuse (DPR) projects this year, a 30-year history of water recycling and purification by the West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) provides an opportunity to make DPR projects a reality in the greater Los Angeles region. Through partnerships with local agencies who have the essential resources to pursue DPR, West Basin is poised to help expand the regional recycled water system in Southern California.

In December 2023, after a multiple year review process, the State Board approved regulations for purifying wastewater into drinking water, opening the door for California’s first DPR project.

"California's long-awaited adoption of regulations for direct potable reuse is a game changer,” said West Basin Division IV Director and Board President Scott Houston. “The regulations provide a new tool for water managers as we confront climate change while making public health and safety a top priority. As a leader in potable reuse, West Basin looks forward to future regional collaborations to ensure our communities have a reliable and sustainable water supply."

Read full article here.

Sign up for a facility tour and learn more at www.westbasin.org/recycledwater.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS CONVERTS FOOD WASTE INTO VEHICLE FUEL

Every day, 4,000 tons of food waste are generated in Los Angeles County. This includes dinner scraps as well as spoiled fruit and vegetables from grocery stores and restaurants.

Decomposition of food waste (organic material) in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In a landfill, this decomposition takes decades and even in well-controlled landfills like LACSD's, some of the methane leaks into the atmosphere.

In a wastewater treatment plant's anaerobic digester, the decomposition takes place in a few weeks and none of the methane leaks. By digesting rather than landfilling food waste, we can reduce greenhouse gases in our atmosphere that contribute to global climate change.

Read full article here.

CLEAR OUT HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE AT AN LACSD DISPOSAL EVENT

The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Program (HHW) gives Los Angeles County residents a legal and cost-free way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash.

HHW Collection Event: Gardena

March 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn about more upcoming events here.

TOUR LACSD's VERY OWN MARSHLAND

The Los Angeles Sanitation Districts owns and maintains its own Marshland. The Bixby Marshland is open to the public for tours on the first Saturday of each month.

The next public open house will be on

Saturday, March 2.

 For more information click here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR WRD'S GROUNDWATER FESTIVAL

The Water Replenishment District (WRD) is proudly bringing the Groundwater Festival back on May 4, 2024. The Festival features more than 40 educational booths aimed at visitors of all ages.  

WRD’s Groundwater Festival aims to educate the public about water, conservation, and a wide variety of environmental issues. During this period of historic drought, public education about conservation and our natural resources is more important than ever. 

For more information click here.

RIDE MORE; SAVE MORE WITH

METRO FARE CAPPING

Metro has simplified how you pay your fare on bus and rail. It’s called fare capping, which means the more you ride, the more you will save. These changes make it easier for everyone who pays with Metro TAP to earn free rides.

To take advantage of fare capping you need to pay your fare with a TAP card.

For more information and to see fare chart click here.

LEARN HOW TO CAPTURE RAINWATER

FOR YOUR GARDEN

LADWP OFFERS RESIDENTIAL EV CHARGING STATION

REBATE UP TO $1,500

VALENTINE MONTH SPARKS FLY - EIGHT ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FROM SoCalREN

Let the only sparks this February be between you and your honey. 



Check out more energy saving resources with our partners at the SoCalREN here.

Sources:

Electrical Safety Tips

Energy Saving Tips

SAVE MONEY THROUGH SoCalREN's

KITS FOR KIDS PROGRAM

The Kits for Kids Program introduces third and fourth graders at participating schools to perform an interactive scavenger hunt and receive energy-efficient items at no cost that can help their families save energy and money.

During the program each household installs the items in their home. Each enrolled classroom is eligible to receive a $1,000 grant if 65% of students provide proof of installation. Learn more here.

THE 24th ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO REVEAL FUTURE SOUTH BAY IMPACTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELIGENCE

The General Assembly is an opportunity for the region’s thought leaders to gather, share ideas and discuss important issues. The theme for the SBCCOG’s 2024 General Assembly is “Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe for the South Bay?” 

The conference will feature panel discussions and interactive exhibits. This FREE event is designed with elected officials, city staff, city commissioners, residents and local businesses in mind.

For more details on how to register or become a sponsor click here.

Click Here for the February 2024 Calendar of Events and Workshops

SBCCOG VOLUNTEERS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THESE UPCOMING OUTREACH EVENTS

SANITATION DISTRICTS OFFER WORK OPPORTUNITIES THAT

POSITIVELY IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH

 Links to Partner Resources En Español:

• Metro - "El Pasajero"

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