In a dramatic effort to more efficiently manage their water resources, the residents of Los Angeles—from policy makers and engineers, to business owners and community leaders—collaborated to establish a landmark stakeholder-based integrated resources plan (IRP). The plan identifies the interdependent needs of the city's wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater systems, and optimizes these systems by incorporating the dynamic values of the Los Angeles community. Led by the city of Los Angeles and the joint venture team of CDM and CH2M HILL, the IRP is a technically and environmentally sound, cost-efficient approach to water resources planning.
The unique process determined intra- and interagency redundancies and gaps, enabling an unprecedented, holistic approach to water resources planning that maximizes taxpayer funds without jeopardizing environmental or public health objectives. Applicable to large metropolitan cities, the IRP has dynamically enhanced Los Angeles' environmental leadership role, and strengthened departmental and community relations.
Future facilities will provide new sewers and wastewater treatment, increase recycled water use, conserve drinking water, and manage stormwater and urban runoff. These multi-benefit capital programs create jobs, provide parks and open space, and decrease reliance on imported water.