Helping Secure a Sustainable, Local Water Supply for LA
Southern California has always had a limited local water supply; Los Angeles’ water is mostly imported from the Colorado River and Northern California. Because of persistent drought and higher demand, that local supply is becoming even more unreliable. The construction of the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) is part of the City’s long-term water management initiatives aimed at “fully” reusing water from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) to meet the City’s need for a new local water source. The treated water will be reused at facilities operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and other industrial and operational uses.
Nossaman is assisting the City with the project, including its procurement of a progressive design-build-operate contract by the Bureau of Sanitation for the AWPF. The project – which opened April 4, 2026 – is a new advanced water reclamation facility that will purify wastewater for reuse in a move that will be beneficial to the City of Los Angeles and the environment. The project, in partnership between LA Sanitation and Environment and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is a significant step forward in the City’s water infrastructure. Under the Pure Water Los Angeles initiative, the facility will purify wastewater with the long-term goal of producing 200 million gallons of recycled water every day, reducing the City’s reliance on imported water and improving water quality in the Santa Monica Bay by reducing discharge. The Project received WateReuse’s Excellence in Action award, recognizing its innovation and lasting impact.
The implementation of this project will not only fulfill the City’s water reuse objectives but also contribute to sustainable water management solutions for the community. AWPF will replace potable water use for non-potable applications, conserving higher-quality water for human consumption. The project will also pave the way for the development of infrastructure needed for a future where recycling is essential.
