WATER

Conserve each year in Los Angeles County an average of 220,000 acre-feet of local storm water runoff that would otherwise waste to the Pacific Ocean. This amount, valued conservatively at over $73 million, consists of direct storm runoff and post-storm releases from the dams. The water flows to 27 groundwater recharge areas, or spreading grounds, consisting of natural river bottoms and spreading basins and pits. During non-storm periods, the artificial recharge program is supplemented by spreading almost 75,000 acre-feet of untreated imported water and 50,000 acre-feet of reclaimed water.

Operate and maintain three seawater barriers in Los Angeles County. These barriers inject treated imported water into the freshwater aquifers along coastal areas to prevent the intrusion of salt water inland. The aquifers protected by the barriers supply nearly 20 percent of the water used in Los Angeles County.

Administer five Waterworks Districts in addition to the Marina Del Rey Water System, providing water for domestic use and fire suppression for over 200,000 residents.

Operate and maintain 15 major dams and nearly 500 miles of open channel, 2,500 miles of underground storm drains, over 70,000 catch basins, about 300 debris retaining structures and 230 concrete stream bed stabilization structures, 40 pumping plants, and nearly 27 spreading grounds throughout Los Angeles County.