We plan, design, build, and maintain modern infrastructure that uplifts all communities of Los Angeles County.
We plan, design, build, and maintain modern infrastructure that uplifts all communities of Los Angeles County.
An exciting and new direction for the Department is the recent creation of the Watershed Management Division. This new Division is responsible for planning and implementing watershed management projects that protect the County's residents from flooding while integrating the elements of natural resources, groundwater and stormwater conservation, improved stormwater runoff quality, and socio-economic, environmental, and recreational features. The Division's goal is to establish the Department as the leader in planning and implementing watershed management activities in the region.
Watershed Management Division has four sections dedicated to managing the following major watersheds: Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, Ballona Creek/Malibu Creek/Dominguez Channel, and Santa Clara River/Antelope Valley. Each watershed team, comprised of a Watershed Manager and supporting civil engineers, develops, coordinates and implements projects within their respective watersheds. Projects are multi-purpose in nature and incorporate new technologies and methods for achieving the stakeholders' goals. The four Watershed Teams are assisted by other sections within the Division that focus on flood hazard mitigation, water quality analysis, water conservation studies, funding, legislation, digital mapping, public outreach, and technical research. The support sections coordinate the efforts of the Department and 84 municipalities under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program for storm water/urban runoff. They also assess and develop concepts for increasing groundwater recharge, developing solutions to complex flood hazard issues, and interface with State and Federal environmental regulatory agencies.
Watershed Management Division works with various affected stakeholders within the respective watersheds (such as elected officials, local, state, and federal agencies, environmental groups, and industries) to optimize the use of available resources, sponsor research in collaboration with institutions, and establish a forum for disseminating information. Activities within the Division involve engineering analyses and evaluation, often supported with modern computer software. Technical report writing, public speaking, and effective group communication are emphasized in all work assignments.