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NEWS & STORIES
LA Waterkeeper’s Response to the LA Wildfires
One thing is clear: the road to recovery will be long and challenging, but it is one we must navigate with care, foresight, and a commitment to real change.
LA Waterkeeper Calls on Metropolitan Water District to Fulfill Its Commitment to Climate Resilience in Light of Leadership Change
“It’s hard to overestimate how consequential this leadership change could be for the future of water resilience in our region,” said Reznik. “With his removal, we expect and demand that MWD leaders – both staff and board – honor their commitment to continue working with impacted communities and transition the agency to more resilient local water supplies to adapt to climate change.”
Boeing Company Loses Santa Susana Lawsuit; New Monitoring Detects Toxic Discharges into Los Angeles River
Environmental groups worked together to advocate for the Los Angeles Regional Water Board to strengthen a stormwater permit for the Santa Susana Field Laboratory. Their efforts resulted in an improved permit limiting the Los Angeles River from being polluted by long-lasting chemicals, PCBs, toxic metals, and radioactive waste from the site, as well as robust stormwater monitoring. After Boeing sued the Regional Board to overturn the new permit terms, environmental groups got involved to defend the permit, and the Los Angeles Superior Court recently ruled in favor of the Regional Board and rejected most of Boeing’s arguments.
Rain Ready: How to Design a Water-Wise Rain Garden
Fall is here, and now is the perfect time to start prepping your yard for the rainy season ahead. With just a little bit of prep work, you can design a rain garden that’s ready to capture every drop—saving water, reducing runoff, and keeping your plant babies thriving and happy.
No, LA Is Not “Technically” In A Drought. Yes, We Should Conserve Water Anyway.
Climate whiplash means that huge swings from really wet to really dry seasons are bound to become the new normal. But what does that mean for everyday Angelenos? More importantly, are we in a drought or not?!
Gaming The System: The Clean Water Act’s Loophole Problem
For over 50 years, the Clean Water Act has done much to protect our nation’s waterways, but loopholes in the regulations and lax enforcement have crippled its effectiveness, allowing polluters to exploit the system and contaminate our waters with impunity.
Prop 4 Climate Bond: What’s in It for Angelenos
Angelenos are experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand, with extreme droughts and floods becoming more frequent. Proposition 4 offers a solution by funding stormwater capture, groundwater recharge, and climate resilience efforts. Voting "yes" will ensure LA's water future is secure and sustainable, especially for underserved communities.
Victory at Hyperion: $20M Settlement Reached, But Still More Work Ahead
Three years after the Hyperion sewage spill, LA has finally agreed to a $20 million settlement for critical upgrades. But while this is a positive step, ensuring Hyperion’s long-term viability and justice for affected communities, there’s still much more work left to do.
What’s Behind LA’s Recent Beach Closures?
Though recent headlines may suggest these problems are new, the reality is that bacterial contamination, ocean advisories, and beach closures have been worsening in recent years. It’s enough to make any beach-going Angeleno wonder: what’s going on, and is this something people should be worried about?
Microplastics and PFAS Oh My 😱
PFAS are so prevalent that they have polluted drinking water systems in all 50 states. Thankfully, despite industries’ best efforts to avoid regulation, we are finally seeing progress made to protect Americans from these dangerous forever chemicals.
City of Los Angeles Unveils Final Version of Sepulveda Basin Vision Plan
The final Sepulveda Basin Vision Plan aims to transform the basin into the region's new Central Park, enhancing ecology, community access to nature, and incorporating stormwater capture and treatment.
Ditch the Grass: How to Plan an Eco-Friendly, Water-Wise Garden
So, you’ve already swapped your plastic utensils for bamboo ones, ditched Amazon for your local flea market, and you’re besties with your Buy Nothing group. So, what’s left for a sustainability champion like you to do? Let’s talk about your lawn.
How California Native Plants Save Water and the Planet 🌿💧
We all have that friend that claims to be a low maintenance queen, but California native plants are really that girl. Once they’re settled in, they use up to 85% less water than traditional landscaping. This means you’ll save big on your water bill while giving a break to our precious water resources.
A New Day for MWD: Embracing Climate-Centered Water Management
The CAMP4W marks a historic shift for MWD, placing climate change at the core of its planning and emphasizing local water supplies. This move is crucial for addressing water sustainability and climate resilience across the United States.
It’s Time to Reimagine the Safe Clean Water Program
To fully deliver on its promise of healthy waterways, thriving communities, and resilient water supplies, the Safe Clean Water Program has to evolve.
Colorado River Compact: Rethinking Southwest Water Management Amid a Changing Climate
Climate change is affecting the Colorado River, highlighting the need for local, resilient water sources such as recycled wastewater and stormwater capture.
Making Every Drop Count: Water-Saving Resolutions for a Greener 2024
If you’re ready to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, here are some practical yet fashionably belated New Year’s resolutions to kickstart your journey towards environmental consciousness.
Composting 101 🌱
Nowadays there are so many ways to compost! The main differentiating factor being how much space you have available, and how quickly you want to turn over your food scraps.
A Year of Environmental Victories: LA Waterkeeper's 2023 Impact
Your support for LA Waterkeeper is a crucial part of the solution. Every donation propels us forward in our mission to safeguard water resources, combat pollution, and foster a genuinely sustainable and equitable future for all Angelenos.
LA Waterkeeper Welcomes Two New Board Members in Collaboration with Latinos LEAD
LA Waterkeeper proudly announces the appointment of two distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors through a collaborative effort with Latinos LEAD: Dr. Veronica Herrera, Associate Professor at UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs, and Cynthia Guzman, Principal at Estolano Advisors.