Southeast Water Reliability Project

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Project Fact Sheet

In an effort to reduce reliance on imported water and conserve regional groundwater, Central Basin Municipal Water District is moving forward with the Southeast Water Reliability Project (SWRP). SWRP will reduce current regional demand on imported water by 25% by delivering more than 5 billion gallons of recycled water annually to the many large industrial and irrigation sites in the area.

The 15-mile long pipeline will extend from Pico Rivera through Montebello and southeast Los Angeles County, connecting to the existing system in Vernon. In addition to regional water-saving benefits, the project will enhance the operational reliability of the current system by completing an actual 'loop' of existing pipelines. Construction of SWRP will be divided into two phases, with Phase 1 extending from Pico Rivera to Bicknell Park in Montebello.

Pico Rivera Recycled Water Project

As part of Phase 1 of SWRP, the District will also construct the Pico Rivera Recycled Water Project on Mines Avenue in the City of Pico Rivera. The pipeline will be constructed in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and the City of Pico Rivera. Once completed, this project will be part of a larger water conduit that will move storm water and recycled water through separate channels between the San Gabriel River and Rio Hondo Sprea-ding Grounds.

Just under 2 miles in length, the Pico Rivera Recycled Water Project will provide valuable recycled water to irrigate the green spaces along the perimeter of the two spreading grounds. Recycled water will also be provided to schools, parks, and other irrigation sites in the City of Pico Rivera.

Benefit to the Public

A project like SWRP is necessary to sustain a reliable supply of water for Southern California, which imports most of its water from Northern California and the Colorado River. With these sources of water becoming increasingly limited, recycled water offers a viable solution. Using recycled water for commercial, industrial and landscape-irrigation uses instead of drinking water is an important component in Central Basin's conservation plan and will support the regional achievement of statewide water conservation targets for the year 2020.

Central Basin's ability to produce recycled water locally also means less impact on fragile ecosystems, less energy to pump imported water long distances and a reliable water supply for the region.

Regional Economic Recovery

A project of this size is vital to support the economic recovery of our local communities. SWRP will bring hundreds of new jobs to the area, as well as millions of dollars in federal and state funding. With 47% of our communities qualifying as disadvantaged, this project will provide funding and support job growth in areas that need it most.

Additionally, Central Basin's recycled water can be purchased for less than potable water, providing a financial incentive for local businesses. The lower cost of recycled water will also attract more businesses to the area, providing an opportunity for long-term economic growth for local communities.