The mythology of rugged individualism often touted in the West comes to a screeching halt where water is concerned, especially here in Los Angeles. That’s because the city has long been propped up by water shipped from hundreds of miles away to the extent that today, about 85% of its drinking water is imported. … Imported water is an addiction the city will have to kick if it’s to weather the worsening impacts from climate change. That’s why, since at least 2008, LA leaders have pushed the city — but have so far failed — to massively increase the amount of recycled wastewater it uses for drinking. Currently, that number is around 2%. These plans took a major step forward with the completion last December of Pure Water LA, a city plan to massively scale-up the amount of wastewater it recycles at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Playa Del Rey. The aim is to eventually make the city 70% reliant on local supplies. Today, about 15% of water is derived from local supplies. 

Other Southern California water management news:

• Metropolitan Water District: News release: Metropolitan Water District adopts groundbreaking framework to adapt to climate change
• Colorado Boulevard (Pasadena, Calif.): San Marino Mayor joins Metropolitan Water District Board, succeeding John Morris