LADWP approves $100m for water infrastructure, advances Pure Water LA ahead of 2028 Olympics

LADWP approves $100m for water infrastructure, advances Pure Water LA ahead of 2028 OlympicsLADWP has authorized an owner's agent contract for its advanced water purification facility and secured $50 million in state revolving fund financing for distribution upgrades, keeping major regional water supply projects on schedule.

The Board approved a $12 million, five-year owner's agent agreement to advance Pure Water LA coordination and facility development.

Commissioners authorized a $50 million low-interest Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan for the De Soto Trunk Line Replacement Project Phase 1.

A $37.9 million contract was awarded to Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. for the North Hollywood Central Chlorination Station Replacement Project.

LADWP is on track and on budget to complete the Tillman Water Reclamation Facility groundwater replenishment project prior to the 2028 Olympics.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is advancing a suite of major water infrastructure and reuse initiatives as the city prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games. During its July 14 meeting, the Board of Water and Power Commissioners approved nearly $100 million in capital contracts and financing mechanisms via a unanimous block vote. Key among the approvals is a five-year, $12 million owner's agent agreement to advance coordination and development for the Pure Water LA advanced water purification facility. The board also authorized a reimbursement resolution to secure up to $50 million in low-interest construction financing through the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for Phase 1 of the De Soto Trunk Line Replacement Project. The utility estimates the SRF financing will generate approximately $24.3 million in total interest savings. Additionally, the board awarded a $37.9 million contract to Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. for the North Hollywood Central Chlorination Station Replacement Project, a figure that includes a 20 percent contingency. These distribution and treatment upgrades align with the city's broader timeline for water resilience. Board President Allan T. Marks noted that LADWP, in partnership with LA Sanitation, remains on track and on budget to complete water reclamation and groundwater replenishment infrastructure at the Tillman Water Reclamation Facility in the San Fernando Valley before the 2028 games begin. In parallel with long-term infrastructure planning, the utility highlighted the operational value of its localized water quality assets. Water System staff briefed the board on a recent incident in Koreatown where an isolated E. coli detection at a single sample tap prompted a highly targeted boil water notice for 33 service connections. Staff noted that because LADWP owns and operates its own water quality laboratory, the utility was able to bypass the delays of commercial labs, incubate samples within 18 hours, and clear the distribution system to lift the notice the following day.