Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling & Environmental Learning (ARC)
WRD‘s Robb Whitaker Treatment Facility, located on the campus of ARC, purifies 14.8 million gallons of water per day, providing a locally sustainable water supply for groundwater replenishment while bolstering drought-resiliency.
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The Water Replenishment District has been the steward of groundwater for southern Los Angeles County since 1959. Serving a region of 43 cities and nearly 4 million people, WRD manages two of the nation’s most utilized urban groundwater basins - the Central and West Coast Basins - which provide nearly 50% of the drinking water for our communities. The map above highlights our facilities. Together, these initiatives reduce our region’s dependence on imported water.
Leo J. Vander Lans Advanced Water Treatment Facility
The Leo J. Vander Lans Facility purifies 8 million gallons of water per day for use in coastal injection wells, preventing seawater intrusion and providing supplemental groundwater replenishment.
Robert W. Goldsworthy Groundwater Desalter
The Goldsworthy Desalter uses reverse osmosis to treat 5 million gallons of brackish (salty) groundwater that is trapped inland due to historical seawater intrusion.
Perchlorate Cleanup Project in the Los Angeles Forebay
WRD is leading efforts to clean up one of the state’s highest concentrations of perchlorate in groundwater located within the Los Angeles Forebay to protect the basin from further contamination and secure safe drinking water for the region.
CHECK OUT OUR SECURING OUR WATER FUTURE VIDEO BY SCANNING THE QR CODE TO SEE OUR TEAM AND PROJECTS IN ACTION.
PROJECT UPDATE: BRACKISH GROUNDWATER RECLAMATION PROGRAM
The Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program (BGRP) enhances climate resilience in the region by addressing critical water supply challenges in the West Coast Groundwater Basin by purifying a brackish (salty) groundwater plume in the South Bay, which occurred as a result of seawater intrusion from over-pumping in the early 1900s. To combat this, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works constructed seawater barrier injection wells that successfully prevented further contamination but trapped a plume of brackish groundwater that persists today.
As part of the BGRP, the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project includes four new extraction wells that will help double the facility’s capacity to produce 6.2 to 7 million gallons per day (MGD) and support a sustainable drinking water supply for the community. We recently authorized construction of the conveyance pipelines that will support this project, and the next step is to officially begin construction on the facility.
The graph shows the 14-square-mile plume of brackish groundwater trapped beneath the South Bay.
MAXIMIZING MEASURE W: TRANSFORMING
STORMWATER INTO A SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY FOR SOUTHERN LA COUNTY
In the face of climate whiplash—where heavy rains follow extreme droughts, WRD has released its latest technical bulletin, “Increasing Water Supply by Capturing Stormwater in Southern Los Angeles County.” This resource describes the importance of understanding site-specific basin geologic conditions when designing infiltration projects and provides several recommendations to help project proponents when developing stormwater capture projects through LA County’s Safe Clean Water Program, created by Measure W.
Approved by voters in 2018, Measure W provides approximately $300 million annually through a tax on impermeable surfaces, funding stormwater projects that improve water quality and increase local water supplies. As weather extremes intensify, proactive stormwater capture will be vital for resilience, and WRD’s bulletin serves as a practical guide to ensure every drop of rain is transformed into a resource for the community.
Did you know that nearly half of the water supply in Southern Los Angeles County comes from the groundwater basins beneath our feet? The Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning (ARC) brings this story to life with a behind-the-scenes look at how WRD purifies and replenishes our local groundwater supply.
Join us for a FREE public tour of ARC and explore our state-of-the-art water purification facility, along with an interactive learning center that’s fun and informative for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to see firsthand how innovation is securing a sustainable water future for our communities.
WRD IN THE COMMUNITY
WRD’s Hydrogeologist and Hydro Truck participated in the Montebello-Commerce YMCA’s Touch A Truck event, giving families a hands-on look at how we test and protect our groundwater.
and champions driving adult education forward.
Senator Laura Richardson visited ARC to learn about the regional impacts of groundwater clean-up and recharge projects.
Directors Vera Robles DeWitt and Sergio Calderon attended the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE) Spring Awards, celebrating the outstanding educators, students,
Directors Langford and DeWitt welcomed Assemblyman José Luis Solache to ARC and shared the impacts of investing in groundwater remediation throughout the service area.
WRD Director John Allen and Councilwoman Kristina Duggan distributed WRD water bottles to local heroes during the Fourth of July weekend to show appreciation for the Long Beach Police Department and Long Beach Fire Department.
The Eco Gardener Workshop in Signal Hill taught participants about Edible Gardening and making their garden their own.
WRD’s Groundwater Academy welcomed elected officials and legislative staff to a tour of the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Spreading Grounds with Los Angeles County Public Works.
WRD staff presented at the American Water Works Association ACE conference on PFAS funding for Water Agencies.
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF THE GROUNDWATER FESTIVAL
Thousands of attendees joined us to explore interactive booths, participate in hands-on science activities, and enjoy live entertainment, all designed to highlight the importance of protecting and replenishing our local groundwater supply.
This spring, WRD proudly hosted the 15th Annual Groundwater Festival, bringing together families, students, community partners, and water professionals for a day of learning and fun. The festival continues to be a beloved community tradition, providing a unique opportunity for residents of all ages to learn how water moves from rainfall to groundwater, and how WRD’s innovative projects keep our region resilient in the face of climate challenges.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and to our sponsors, volunteers, and staff who made this milestone year such a success. Save the Date, the 16th Annual Groundwater Festival returns in May 2026! We look forward to seeing you again for another day of education, celebration, and community.
WRD ECO GARDENER PROGRAM
READY TO DIG INTO SOMETHING NEW?
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just planting your first seeds, WRD’s Eco Gardener Program has something for everyone! In partnership with cities and nonprofits across our 43-city service area, we’re offering FREE hands-on workshops that show you how to save water and grow a beautiful, climate-friendly garden.
WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
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TIPS
STUDENT ART CONTEST
SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK FOR OUR 2026 CALENDAR!
Create a piece of art that speaks to any of the following topics: OUR WATER, OUR FUTURE: Protecting Water for my Community FROM RAINDROPS TO AQUIFERS: The Amazing Water Cycle THE POWER OF GROUNDWATER: Treasure Beneath our Feet
TO WIN, YOUR ARTWORK MUST:
Demonstrate the importance of groundwater and/or water conservation.
Be submitted on 8 1/2" x 11" paper in horizontal orientation by Sunday, November 2, 2025, 11:59 pm.
Include parental/guardian consent.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025, 11:59
Submit Online: www.wrd.org/StudentArtContest (Upload picture of your artwork but keep your original!) Submit by Mail or Drop-Off: Attn: WRD Art Contest 4040 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712 (Include original artwork and signed PAF)
Contestants must reside in, or attend a school within, the boundaries of WRD's 43 city service area and must be in kindergarten through 6th grade. Don’t get disqualified! Artwork must be original (no computer-made, or copyrighted material such as superhero characters), and submitted on white 8 ½” x 11” poster board or paper in landscape (horizontal) orientation. Crayons, markers, ink, poster paint, chalk, water color, cut paper, or fabric may be used. For online submissions: keep your original work! Winners will need to send in their original work in order to claim their prize. One entry per student. All entries become property of WRD upon receipt. Winners will have their artwork printed in the calendar and receive a $75 Amazon gift card*, a certificate, and other school related prizes. For more info contact info@wrd.org
