WRD Spring Newsletter 2026

2026 ISSUE 1 WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT

BANKING WATER FOR THE FUTURE

Rio Hondo Spreading Grounds full of stormwater after the December 2025 atmospheric river storms. Photo taken January 6, 2026.

IN THIS ISSUE:

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH MARATHON PETROLEUM CORPORATION

EXPLORE CAREERS IN WATER

STORMWATER USE FOR GROUNDWATER RECHARGE

WRD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A MESSAGE FROM BOARD PRESIDENT SERGIO CALDERON California’s water story continues to be shaped by climate whiplash. The powerful storms at the end of 2025 reminded us how quickly conditions can shift. While these storms have temporarily relieved drought conditions, they also reinforce a critical reality: climate uncertainty means we must continue investing in projects that strengthen long-term water reliability.

Board President,

Sergio Calderon Division 4

Vice President Rob Katherman Division 2 Board Secretary, Joy Langford Division 1 Board Treasurer, Vera Robles DeWitt Division 5 Board Director, John D. S. Allen Division 3

Check out our video, Journey Through Our Service Area , to see WRD’s proj ects in action.

At the Water Replenishment District (WRD), we are turning climate challenges into opportunities. When storms arrive, the L.A. County Department of Public Works captures stormwater and directs it to the groundwater basins WRD manages—essentially banking water underground for the dry years ahead. This proactive approach helps stabilize local supplies, reduce reliance on imported water, and protect our communities from future extremes. Groundwater remains southern Los Angeles County’s most reliable local water resource, and WRD is proud to be a leader in managing it sustainably.

We are also advancing significant infrastructure investments that build resilience for the future. Our Leo J. Vander Lans Inland Injection Well is making progress in protecting the Central Basin from seawater intrusion, and construction on the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project continues to move forward. Once completed, these projects will increase our ability to treat and reuse groundwater, and deliver a drought-resilient, locally controlled water supply for the WRD service area.

In this issue, you’ll find updates on the projects and programs that secure our region’s water future. I also invite you and your family to join us on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for WRD’s 16th Annual Groundwater Festival.

This free, family-friendly event features educational booths, hands-on activities, and a closer look at how groundwater supports our communities.

Together, we can plan today to protect our water for tomorrow.

Sincerely, Sergio Calderon President of the Board

THE WRD SERVICE AREA B

THE WRD SERVICE AREA

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.

C

E

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.

D

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.

Serving over four million people across Southern Los Angeles County, WRD ensures a reliable, local water supply through cutting-edge sustainability programs like Water Independence Now, which uses stormwater and recycled water to replenish underground aquifers.

Behind the scenes, WRD operates one of the most advanced groundwater monitoring networks in the nation, sampling over 300 wells and analyzing tens of thousands of data points each year. This quiet innovation means every drop is tracked and protected—so our community’s water is reliable for generations to come. Learn more by visiting: www.wrd.org

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.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR LOCAL WATER SECURITY SEAWATER BARRIER AND INLAND INJECTION

WRD has reached a key testing milestone for the Inland Injection Well Project and is moving toward full operation at the Leo J. Vander Lans Advanced Water Treatment Facility in Long Beach. The new injection well allows purified recycled water, already used to supply the Alamitos Seawater Intrusion Barrier, to be stored underground for future use. By banking up to 3 million gallons of local water per day, the project strengthens drought resilience, reduces reliance on imported supplies, and helps protect the Central Basin from seawater intrusion.

The project was made possible through state and federal funding and innovative public-private partnerships, including $3.5 million in grants from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company, and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling.

The injection well enables purified water to be pumped directly into coastal aquifers, forming a natural water barrier that prevents seawater intrusion and protects the basin.

A key feature of the project is the new 3R valve, which provides greater control over groundwater recharge operations. This added flexibility improves efficiency while supporting water quality and system performance. Together, these improvements position WRD to safely store water underground and strengthen long-term drought resilience.

STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE UPDATES ON THIS PROJECT BY FOLLOWING US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AT @WRDSOCAL OR SUBSCRIBING TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER AT WWW.WRD.ORG/SUBSCRIBE-TO-OUR-NEWSLETTER

BUILDING WATER RESILIENCE: TORRANCE GROUNDWATER DESALTER EXPANSION UPDATE The Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion project is a vital part of WRD’s Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program, turning previously unusable brackish (salty) groundwater into a new drinking water source for the South Bay. To produce this new drinking water, WRD will install new pipelines, wells and expand the desalter facility in Torrance.

Photo of the January 2026 Del Amo pipeline installation.

Pipeline installation began in November 2025 on Del Amo Boulevard. With that section now complete, pipelines to connect future drinking water wells are in active construction on Mariner Avenue and Madrona Avenue. These pipelines are critical because they enable brackish groundwater to flow to the treatment facility, boosting WRD’s capacity to treat it and strengthen local drought resilience. Exciting construction activities anticipated in Fall 2026 include drilling of the new wells.

LEARN MORE: WWW.WRD.ORG/BRACKISH-GROUNDWATER-RECLAMATION-PROGRAM

DEVELOPING CLIMATE RESILIENCE TOGETHER WRD is advancing a district-wide Climate Resiliency Plan to prepare our facilities, operations, and groundwater systems for the impacts of a changing climate. The plan will serve as a long-term roadmap to reduce climate-related risks, protect local groundwater supplies, and support reliable water service for the communities in our service area.

As part of this effort, the District recently hosted a series of workshops with groundwater pumpers and community-based organizations to gather input and local perspectives. The workshops brought together representatives of local public water agencies and communitybased organizations across the Central Basin and West Coast Basin to discuss potential challenges anticipated from climate change. Our partners focused on ensuring an adequate water supply during droughts, maintaining and improving infrastructure, ensuring water quality and affordability, and diversifying the water supply to include local sources.

Thank you to all participants! Your perspectives from the Central and West Coast basins enriched the dialogue and advanced our shared goals.

The District appreciates the thoughtful feedback provided by all who participated. Input from these workshops will be incorporated into the draft Climate Resiliency Plan. A public comment period is anticipated between April and May, providing the broader community with an opportunity to review the plan and share feedback.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: WWW.WRD.ORG/WRD-CLIMATE-RESILIENCY-PLAN-WORKSHOP

MARATHON PETROLEUM CORPORATION’S L.A. REFINERY INVESTS $15,000 TO EXPAND ARC FIELD TRIP OPPORTUNITIES

WRD is pleased to announce the receipt of a $15,000 grant from Marathon’s Los Angeles Refinery (LAR) through their Community Investment Program to support educational field trips to the Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning (ARC).

This generous contribution will fund field trips for K–12 schools located in Marathon’s operational areas within Los Angeles County.

This partnership between WRD and LAR strengthens our shared commitment to environmental education and community investment. Through the ARC Field Trip Program, students experience a hands-on, immersive learning opportunity that connects classroom lessons to real-world water sustainability solutions. Together, we’re helping students understand the value of water and the innovative efforts needed to protect it for future generations.

Students from South East High School in South Gate were the first to benefit from this grant and visit ARC to learn about groundwater through an immersive experience in the state-ofthe-art learning center and advanced water treatment facility.

3RD ANNUAL CAREERS IN WATER WORKSHOP MAKES WAVES!

The 3rd annual Careers in Water Workshop was a success with over 150 attendees. Participants learned about career opportunities in the water industry and the exciting career pathways in water.

The workshop included networking, resume reviews, and mock interviews.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER CAREERS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.WRD.ORG/CAREERS-IN-WATER

TURNING STORMS INTO WATER SECURITY Recent storms swept across Los Angeles County, delivering much-needed rain after years of dry conditions. Through January 26th, the region received 13.07 inches of rainfall (or 195% of normal), a powerful reminder of California’s new normal: climate whiplash—rapid swings between drought and intense rainfall.

STATE DROUGHT MAP

MAP RELEASED: THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

This rainfall didn’t go to waste. Instead of rushing out to the ocean, stormwater is captured by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and directed to the Montebello Forebay spreading grounds, where it slowly percolates underground to recharge the groundwater basins WRD manages.

During October and November of 2025, approximately 27,000 acre-feet, or 8.8 billion gallons, of stormwater were used to replenish the groundwater basins.

WRD’s core mission is groundwater replenishment, and stormwater capture plays a vital role in that effort. Rainwater is a resource that helps strengthen regional water resilience.

Date Valid: March 10, 2026 at 8 a.m. EDT

By planning ahead and working together, WRD and our partners are turning today’s storms into tomorrow’s water security for our communities.

According to California’s Drought Monitor, as of March 12, 2026, the state is mostly out of a drought, for now. These storms underscore why capturing water when it’s available is critical.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RECHARGING THE GROUNDWATER BASINS BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE: WWW.WRD.ORG/GROUNDWATER-BASIN-UPDATE

None D0 (Abnormally Dry) D1 (Moderate Drought) D2 (Severe Drought) D3 (Extreme Drought) D4 (Exceptional Drought)

ECO GARDENER PROGRAM This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Eco Gardener Program, celebrating two decades of inspiring the community to explore water conservation, cultivate gardens, and enjoy hands-on learning experiences that bring families and neighbors together. The program was founded by former WRD Board Member Lillian Kawasaki, and following her passing in 2013, the WRD demonstration gardens were named in her honor.

Over the years, the Eco Gardener Program has offered workshops on growing fruits and vegetables, supporting pollinators, and creating sustainable, welcoming gardens. Each session features expert-led instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and garden-themed giveaways.

Join us in celebrating this milestone by attending a workshop near you!

FEATURED TOPICS INCLUDE: PEST AND WEED MANAGEMENT, GARDEN DESIGN, EDIBLE GARDENING, AND PROTECTING OUR POLLINATORS!

FIND A WORKSHOP NEAR YOU: WWW.WRD.ORG/ECO-GARDENER-PROGRAM

WRD IN THE COMMUNITY

Directors Calderon and DeWitt were honored to attend the CCAE Fall Awards, while proud to celebrate the achievements of all the outstanding classified and certificated awardees.

Director DeWitt was proud to support the Women’s Empowerment Conference hosted by the Downey Chamber of Commerce.

WRD Director Katherman and staff were honored to speak at the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary General Meeting, where they shared the history of water in the South Bay and the exciting work happening through our Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program.

Director Langford and WRD staff hosted a booth at the Independent Cities Conference Winter Seminar educating elected officials on the benefits of investing in groundwater projects for the region.

Honoring the legacy and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., WRD Director Allen and staff were proud to stand alongside community leaders at Long Beach’s 38th Annual MLK Jr. Parade.

Director Calderon welcomed attendees at the Eco Gardener Workshop on Edible Gardening in the City of South Gate.

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.

REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING TOUR BY SCANNING THE QR CODE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:

16th Annual

WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT

WWW.WRD.ORG/ GROUNDWATER-FESTIVAL

FO FACE PAOD, IN AND MO TING, RE! WHEN

- Manuel G. 4th Grade, Roosevelt Elementary School, Paramount

WHERE WRD 4040 Paramount Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90712

Saturday, May 2, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

WRD CELEBRATES 2026 CALENDAR CONTEST WINNERS Thank you to the hundreds of K-6 grade students who participated in our 11th Annual Student Art Calendar Contest. With 1,500 submissions from 125 schools, your creativity helped bring the 2026 Water Awareness Calendar to life. Congratulations to the 24 incredible student artists whose artwork will be featured throughout the year on our social media!

Congrats to Manuel G., from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, Giselle D., from Foster Elementary School and Elowen Y. from Anza Elementary School who are some of our winners of the 11th Annual Student Art Calendar Contest.

The winners’ creative artwork helps to educate the community about the importance of groundwater and water conservation. Stay tuned as the 2027 contest information will be availble this Fall.

THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS AND A DIGITAL COPY OF THE CALENDAR ARE AVAILABLE ON THE PROGRAM WEBPAGE AT WW.WRD.ORG/STUDENTARTCONTEST.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joy Langford

Rob Katherman

John D. S. Allen

Sergio Calderon

Vera Robles DeWitt

Stephan Tucker

Division 1

Division 2

Division 3

Division 4

Division 5

General Manager

@WRDsocal 4040 Paramount Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90712 www.WRD.org