During an update of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California’s (WRD) projects, district officials thanked Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) for her ongoing efforts to secure federal funding for its water projects, including funds for the construction of a groundwater monitoring well to protect groundwater quality in the region. The congresswoman heard from the District’s Board Directors Lillian Kawasaki and Sergio Calderon who discussed the ability of the two groundwater basins to store water. Coupled with the District’s Water Independence Network (WIN) Initiative which, when fully implemented, will eliminate the region's dependence on imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River for replenishment purposes, the district can help “drought proof” the region. District officials said that can be done by ensuring that a reliable local supply of water is available for the future and during dire circumstances that may include the impacts of climate change, natural catastrophes, or terrorist attacks to surface water supply.

Following the briefing, district officials led the congresswoman on an aerial tour in which the congresswoman received an above ground view of the Leo J. Vander Lans Advanced Water Treatment Facility, Rio Hondo and San Gabriel spreading grounds, and Whittier Narrows dam. The group also flew along the alignments of two water pipeline projects and sites of planned facilities under the District’s Water Independence Network Initiative.

The Water Replenishment District covers 420 square miles of service area and is the regional groundwater management for nearly four million residents in 43 cities in southern Los Angeles County.  The District manages two of the state’s most utilized groundwater basins, providing nearly 40 percent of the drinking water supply for households and businesses within the district’s boundaries. In the congresswoman’s 34th Congressional District, WRD services the following communities: Bell; Bellflower; Bell Gardens; Commerce; Cudahy; Downey; Huntington Park; Florence; Maywood; Vernon; and Walnut Park.

Pictured in the photo at the table from left to right: Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; WRD Board Director Sergio Calderon; WRD Government Affairs Manager Adeline Yoong; WRD Director Lillian Kawasaki; WRD General Manager Robb Whitaker; and WRD Chief Hydrogeologist Ted Johnson (not shown).
 

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