Long before other utilities even thought of recycling, as early as the 1970s LVMWD was at work to replace imported, potable water with recycled water for irrigation. In 1972, The District began the practice of applying recycled water from Tapia to local landscapes, becoming a pioneer in water reuse. Today, 20% of water served by LVMWD is highly treated wastewater used for public irrigation. LVMWD’s network of recycled water lines has more miles of pipe per capita than any water agency in California. Current infrastructure consists of 4 tanks, 5 pumping stations, 3 reservoirs and 66 miles of pipeline.
Water recycling has been a great success in our watershed. Mid summer, every drop of the 9-million gallons of recycled water available daily is used to irrigate public landscapes. In 1997 this achievement became a mandate as a result of environmental regulations that prohibit recycled water from flowing to Malibu Creek from April 15 to November 15 each year. Compliance is challenging during cool, overcast periods—common in spring and fall. Alternatives to creek discharge for 7 months cost over $1/2 million annually.