LADWP Offers Reclaimed Water

By Lynn Brown August 22, 2011

Chalk one up for the Los Angeles Equine Advisory Committee. In July the group got word that local stables and ranches can begin accessing reclaimed water for grounds maintenance.

The move came after more than a year of discussions, during which time the L.A. Department of Water and Power went to considerable lengths to implement a program. Steps included installing a dedicated recycled water pipeline and getting approval from the California Department of Public Health.

As water rates have risen, the cost of using tap water to maintain arenas, alleviate dust and water plants has become prohibitive to many horse owners. The problem was exacerbated by a precipitous rise in rates due in part to drought restrictions.

While not free, reclaimed water is approximately 60% less expensive than so-called “potable water”—water suitable for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.

Reclaimed water is a notch below—treated, but not sanitary for in-home use—and the city offloads millions of gallons of it each year. In order to facilitate public use, the DWP had to make some infrastructure changes, installing special “purple pipelines” to get the water flowing.

Currently, reclaimed water is available at 11 fill stations located throughout the city and can be accessed only by equestrian watering trucks. Sun Valley and Atwater are among the most centrally located of the watering stations.

Though some equine facilities already own water trucks, others are banding together to share the cost of procuring a vehicle and do the special training required by those individuals who will be operating the trucks.

The DWP has specific requirements for water trucks meant to carry reclaimed water, and the vehicles must be inspected and certified by both the agency and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health prior to use. DWP jurisdiction extends only to the city of Los Angeles. Equine businesses outside the coverage area are urged to contact their municipal water agencies to initiate local programs. The fact that the city of L.A. and L.A. County have now set a precedent should make it easier for other regions to follow suit.

The L.A. Equine Advisory Council is comprised of horse owner representatives appointed by each L.A. City Council member. The successful outcome of the reclaimed water initiative was due in large part to the efforts of Gibson Ranch owner Dale Gibson, who represents District 2 on behalf of councilmember Paul Krekorian.

It is projected that through 2014 the LADWP will be increasing water and sewage charges to the public. Details of the proposed rate increases are available online, at http://64.147.173.150/ladwp.

District 2 is planning a workshop on recycled water use. For details, contact the office of Paul Krekorian at 818-755-7676, or e-mail Sunland-Tujunga senior community service representative Mary Benson at Mary.Benson@lacity.org.

 

 

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