L.A.'s Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant Leverages Water Reuse To Protect Groundwater Supply

The Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant (TIWRP) at LA Sanitation and Environment is a global trailblazer in water reuse, harnessing recycled water to safeguard its groundwater reserves against saltwater intrusion and meet the city’s growing water needs. In this article, Lance Thibodeaux, division manager for the Terminal Island water reclamation division at LA Sanitation and Environment, describes Terminal Island’s industry leading water reuse program and its long-time partnership with Xylem.

The City of Los Angeles is a global leader in water reuse, deploying advanced recycled water solutions to help meet the city’s growing demands and tackle one of its toughest challenges: groundwater depletion.

L.A.’s ecosystem struggles to naturally replenish its groundwater reserves due to persistent drought and growing water demand. According to a study by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, deep aquifers in the L.A. area only regained about 25% of the groundwater lost since 2006, despite the historic rainfall levels of 2023 and Hurricane Hilary. This limited recharge puts groundwater supplies at risk of saltwater intrusion and contamination.

At the heart of L.A.’s water reuse strategy is the Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant (TIWRP), operated by the City’s Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation (LASAN). As one of the most advanced water reuse facilities in the world, TIWRP plays a critical role in protecting the city’s groundwater resources, reducing reliance on imported water, and meeting some of California’s most stringent wastewater discharge regulations.

This is an interview with Lance Thibodeaux, division manager for the Terminal Island water reclamation division at LA Sanitation and Environment where he describes Terminal Island’s industry leading reuse program and its long-time partnership with Xylem.