FAQs

• What is the Safe, Clean Water Program?

  In 2018, the electorate within the LA County Flood Control District voted to create the Safe, Clean Water Program, which is designed to clean and conserve billions of gallons of stormwater that would otherwise be lost to the ocean when it rains. 

  The Safe, Clean Water Program also improves the livability and resilience of LA County’s communities through development of green space, recreational opportunities, and other enhancements.

  The SCWP strongly promotes regional collaboration, prioritizes investment in underserved communities, and favors projects that take advantage of natural processes to filter, clean, and store water.

  Visit our About Us page to learn more about the Safe, Clean Water Program.

• What does the Safe, Clean Water Program do?

  The Safe, Clean Water Program funds stormwater initiatives that improve water quality, increase our local water supply, and provide community benefits, like green spaces and parks. 

  There are actually three core programs within the Safe, Clean Water umbrella:

  • The Municipal Program sends money to cities, which can use it to build projects or find other ways to clean and capture stormwater.
  • The Regional Program funds regional infrastructure and research (among other things).
  • The District Program covers administration, education, and other countywide services. 

  When it comes to projects, the Safe, Clean Water Program isn’t simply a funder. We provide support to community groups, municipalities, and individuals who have a project idea but need assistance developing their concepts and applications.

  You can read more about what we do, including public education, tax assistance, job training, and more, on our What We Do page. 

• How is the Safe, Clean Water Program funding allocated?

  Safe, Clean Water Program funding is allocated across three areas: the Regional Program, the Municipal Program, and the District Program. 

  The Regional Program receives 50% of all Safe, Clean Water funding, with the majority of that being spent on infrastructure projects and scientific studies across LA County.

  The Municipal Program receives 40% of all Safe, Clean Water funding, to be used on infrastructure, maintenance, and more.

  Ten percent of the Program’s resources are reserved for the District Program, which covers administration, technical assistance, and countywide initiatives that benefit everyone.

• Are feasibility studies required for all Regional Projects seeking funding?

  Yes, a feasibility study is required before a project will be considered for funding. As defined by the Feasibility Study Guidelines, project applicants must meet the minimum requirements and also meet the threshold score of 60 points or more using the Infrastructure Program Project Scoring Criteria. Feasibility Study Guidelines and Scoring Criteria can be found in the project application. 

  The feasibility study should be submitted as part of your project application. The application portal will guide you through all of the required information. Please consult the Feasibility Study Guidelines for additional information.

• What is the Regional Program?

  Safe, Clean Water Program funding is allocated across three areas: the District Program, Regional Program, and Municipal Program. The Regional Program receives 50% of all Safe, Clean Water funding, with the majority of that being spent on infrastructure projects and scientific studies across LA County.

  Regional infrastructure projects are much likelier to get funding if they have multiple benefits for our communities. Imagine, for example, a baseball diamond with water-collecting cisterns hidden beneath the field. Green spaces, like Magic Johnson Park in South LA, can clean and capture stormwater while providing other benefits to local communities. 

  In addition to infrastructure, the Regional Program funds scientific research to help us understand where the needs are and how we can best address them.

  Learn more.

• When it comes to funding and investments, how are decisions made by the Safe, Clean Water Program?

  The Safe, Clean Water Program has 170 committee members including 11 Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) members, 6 Scoring Committee members, and 17 Watershed Area Steering Committee (WASC) members who serve on each of the 9 WASCs (153 total WASC members across the Program).

  The Regional Oversight Committee is made up of subject matter experts that are responsible for assessing whether Safe, Clean Water Program goals are being met. These members are appointed by the LA County Board of Supervisors. 

  The ROC reviews Stormwater Investment Plans to evaluate whether proposed projects support Program goals, maintains proper balance of multi-benefit projects, and steers future processes. The ROC is responsible for identifying broad issues that require attention, identifying projects to consider in the future, and raising specific items to be addressed in reporting. The ROC also reviews progress and expenditure reports annually, summarizes these reports biennially, and holds public meetings to obtain feedback on the Program.

  The Scoring Committee is made up of 6 subject matter experts that coordinate with District staff to review and finalize scoring for projects that are being considered for funding as part of the Regional Program by each WASC.

  WASCs meet regularly to develop funding plans for their respective watersheds (Stormwater Investment Plans) and provide recommendations for how to provide water quality, water supply, and community enhancement benefits for the region. The watershed committees have diverse representation from municipalities, agencies, and community stakeholders (e.g., business, environmental, environmental justice, and at-large seats).

  Current membership in each of the governance committees and additional information on roles and responsibilities can be found on their Committee pages.