Implementation Update August 2026

The Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) funds stormwater initiatives that improve water quality, increase our local water supply, and provide community benefits such as green spaces and parks. The program cultivates regional and community partnerships and prioritizes historically underserved communities. This newsletter provides important updates designed to help you stay informed and engaged. For further information on regional proposals, including those that are funded or under consideration, please visit the projects webpage.

Key Dates to Know:

• August 12, 2026 – Regional Oversight Committee Meeting
• August 15, 2026 – Regional Program Annual Report Due

Project Spotlight

Zamora Park Renovation Project – Grand Opening!

The Zamora Park Renovation Project in the City of El Monte, funded in part through the Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) during FY 2021–22, is now complete and open to the public!

Led by Trust for Public Land, the revitalized park transforms a valued community space while delivering multiple benefits, including improved stormwater capture, enhanced water quality, and expanded recreational opportunities. Visitors can now enjoy more than 100 newly planted shade trees, stormwater capture features, walking paths, outdoor fitness equipment, new playgrounds, a refurbished basketball court, a splash pad, and an on-site community center.

The project demonstrates how SCWP investments can create healthier, more resilient communities by combining environmental improvements with vibrant public spaces.

Strategic Advancement

Watershed Planning Initiative

The Initial Watershed Plans are available on the SCW Program Watershed Planning webpage. Visit the “Initial Watershed Plans & Planning Tool” section and click the corresponding link for the desired Watershed Area.

Scoring Revision Efforts

As part of the Safe, Clean Water Program’s Adaptive Management efforts, revisions to the Feasibility Study Guidelines and Scoring Criteria for the 2027 Call for Projects are currently underway. The updated criteria will help ensure the Program continues to align with evolving priorities and supports the selection of high-impact, multi-benefit projects.

Post-Construction Monitoring Efforts

The 2026 Post-Construction Monitoring Guidance is now available on the SCW Program Adaptive Management webpage under the “Post-Construction Monitoring Guidance” section.

Updates to the Reporting Module are also underway to incorporate the new guidance and support consistent reporting, sustained project performance, and achievement of Program goals. Additional information on Post-Construction Monitoring efforts will be presented at the August 12 Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) meeting.

Regional Oversight Committee

The Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) meets monthly on the second Wednesday. The next meeting will be held on August 12, where the Committee will receive updates on the 2026 Call for Projects, the Regional Program FY 2025–26 Mid-Year Report Summaries, the Scoring Revision Process, and the Post-Construction Monitoring Guidance.

Meeting details will be posted on the ROC Events webpage as they become available.

The ROC is also interested in holding meetings at various locations throughout Los Angeles County. If your agency or municipality is interested in hosting a meeting, please contact the Regional Oversight Committee Executive Clerk at SCWP_ROC_ExecClerk@pw.lacounty.gov to discuss logistics.

Regional Program

Public Notice: Watershed Area Steering Committee Operating Guidelines Update

In alignment with the 2026 Biennial Progress Report, the SCWP is updating the Watershed Area Steering Committee (WASC) Operating Guidelines to clarify existing procedures, improve consistency across the Regional Program, and incorporate lessons learned from implementation.

The proposed revisions will be presented to each WASC during their Fall 2026 meetings, prior to adoption by the Chief Engineer. The proposed revisions to the WASC Operating Guidelines and the meeting schedule are available on the SCWP website.

2026 Call for Projects

The 2026 Call for Projects for the FY 2027-28 Stormwater Investment Plan accepted applications from June 1 through July 31. The District is currently reviewing submittals for completeness and eligibility for the Infrastructure, Technical Resources, and Scientific Studies Programs. For more information and updated guidance, please visit the Call for Projects webpage.

FY 2026-27 Stormwater Investment Plan Deliberations

Watershed Area Steering Committees (WASCs) and the ROC recommended approval of all nine SIPs to the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is anticipated to review and approve the SIPs in Fall 2026. SIPs include new and previously approved projects (Infrastructure Program), project concepts (Technical Resources Program), and scientific studies (Scientific Studies Program).

Additional Resources:

• SIP Programming Tool – View the online tool
• WASC Meeting Schedule – Visit the Events webpage for upcoming meetings
• Find Your Watershed Tool – Identify your Watershed Area

FY 2025-26 Annual Report

The Regional Program FY 2025-26 Annual Reports are due August 15, 2026. Project and Scientific Study developers can submit their progress reports through the Reporting Module. Project developers, please remember to update estimated construction schedules in progress reports as needed. The SCWP Bid and Project Schedules website uses information provided by Project developers to make estimated construction schedules and potential bid opportunities more accessible.

Project Modification Request

Project Modification Requests (PMRs) are accepted year-round. Inconsistent PMRs must be submitted on or before October 31 in order to be considered for approval during the 2026 Call for Projects. For PMR guidelines, the form, and FAQs, please visit the Guidelines for Project Modifications section on the Adaptive Management webpage.

Municipal Program

Notification to all Municipalities

The Safe, Clean Water Program is now offering regional project partnership services to municipalities that have an updated City Services Contract with Los Angeles County Public Works. As part of this effort, Public Works will lead initial project planning and design activities for selected projects that could leverage SCWP Municipal Program funds in conjunction with other funding sources. The goal is to collaboratively identify and advance regional-scale projects informed by the Watershed Plans, including convening potential partners to discuss and pursue strategic investments. This effort will require close coordination with municipalities on project development, funding, and implementation.

Please note that services are currently limited to initial project planning and design. If your city is interested in participating, has a project idea to discuss, or has questions, please contact SCWPMunicipal@pw.lacounty.gov. 

Audit Reports

As required under the Municipal Program Transfer Agreement and Chapters 16 and 18 of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Code, municipalities are responsible for obtaining an independent audit within nine months following the end of each three-year period. Audit reports should detail expenditures from the preceding three fiscal years and determine compliance with the Transfer Agreement and all applicable requirements under Chapters 16 and 18 of the District Code. Audit reports for Fiscal Years 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26 are due by March 31, 2027.

For your reference, please see this Statement of Work Template, which contains the minimum reporting requirements for audit reports.

District Program

Public Education and Community Engagement Grants Program

Grant-funded projects from all three rounds are currently underway, supporting public education and community engagement efforts across the region. Detailed information about funded projects is available on the Water Foundation’s website. Thank you to all applicants for making this program a success!

Looking ahead, the Safe, Clean Water Program remains committed to the continued implementation of its Grants Program. The SCWP is currently developing a competitive solicitation to select an administrator for the next phase of the Grants Program.  This will result in a temporary pause in program administration. Future iterations may look slightly different as we explore ways to better integrate workforce development and school education grants alongside public engagement efforts, while also creating a more continuous and sustainable program structure.