Implementation Update June 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:

• June 10, 2026 – Regional Oversight Committee Meeting

Program Spotlights

Winery Canyon Channel and Descanso Gardens Stormwater Capture and Reuse Project

Descanso Gardens hosted its groundbreaking ceremony on May 18, 2026, marking the start of construction on the Environmental Resilience Water Projects, a transformative initiative that integrates stormwater capture, water reuse, lake restoration, habitat enhancement, wildfire resilience, and environmental education. The project will provide multiple benefits, including improved water quality, increased local water supply reliability, restored aquatic and terrestrial habitat, enhanced fire suppression capacity, and expanded opportunities for public learning and recreation.

Supported by nearly $9.9 million from Los Angeles County’s Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W), along with Measure A and other public and private funding partners, the project will capture, treat, and reuse stormwater from the 256-acre Winery Canyon watershed.  The project has the capacity to capture an estimated 63.5 acre-feet (approximately 20.7 million gallons) of stormwater annually, while improving downstream water quality and reducing reliance on imported potable water. The completed project will increase climate resilience, restore Descanso Gardens’ historic lake ecosystem, and provide approximately 3 million gallons of on-site emergency water storage for firefighting operations. Construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027, creating a model for how public gardens and green spaces can integrate water sustainability, ecological restoration, and community resilience in a changing climate.

David M. Gonzales Recreation Center Stormwater Capture Project

David M. Gonzales Recreation Center in Pacoima marked a significant sustainability milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 for the flagship stormwater capture park, part of a nine-site initiative across the East San Fernando Valley. Spearheaded by Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and Mayor Karen Bass, the project will feature a 2.6‑acre underground infiltration gallery that will divert stormwater from local pipes to capture and filter approximately 448 acre‑feet (around 165 Olympic‑sized swimming pools) annually. The addition of upstream hydrodynamic separators will ensure the removal of debris, sediment, and fine particulates before water replenishes the San Fernando Groundwater Basin, bolstering regional water resilience and reducing urban runoff.

Beyond water infrastructure, the project will revitalize the recreation center with upgraded green spaces, native landscaping, new trees, and educational signage to raise sustainability awareness. Funded through the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Safe Clean Water Program, and partnering city agencies, the development injects approximately $50 million into local infrastructure and is projected to generate around 85 jobs. As part of the city’s broader Stormwater Capture Parks Program, which aims to double annual stormwater capture to nearly 50 billion gallons by 2035, the project delivers innovative, nature‑based infrastructure that enhances water quality, mitigates flooding, and expands public park access for underserved communities.

Adaptive Management

Watershed Planning Initiative

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

Project Developer Info Session

The SCW Program Watershed Planning Team hosted a virtual Project Developer Info Session on March 18. The session covered the key outputs of the Initial Watershed Plans and explained how to demonstrate alignment with them in accordance with the 20th requirement, which was recently added to the existing 19 Feasibility Study Guidelines (FSG) and will apply to the 2026 Call for Projects. A recording of the Info Session is available on the SCW Program webpage. 

Scoring Revision Survey

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. We are gathering input to evaluate and improve the Guidelines and Criteria and kindly request your feedback through the 10-minute Safe, Clean Water Program 2027 Scoring Revision Survey. Thank you in advance for sharing your time and insight.

Regional Oversight Committee

The Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. The next ROC meeting is scheduled for June 10. At this meeting, the ROC will review the first batch of FY26-27 Stormwater Investment Plans recommended by the Watershed Area Steering Committees. The ROC will also receive an update on the District Grants Program for Engagement, Workforce Development, and K-12 Education. Meeting details will be posted on the ROC events webpage as they become available.

ROC members are interested in hosting meetings at various locations across 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

2026 Call for Projects

The 2026 Call for Projects for the FY27-28 Stormwater Investment Plan began accepting applications on June 1, 2026 with a submission deadline of July 31, 2026. Call for Projects Info Sessions were held on May 13 and May 14. For more information and updated guidance, please visit the Call for Projects webpage.  

FY 26-27 Stormwater Investment Plan Deliberations

Watershed Area Steering Committees (WASCs) are currently deliberating on the Stormwater Investment Plans (SIPs), with the goal of approving the recommended SIPs and transmitting them to the Regional Oversight Committee for review and approval by this summer. SIPs may 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

Project Modification Request

Project Modification Requests (PMRs) are accepted year-round. 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 would lead initial project planning and design activities for selected projects that could leverage SCWP Municipal Program funds in conjunction with other sources. The goal is to collaboratively identify, and advance regional-scale projects informed by the Watershed Plans, which will ultimately include convening potential partners to discuss and pursue strategic investments. The 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 at this time. If your city is interested in participating, has a project idea to discuss, or has questions, please contact SCWPMunicipal@pw.lacounty.gov. 

Disbursement

Annual disbursements for FY 25–26 (Year 6) were completed in December 2025, January 2026, and March 2026 for municipalities that met all eligibility requirements. To date, 84 cities have collectively received over $99 million in Local Return funding. Annual Municipal Program disbursements are processed once a municipality has met all eligibility requirements.

Annual Plans

The SCW Program Municipal Program FY26-27 Annual Plans were submitted on April 1, 2026. Municipalities can use the Reporting Module Municipal Program tile to submit their Annual Plans.

Annual Reports

The SCW Program Municipal Program FY26-27 Annual Plans were submitted on April 1, 2026. Municipalities can use the Reporting Module Municipal Program tile to submit their Annual Plans.

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, containing 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 continuing its grants program. The SCWP is currently working on a competitive solicitation to select an administrator for the next phase of the Grants Program, which 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.