LA to double recycled water capacity at Van Nuys wastewater plant
Los Angeles is moving closer to a major milestone in water sustainability with plans to retrofit its Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Van Nuys to produce purified drinking water. The upgrade will enable the facility to operate at full capacity, providing sufficient recycled water for approximately half a million residents by 2028. This initiative is part of the city’s ambitious goal to recycle 100% of its water by 2035, helping combat chronic water shortages worsened by climate change and overuse of imported water. By turning wastewater into a reliable local supply, L.A. aims to reduce its dependence on distant sources, such as the Colorado River and the Sierra Nevada.
Beyond city limits, the project could have a ripple effect on regional water conservation. Officials say the expansion may ease pressure on ecosystems such as Mono Lake in the eastern Sierra, a water source long impacted by L.A.’s diversions. The construction, set for completion in 2027, is projected to lower costs for ratepayers while strengthening the city’s long-term water resilience. With City Council approval pending, this investment represents both a crucial step toward environmental responsibility and a blueprint for how major cities can secure their future water needs sustainably.
