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San Fernando Valley / Evaluation of Groundwater Recharge Capacity and Expansion / Estimated Costs, Risks, Timeline, and Funding

Council File 26-0790

Under review — the city is evaluating how much it could expand groundwater recharge in the San Fernando Valley to reduce dependence on imported water. The Energy and Environment Committee is examining the project's costs, timeline, and funding options before the full council votes.

Introduced
2026-05-27
Last changed
2026-07-31
Status
open
Expires
2028-07-31
Committee
Energy and Environment Committee
Mover
IMELDA PADILLA
Second
BOB BLUMENFIELD

Brief

Introduced by Councilmember Imelda Padilla and seconded by Bob Blumenfield, this motion directs the city to evaluate the San Fernando Valley's groundwater recharge capacity and opportunities for expansion. The motion asks for estimated costs, risks, timeline, and funding sources needed to implement any recharge projects. The motion is currently pending in the Energy and Environment Committee, with a committee hearing scheduled for August 4, 2026.

Full summary

Councilmember Imelda Padilla introduced this motion on May 27, 2026, seeking a comprehensive evaluation of groundwater recharge capacity in the San Fernando Valley. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, directs the city to assess opportunities for expanding groundwater recharge infrastructure in the valley, a key water sustainability objective as Los Angeles faces ongoing drought pressures and seeks to reduce reliance on imported water. The motion requests that the responsible city departments provide detailed analysis including estimated project costs, associated risks, implementation timelines, and potential funding mechanisms or sources to support any expansion efforts. The substantive goal is to understand both the current state of groundwater recharge operations in the San Fernando Valley and realistic pathways to increase local water capture and storage. This information would inform future water infrastructure decisions and support the city's water independence and climate resilience goals. Since introduction, the motion was referred to the Energy and Environment Committee on May 27, 2026. As of July 31, 2026, the committee scheduled the item for discussion at its August 4, 2026 meeting. The motion remains pending committee action and has not yet advanced to the full City Council for a vote. The file is set to expire in two years, on July 31, 2028.

Activity (2)

  • 2026-07-31 Energy and Environment Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on August 4, 2026.
  • 2026-05-27 Motion referred to Energy and Environment Committee.

Documents (1)

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