West Basin re-opens El Segundo Water Recycling Facility

Oct. 7, 2019
Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility Water Education Center to reopen to the public.

CARSON, CA, OCT 7, 2019 -- West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) celebrated the re-opening of the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (ECLWRF) Water Education Center in El Segundo, Calif. during a grand re- opening ceremony held on Thursday, October 3.

The evening consisted of a short speaking program and ceremonial ribbon cutting, honoring the legacy of the facility. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano served as the keynote speaker where more than 300 community members, elected officials, water professionals, members of the environmental community and other esteemed guests gathered at the facility to recognize the District’s vision for regional water sustainability through its enhanced recycled water program.

“West Basin is proud of its role as a leader in recycled water, and our newly renovated Visitors Center will once again welcome members of the public and water professionals to learn about the work of our District and our longstanding commitment to provide a sustainable supply of water to our communities,” said West Basin Board President Scott Houston.

The renovated Water Education Center includes new interpretive exhibits that provide guests with a refreshed educational experience and enhanced interactive learning opportunities along the water treatment facility tour route. Since its opening in 1995, more than 100,000 people, including local school students, college groups, international delegations, trade groups and professionals have visited the ECLWRF and participated in plant tours.

West Basin has invested approximately $600 million in infrastructure and treatment technologies for its water recycling program. This includes more than $277 million in grants and outside investments to assist with program costs. The plant has produced over 200 billion gallons of recycled water over the past 25 years, demonstrating a successful partnership in sustainability and environmental protection with the City of Los Angeles.

“Providing the community with the opportunity to better understand water reuse, water use efficiency and other sustainable solutions that respond to climate change challenges are vital in securing the future of water reliability,” said West Basin General Manager Patrick Sheilds. “The enhancements to the Water Education Center will now provide a larger platform for information sharing and create opportunities for partnerships and collaboration at a global level.”

The grand re-opening ceremony hosted key figures involved in water stewardship and management and included remarks from LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) General Manager Enrique Zaldivar and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California General Manager Jeff Kightlinger. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also shared a video message congratulating West Basin on the success of its recycled water program and recognizing the District’s ongoing successful partnership with the city on its sustainability efforts.

The ECLWRF has been closed to the public during its renovations since early 2018 and will reopen to the public for tours and presentations in January 2020. The Water Education Center will also be available to community groups and professional organizations as a public meeting space. Expected to attract over 20,000 people each year, the water education center will continue to serve as a regional hub for recycled water education.

The celebration was sponsored by Butier Engineering and Angeles Contractor, Inc.

For more information on West Basin’s water recycling program, visit www.westbasin.org/recycled-water.

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