The scarcity of local supplies requires that nearly two thirds of Los Angeles County's water be imported from Northern California and the Colorado River. However, due to the on-going drought, limitations on the Colorado River water, and significant pumping restrictions on the State Water Project, imported supplies can no longer be relied on to meet demands. To meet the needs of Los Angeles County's projected growth, the County has sought to increase local supplies, thereby reducing its reliance on imported water while providing a cost effective, locally controlled and managed water supply.
The primary local water supply is groundwater. Increased groundwater production has, however, caused overdraft of the groundwater basins. To avoid and combat this overdraft, planned replenishment of the groundwater basins is necessary.
Beginning in 1962, the Montebello Forebay Groundwater Recharge Project (MFGRP) is the oldest planned potable reuse groundwater recharge project in California. The MFGRP is a joint project between the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works who operates the system, the Water Replenishment District of Southern California who administers the overall management of the groundwater basin, and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts who provide the recycled water and oversee permit compliance for the system. Located in southeast Los Angeles County, the MFGRP replenishes the Central Basin via surface spreading of local storm runoff, imported surface water, and recycled water. The recharge of more than 1 million acre-feet of recycled water since 1962 has helped to significantly reduce overdraft in the Central Basin and has provided a new water supply roughly equivalent to the demands of a quarter of a million people.
Recycled water is a continuously available, locally controlled, and drought resistant water source. Because if its great dependability, using recycled water for groundwater replenishment is an important component of water supply sustainability.
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