*This news release was originally published and distributed by the Office of Councilmember Adrin Nazarian
LOS ANGELES (October 1, 2026) – Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, LADWP, LA Recreation and Parks, and the LA Bureau of Engineering convened in Valley Plaza Park this morning to break ground on a stormwater capture project to collect rainwater and urban runoff at seven local parks in the East San Fernando Valley.
“This innovative program will be instrumental in fortifying Los Angeles’s water supply,” said Councilmember Nazarian. “This initiative enables the capture of millions of gallons of water that would otherwise flow into the ocean. Once complete, this initiative enables the capture of millions of gallons of water that would otherwise flow into the ocean, especially in times of heavy rainfall. Consequently, municipal rates can remain stable by reducing reliance on imported water sources from hundreds of miles away. I’m so glad that the East San Fernando Valley will be the first region in the city to see the benefits of this new program.”
Once complete, this project will deliver key environmental, water-quality, and recreational benefits, including an average stormwater capture capacity of 158 acre-feet per year, improved downstream water quality and reduced localized flooding, a significant reduction in local pollutants entering the Tujunga Wash, the Los Angeles River, and the ocean, and park upgrades such as native vegetation landscaping, new trees, and additional recreational improvements alongside the water infrastructure work.
“The Stormwater Capture Parks Program is the kind of forward‐looking infrastructure that Los Angeles needs,” said Allan Marks, President of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners. “By capturing, treating, and storing millions of gallons of stormwater that would otherwise be lost, we’re strengthening local water reliability, revitalizing community spaces, and building a more resilient and sustainable water future for generations to come.”
“The Bureau of Engineering is pleased to partner with LADWP, the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Council office to make these projects a reality,” said Crystal Lee, City Engineer. “These collaborations are incredible examples of what we can do for communities when we work together. Bringing these projects to these parks not only provides new water retention opportunities and improves water quality, but they also provide park improvements that everyone can enjoy.”
“This project at Valley Plaza Park highlights the innovative, dual roles our public spaces can fulfill for the community,” said Jimmy Kim, General Manager of LA City Department of Recreation and Parks. “By converting our parks through neighborhood stormwater capture initiatives into advanced water management systems, we are making a direct investment in sustainability and advancing the City’s long-term water future goals.”
Valley Plaza Park South is one of seven parks included in the broader Stormwater Capture Parks Program. Other sites in this program include Valley Plaza Park North, Strathern Park North, Valley Village Park, Whitsett Fields Park, Fernangeles Park, and David M. Gonzales Park. For more information about the program, go to LADWP.com/parks.
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