LOS ANGELES (April 22, 2025) — In celebration of Earth Day, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is proud to showcase our recent sustainability achievements—reflecting a deep, ongoing commitment to a clean energy future, a sustainable water supply, and environmental stewardship. In the face of a changing climate, advancing bold, sustainable practices has become more critical than ever.
From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to increasing local water reliability and implementing equitable initiatives, LADWP has made significant progress toward building a cleaner and more climate-resilient Los Angeles.
Clean Energy Progress
We continue to expand large-scale renewable energy sources, energy storage and transmission capacity to bring clean energy into Los Angeles, with large-scale projects and distributed energy resources. At the same time, LADWP is also building electric vehicle charging infrastructure and enhancing electrification incentives. As of 2024, clean energy makes up 40.7 percent of our renewable energy portfolio.* LADWP is leading the charge toward 100 percent clean energy with projects like the Eland Solar and Storage Center, one of the largest solar battery storage systems in the nation.
Local Water Supply Innovation
In partnership with Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN), LADWP is pursuing innovative, sustainable water management through initiatives like Pure Water Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Groundwater Replenishment Project (LAGWR), which are diversifying local water sources to secure long-term supply and reducing reliance on purchased imported water. Pure Water Los Angeles is the City of Los Angeles’ new, local drinking water supply that will be produced through advanced treatment and purification processes. LAGWR is one of the largest water projects in California and will provide the city with a new sustainable and drought-resistant water supply for as many as 250,000 customers.
Charge Up, L.A.!
Through strategic investments and collaboration, LADWP is ensuring that electric vehicles (EVs) are equitable, affordable, and accessible to all. We have a comprehensive plan to build, operate and maintain a city-owned network of EV “fast-charging” hubs across Los Angeles, including the city’s underserved communities. To encourage Angelenos to drive EVs, we provide enhanced rebates for used EVs and residential chargers, especially for those who are income-qualified. From 2018-2024, LADWP provided over $143 million in funding to support residential, commercial, and used EV rebates.
Energy Efficiency Milestones
LADWP met and exceeded our target of 15 percent cumulative energy savings from 2010 through 2020, representing 3,122 gigawatt hours (GWh) of independently verified savings—enough to offset the electricity needs of 564,500 homes and avoid over 1 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since 2020, the Department has achieved an added 1,224 GWh, on track towards reaching and additional 3,434 GWh by 2035. We are committed to promoting zero-carbon new construction projects and making high-efficiency electric heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technology more accessible and affordable to all Angelenos. LADWP has also expanded our residential and commercial incentive offerings to help promote electric alternatives available to all customer segments in our portfolio of energy efficiency programs.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is at the core of multiple strategies to ensure a sustainable water supply, and Angelenos have long embraced water-saving ethics. Per capita water use in Los Angeles has dropped to 101 gallons per day, representing a 33 percent decrease over the past 15 years. In addition, over 55 million square feet of turf have been replaced through LADWP’s rebate programs. LADWP continues to encourage conservation and water use efficiency through our tiered rate structure, which incentivizes lower water use.
Leading with Equity
With the completion of the LA100 Equity Strategies Study, LADWP is designing equity-driven, clean energy policies and programs. Powered by Equity is one example initiative that aims to help all Angelenos experience the benefits of L.A.’s clean energy future. Clean energy programs include transportation electrification, community solar, job creation and training, and point-of-sale rebates for home cooling. Launched in 2022, the Comprehensive Affordable Multifamily Retrofits (CAMR) program assists L.A.’s low income, multifamily property owners by offering free property assessments to identify efficiency opportunities, helping owners and their residents to save energy and reduce costs.
Supporting Biodiversity
LADWP recognizes our role in preserving and enhancing biodiversity across Los Angeles. Managing over 4,500 acres of land and natural resources, LADWP integrates biodiversity initiatives and nature-based solutions into daily operations to protect ecosystems, support native species, and promote overall environmental health. LADWP is currently in the second year of compliance with the Board of Water and Power Commissioner’s Biodiversity motion. LADWP’s conservation efforts include habitat restoration, pollinator protection, and biodiversity monitoring through our research partnerships.
Sustaining the Eastern Sierra
For decades, LADWP has been dedicated to working hand-in-hand with state and federal agencies and local voices to protect the environment in the Eastern Sierra. Under the Long-Term Water Agreement with Inyo County, we have implemented over 60 mitigation projects in the Owens Valley resulting in the restoration, re-greening, and/or revegetation of land owned by the City of Los Angeles and managed by LADWP. The Department manages the City of Los Angeles’ land and water rights in the Owens Valley on its behalf to ensure responsible management and continued access to this sustainable, affordable water resource for Los Angeles’ ratepayers. These projects have fostered the creation and maintenance of wetland ecosystems, invasive vegetation eradication, and additional environmental benefits to the area. The Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program is the largest dust mitigation project in the United States, covering approximately 48.6 square miles of lakebed and requiring about 60,000 acre-feet of water annually. To date, L.A. has invested more than $2.6 billion, resulting in a successful reduction in dust emissions from Owens Lake by over 99 percent.
Tree Planting
In partnership with City Plants, LADWP provided $28.9 million from 2013-2025 to plant and distribute shade trees, helping to combat the urban heat island effect and enhance community well-being. Shade trees provide habitats for wildlife, and create healthier, more connected communities. Since 2010, LADWP’s investment in urban canopy projects has led to 5 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy savings annually by reducing cooling demand – avoiding 4,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to removing 1,000 cars from L.A.’s roads each year.
Learn more about LADWP and our sustainability initiatives at www.ladwp.com.
*Preliminary
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