Burbank Water and Power, Los Angeles County California, USA – Planning and exploring various options for the future

The City of Burbank has always strived to maximise available water supplies for the benefit of its customers, despite its unique water resource setting. Unlike most communities in southern California, which rely on a combination of imported water and local groundwater for their municipal drinking water systems, Burbank relies solely on imported supplies provided by the Metropolitan Water District.  

The City receives imported water from Metropolitan Water District via two pathways: (1) purchasing treated water that is served directly to the drinking water system customers, and (2) purchasing untreated water that is percolated into the regional groundwater basin (typically during periods when imported supplies are plentiful). This percolated water is subsequently pumped, treated through the Burbank Operable Unit, and delivered to customers. Burbank does not have rights to pump native groundwater; thus, the only water the City can pump is the combined volume of return flows (water credit) from drinking and recycled water use and the percolated untreated water purchased from Metropolitan Water District. 

In a bid to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on imported water, the City is proposing the development of a potable reuse facility. This facility aims to: 

• Maximise the beneficial use of 4.2 million gallons (15.8 million litres) per day of recycled water produced by the City but currently discharged to the ocean. 
• Decrease the City’s 100% dependence on imported water. 
• Increase the reliability and sustainability of imported supplies, which are increasingly vulnerable due to climate change. 
• Improve Burbank Water and Power’s operational flexibility. 

To realise this goal, the City is in the process of selecting a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for the new potable reuse facility. The study will encompass a feasibility assessment, facility planning (including a demonstration project), environmental compliance, pre-design, and community engagement and outreach. 

Currently, Burbank produces an average of approximately 7.5 million gallons (28.3 million litres) per day of tertiary treated recycled water, with about 3.3 million gallons (12.4 million litres) per day utilised for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation, cooling towers, and dust control. The objective of the potable reuse project is to utilise at least 2.2 million gallons (8.3 million litres) per day of the remaining 4.2 million gallons (15.8 million litres) per day of recycled water, which is presently discharged into the Los Angeles River. 

The planning study is expected to begin in July 2024 and be completed by July 2026. Design and permitting are tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2026, with construction anticipated to start in 2029/2030. 

By investing in this potable reuse facility, Burbank aims to secure a more sustainable and resilient water future, ensuring reliable water supplies for its community amidst the growing challenges posed by climate change.