Groundwater resilience program and Pure Water Southern California
Long Beach
Summary
The commission backed Metropolitan Water District's massive water recycling project, which would convert highly treated wastewater into drinking-quality supply. Long Beach has a contract for about 4,000 acre-feet, supporting groundwater resilience in west Long Beach.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
Pure Water supply costs roughly $1,800-$1,900 per acre-foot versus about $1,300 for imported water, but costs are blended across Metropolitan's portfolio.
Long Beach water customers, especially in the western part of the city, gain a drought-resistant supply source.
Ratepayers would bear higher replenishment assessments if the operations funding program is adopted.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Utilities Commission Infrastructure Committee - Aug 6, 2026
Long Beach's wells are currently PFAS-free, but monitoring shows PFAS migrating through the Central and West Basins toward the city. A regional Water Replenishment District program funds treatment for impacted pumpers, and Long Beach — the basin's largest pumper — would both pay into it and eventually benefit. Committee members want the city to plan treatment capacity and advocate for funding now.
Utilities Commission - Feb 19, 2026
The Planning Committee reviewed a 12-year, ~$316 million groundwater resilience program and endorsed Metropolitan's Pure Water Southern California project, which could ultimately deliver up to 4,000 acre-feet annually to augment Long Beach's groundwater basin. Campus modernization options were also presented at $133–246 million.
Utilities Commission - Feb 5, 2026
The commission backed Metropolitan Water District's massive water recycling project, which would convert highly treated wastewater into drinking-quality supply. Long Beach has a contract for about 4,000 acre-feet, supporting groundwater resilience in west Long Beach.
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