Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Silver Lake Reservoir Will Likely Be Filled In 2017
Silver Lake Reservoir (Photo by Michael Locke via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
()
The presently empty Silver Lake Reservoir will perhaps be filled next summer with recycled wastewater and groundwater, the same kind we use on golf courses and cemeteries.At a meeting held last night at Micheltorena Elementary School in Silver Lake, LADWP officials said that they would probably fill up the Silver Lake Reservoir again next year, likely with recycled wastewater and groundwater, KPCC reports. They will not use drinking water, as we're currently in a drought.
According to LADWP Assistant General Manager Marty Adams, the most cost-effective solution is to use pipelines already in place to bring in treated water from L.A. Glendale Wastewater Treatment Plant. The pipelines are not currently connected, so it will take time and cost a large chunk of change to do so—in the neighborhood of "a few million dollars." Adams estimates the reservoir may be full again in May of June of next year, according to Curbed LA, after construction has been completed in the empty reservoir.
After the reservoir is full again, the water will be circulated and filtered to make sure it does not become stagnant, likely be using a shallow area for the filter, and moving the water to Echo Park Lake and MacArthur Park Lake. The water levels may be slightly lower than before.
The water was drained last summer so that a new pipeline could be built underneath it. The reservoir was once used to store drinking water, but the federal government put an end to open-air reservoirs for drinking water in 2013 and the pipeline used to take reservoir water to the city's drinking supply was disconnected. Construction then began on Headworks, a new, underground reservoir located near Griffith Park. The new pipeline bypasses the old reservoir. The 400 million gallons that used to be in the Silver Lake Reservoir are being treated and then will once again become drinking water.
Support for LAist comes from
LADWP officials did not discuss any other future projects for the reservoir or its surrounding areas, but our citizens have some ideas. Nonprofit community group Silver Lake Forward is very interested in creating a beautiful recreation area around the reservoir, with trails, a beach and a nature center. Swim Silver Lake is campaigning for, perhaps obviously, the ability for residents to swim in it.
The black shade balls currently in the nearby Ivanhoe Reservoir will be removed once construction has finished in late 2016 or 2017. Adams said residents will then be free to take a few for souvenirs, a request the department has apparently received several times, according to the Eastsider.
"Three-point-two million balls out there," he said. "You can have as many as you want."
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500 -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown. -
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding.
Best of LAist