Safe Clean Water Program -

Funding Opportunities for Schools

The Safe Clean Water Program continues the L.A. County Public Works Department’s tradition of flood protection while improving water quality and replenishing groundwater for our communities.

The Safe Clean Water Program funded by Measure W is a parcel tax passed in 2018 that raises approximately $285 million annually by taxing property owners 2.5 cents for every square foot of impervious areas (like concrete) within L.A. County. The average L.A. County single-family residence pays about $83.

Schools can apply for funding in the following 3 categories:

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES PROGRAM

This program funds the study of stormwater improvements, including those that can be implemented on a school site, multiple school sites,
or even an entire small school district.

TECHNICAL RESOURCES FEASIBILITY PROGRAM

This program funds a feasibility study, and 30% finished design with a team of stormwater experts and engineers. To be eligible, a school must be able to capture a minimum amount of water and be willing to capture offsite water from surrounding streets. If a school cannot capture the minimum requirement of water and/or cannot capture offsite water, a school can partner with surrounding schools to be eligible to meet the minimum amount of water collection.

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

Once a school or district has a 30% completed design, they are eligible to apply for full design and construction funding through the infrastructure program.

Schools are eligible for funding to make improvements on their campus that will allow stormwater to be captured. Funding will cover a range of nature-based solutions that will slow, retain, or filter stormwater through, cisterns, bioswales, rain gardens, planting trees, and native plants, as well as removing asphalt. Priority is given to schools that can capture substantial stormwater and demonstrate a collaborative and equitable community process.

How to get started

Contact your local watershed coordinator to find out which funding option best applies to your school or district. Find your watershed area on the map and contact your watershed coordinator here to schedule a conversation about the Safe Clean Water Program.

MORE INFORMATION

More details about project funding found here.

See past funded projects, including the
Tree People Living Schoolyard 10 school pilot study.

Watch Schools and Stormwater Symposium from April, 2022.
Access code: r+4N1.@g

Examples of Los Angeles schools with stormwater infrastructure

Victory Boulevard Elementary School

With the support from the California State Water Resources Control Board, the Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (DROPS) provided school campuses with the opportunity to implement and demonstrate the multi-benefits of low-impact development (LID) including: reducing stormwater pollution, water conservation, water supply augmentation, energy conservation, and increased awareness of water resources. This project involved the installation of three rain barrels, 6,550 square feet of bioswales, replacing 2,350 square feet of stormwater planters and 3,743 square feet of drought tolerant landscaping on campus. The newly constructed BMPs were able to capture over 500,000 cubic feet of runoff per year. READ MORE
Daniel Webster Middle Schoo

Another DROPS campus, this project involved the installation of 8,024 square feet of bioswales, allowed for the replacement of 9,455 square feet of stormwater planters and climate-wise landscaping, and installing 12,160 square feet of permeable pavement on campus, mostly in the school parking lots. The newly constructed BMPs were able to capture over 500,000 cubic feet of runoff. READ MORE
Normandie Avenue Elementary School

A third DROPS school, the construction on Normandie’s campus included the installation of four above-ground cisterns, which are designed to hold 6,000 gallons of water. Also installed were 7,027 square feet of bioswales, replacement of 4,000 square feet of turf and 2,600 square feet of impermeable pavement with 8,745 square feet of stormwater planters and climate-wise landscaping, and installing 9,928 square feet of permeable pavement. The newly constructed BMPs were able to capture 200,000 cubic feet of runoff. READ MORE
Basset High School

The Amigos De Los Rios organization has greened several schools in eastern Los Angeles. Basset High School is located in LA Puente, in the San Gabriel watershed. This $700,000 project planted over 2700 native, drought-tolerant trees and plants to enhance biodiversity, and absorb storm water and run-off. Through bioswales, and strategic permeable surface retrofit, the campus now collects, capture, and infiltrate storm water from campus. The urban forest sequesters carbon and reduces the heat island effect.