What Is Operation NEXT?

Operation NEXT is a new water supply initiative being developed by LADWP in partnership with LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) that aims to improve the overall water supply resiliency and reliability for Los Angeles. Operation NEXT will allow for 100% recycling of available treated wastewater for beneficial reuse that will help LA to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

The program aims to maximize production of purified recycled water from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant to replenish the city’s groundwater basins. Concurrently, LADWP is working with regulators to allow integrating purified recycled water with the drinking water system. The process, known as direct potable reuse (DPR), would further expand the use of purified recycled water from Hyperion and other City water reclamation plants as a supplemental water source.

Ongoing Efforts

• LADWP and LASAN are preparing a Programmatic EIR for Operation NEXT, including Hyperion 2035, scheduled to begin in early 2021.
• LADWP and WRD are developing a joint master plan to evaluate the best groundwater locations for injecting and extracting Hyperion purified recycled water. Scheduled for completion in 2022.
• LADWP and LASAN are collaborating on the Hyperion Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF), a 1.5 MGD pilot that will provide advanced-treated recycled water to nearby Los Angeles International Airport for heating, cooling, and toilet flushing.
• LADWP is working with West Basin on a 1 MGD Hyperion Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Pilot Facility. This project will compare three MBR systems side-by-side and provide data for regulatory approval. Scheduled for completion in 2023.

Environmental Review

Operation NEXT is undergoing environmental review with a Notice of Preparation (NOP) in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Community Outreach

LADWP is engaged in a robust stakeholder communication and outreach plan. We will work with partner agencies, community groups, elected officials, environmental leaders, Neighborhood Councils and other stakeholders on creating a high level of collaboration and cooperation for Operation NEXT.

LA5's very own John Langfitt has been an active stakeholder on this project. Join us to hear an update from both John and LADWP!