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Bringing Water to Southern California.

Our Mission

The mission of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is to provide its service area with adequate and reliable supplies of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally and economically responsible way.

26

MEMBER AGENCIES

19 million

PEOPLE IN SERVICE AREA

1.5 billion

GALLONS WATER DELIVERED DAILY

5

TREATMENT PLANTS

830

MILES OF PIPELINES

$1.6 billion

INVESTED IN LOCAL RESOURCES
Photo of Lake Oroville in January 2023

2023 Annual Achievement Report

Achievements In
Conservation, Recycling & Groundwater Recharge

Extreme weather conditions in recent years have presented Southern Californians with an unsettling preview of the challenges ahead – periods of severe and extended drought to record-setting wet seasons.  Metropolitan’s Annual Achievement Report, the district’s annual report to the state Legislature of its accomplishments in conservation, recycling and groundwater recovery, spotlights Southern California's ongoing efforts to address water demands amidst these climate changes.

Facing unpredictability head-on, we detail strategies to adapt to climate challenges and secure our water future.   

 

Outside view of our Water Quality Laboratory

Ensuring Water Quality

Water Quality Laboratory:
Highlighting Our Talented Staff

Just who are the people behind-the-scenes at Metropolitan providing award-winning drinking water for our six counties? They are the ones who run thousands of tests every year using the latest and best technology at Metropolitan’s renowned Water Quality Laboratory in La Verne.

The lab was established 50 years ago, the same year the Safe Drinking Water Act launched. This dedicated and highly skilled staff – about 100 employees who handle a wide range of assignments and initiatives – are all focused on the same mission. They safeguard the quality of drinking water we provide to our 26 member agencies and the communities they serve. As we recognize the anniversary of the lab, let’s look at some of our many talented water quality staff in action. 

Photo of the Antelope Valley groundwater basin

The High Desert Water Bank

The High Desert Water Bank:
A Collaborative Effort

An exciting new project has emerged from the arid landscape in the sun-soaked desert of Lancaster — the High Desert Water Bank.

A collaborative effort between Metropolitan and the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency, the first stage of the new groundwater storage project that significantly improves the resilience for Southern California's water supply is up and running.

MWD construction worker during a shutdown.

Project Labor Agreement

The Project Labor Agreement: A Year in Review

Metropolitan joined Building and Construction trades to sign an agreement in October 2022 with a focus on community, equity and outreach to underrepresented people focused on careers in construction. The Project Labor Agreement includes 34 Metropolitan projects aimed at making Southern California water supplies more resilient to a changing climate. 

Let’s take a look at the impact of the PLA one year out.

Current Events___

Happening
Now.

Metropolitan's Board Room

March 2024

Board Meetings
& Agendas.

Welding

Met Prepares

Setting our
Budget & Rates.

Photo of Intake Tower at Diamond Valley Lake.

Planning for the Future

Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water.

Take a Tour___

From Source
To Tap.

Follow the extraordinary journey your water must take before you use it, from sources high in the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada, through critical purification processes, to homes and businesses across Southern California.

Workforce Investment___

Leading
the Way.

Supplying 40 percent of California’s water resources requires a workforce that is as agile and efficient as the water delivery systems we develop and operate. Succession planning, diversity, and asset retention are vital areas of focus that are key to the success of our organization.

An animation about the Metropolitan's workforce. Their workforce includes 1756 employees, of which 28% were women and 55% were people of color as of 2019. The workforce is composed of 35% professionals, 24% skilled craft workers, 17% office and administration, and 13% technicians. The average years of service at Metropolitan is 14 years, with 43% of staff having over 14 years of service.

Strategic Priorities___

Pathway to
the Future.

With a focus on areas of change and opportunity, Metropolitan - in an inclusive process - identified five strategic priorities that form an action-based framework for our approach to transformation. They support long-term stability and are attuned to the challenges of climate change, responsibilities to the public and our workforce, the importance of a sound business plan and continued collaboration with the communities we serve.

Learning to Conserve___

Saving
Everyday.

Supporting Sustainability Through Conservation.

Southern Californians get it. They know our water resources are not limitless. They’ve learned to conserve. And they know they can do more. That is where Metropolitan comes in. We offer water-saving tips, classes, and rebates for water-saving devices and sustainable landscaping. We are your partner as you learn how to make conservation a way of life.

Photo of a drought-tolerant garden with a planter in the middle of the garden path.

Professional Opportunities___

Working
with Met.

Two backhoes in the bed of the Colorado River Aqueduct during a shutdown of the aqueduct for repairs

Work with Us

Contractors
& Vendors.

Metropolitan's booth at the Calcon Tradeshow as two booth attendants are conversing with tradeshow attendees

Get Involved

Small Business
Outreach.

A construction worker giving a thumbs up while working on a tunnel cleaning project

Join Us

Careers
& More.