MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project

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Project Location


The MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project is located in the Central Santa Monica Bay watershed within Los Angeles’ historic MacArthur Park. Project features are located in the southwestern area of the park and in the public rights-of-way on adjacent streets southwest of the park and in the alley that parallels 7th Street.


Project Description


The MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project diverts and treats portions of wet weather stormwater flows as well as dry weather flows from an existing underground storm drain system and discharges it into MacArthur Lake for storage or returns it to the storm drain system. A portion of the water that is stored in the lake is discharged to the sanitary sewer system.

The project reduces the amount of stormwater and dry weather flows, and their associated pollutant loads, that enter Ballona Creek and, ultimately, Santa Monica Bay. Additionally, the project enhances the park by creating treatment wetlands and provides educational opportunities, such as interpretive signage about stormwater management and park wetlands.


Project Benefits


The benefits of the MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project include:
  • Improved lake water quality;
  • Offset potable water use by using captured stormwater;
  • An enhanced MacArthur Park through sustainable greening and nature-based solutions;
  • Increased regional educational opportunities;
  • Improvement of the recreational value of the park; and,
  • Achieving federal regulatory compliance for the Ballona Creek watershed.

Project Funding


The total budget for the MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project is $20 million. The project is funded by the Los Angeles County Safe Clean Water Program.

If you’d like to receive additional information about the MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project,please contact san.safecleanwater@lacity.org and place MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project in the subject line.

To learn more about the projects funded by the Los Angeles County Safe Clean Water Program, please visit LA County’s Safe Clean Water Program’s project map.