Southern California sports venues join growing recycled water network

The home stadiums for the Los Angeles Chargers, Rams and Clippers are among the sports and entertainment venues that are conserving potable water by using recycled water provided by West Basin Municipal Water District.

West Basin, which serves nearly a million people in 17 cities and unincorporated areas, delivers water for irrigation and flushing by producing 30-40 million gallons of recycled water daily. The utility launched its recycled water program nearly 30 years ago and now conserves enough drinking water to meet the needs of 80,000 households for a year.

Sofi Stadium, a new, state-of-the-art stadium home to the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams, uses more than 90-acre feet of recycled water per year (AFY) for its large decorative lake. Dignity Sports Health Park uses about 50 AFY while hosting Major League Soccer’s L.A. Galaxy and training facilities for amateur, Olympic, collegiate and professional athletes. A racetrack called Porsche Experience of Los Angeles is slicked with recycled water before drives.

“These partnerships naturally came to fruition as part of our urban location in Los Angeles County, which places a high value on conservation and sustainability,” said West Basin’s General Manager E.J. Caldwell.

The Bolt (Los Angeles Chargers’ practice facility) in El Segundo, California, and the Intuit Dome (Los Angeles Clippers’ home arena) each joined the recycled water network in June 2024 with the intention of using recycled water for irrigation. West Basin estimates The Bolt will use about 20 AFY while the Intuit Dome will use about 40 AFY.

“Our customers are excited to be part of conservation efforts, which is demonstrated by their concerted efforts and investments in recycled water infrastructure,” Caldwell said. “We recently held a presentation at The Bolt, where our board of directors delivered a proclamation to the Chargers’ executive staff formally recognizing, supporting and applauding their efforts to incorporate water sustainability as part of their business practice.”

More than 66% of Southern California’s water supply is imported from outside the region. West Basin has expanded its recycled water program to conserve drinking water supplies and decrease reliance on imported water. To date, more than $750 million in local, state and federal funds have been invested.

“West Basin is grateful to have a vast community of organizations throughout the greater Los Angeles area that prioritizes utilizing recycled water as a sustainable resource in their business practices,” Caldwell said.

“These companies are setting an example by advancing conservation efforts and incorporating recycled water both inside and outside their facilities,” he added. “Their commitment to environmental consciousness and water sustainability is admirable, and our agency will continue to support these efforts and explore new opportunities and partnerships to meet their needs.”