Headworks Reservoir Complex Direct Potable Reuse Pilot

The City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, in partnership with The Water Research Foundation, is leading California’s first operating Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) pilot at the Headworks Reservoir Complex. This pioneering project will generate critical data to support regulatory approval and future implementation of DPR in California and beyond. 

The pilot evaluates innovative treatment configurations—such as ozone-biologically activated carbon, granular activated carbon, air stripping, and advanced oxidation process—to address challenges related to low molecular weight organic compounds, disinfection byproducts, and pathogens. The study will assess energy use, treatment reliability, and cost-effectiveness across multiple process trains to identify the most sustainable approach for producing safe, high-quality drinking water. 

Results from this research will inform statewide DPR permitting and provide utilities with practical guidance for designing resilient advanced water purification systems that ensure water supply reliability and protect public health.