Water

WATER ALWAYS WINS: THRIVING IN AN AGE OF DROUGHT AND DELUGE

Erica Gies (University of Chicago Press, 2022)

Nearly every human endeavor on the planet was conceived and constructed with a relatively stable climate in mind. But as we grapple with extreme weather, a hard truth is emerging: our development, including concrete infrastructure designed to control water, is actually exacerbating our problems. Because sooner or later, water always wins.

CALIFORNIA RIVERS AND STREAMS: THE CONFLICT BETWEEN FLUVIAL PROCESS AND LAND USE

Jeffrey Mount (Berkeley / Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1995)

An overview of the physical and biological processes that shape the state’s rivers and watersheds. Covers the basics of hydrology and geomorphology and evaluates the impact on waterways of different land use practices. Described as “A thinking persons guide to the physical processes behind the problems of managing California’s river and streams.”

ESTIMATING SPATIALLY AND TEMPORALLY VARYING RECHARGE AND RUNOFF FROM PRECIPITATION AND URBAN IRRIGATION IN THE LOS ANGELES BASIN, CALIFORNIA

Joseph A. Hevesi and Tyler D. Johnson (US Geological Survey [USGS] 2016)

Modeling of rainfall and runoff across the Los Angeles Basin with comprehensive inventory, finding on average: (1) evapotranspiration accounts for the greatest loss from the water cycle at approximately 1,479,308 acre-feet a year (AFY), runoff at 593,529 AFY, and recharge at 183,031 AFY.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE MANUAL FOR DESERT COMMUNITIES

Watershed Management Group

Los Angeles is not a desert, but the Watershed Management Group in Tucson, AZ is an extensively practiced and definitive source on nature-based solutions for water management in flashy systems like ours.

HISTORICAL ECOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE CHANGE OF THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER AND FLOODPLAIN

Eric Stein, Shawna Dark, Travis Longcore, Nicholas Hall, Michael Beland, Robin Grossing, Jason Casanova, Martha Sutula 2007

Covering San Gabriel River morphology and associated cover over time, with characteristics that translate to other braided channel systems of the LA Basin including the Los Angeles River.

LIVING STREETS GUIDE AND STUDIES

Heal the Bay, Green LA Coalition, and Climate Resolve 2015

Guide and series of reports on best practices, policy, and feasibility for implementing living streets—an integration of green, cool, and complete streets.

LOS ANGELES BASIN STUDY

US Bureau of Reclamation and LA County Flood Control District 2016

Comprehensive evaluation of runoff from different climate models, and project alternatives to address climate adaptation. Key points include river reclamation as a leading regional solution, and the significant potential for distributed projects to address flood management and water supply.

MEASURING THE BENEFITS OF DISTRIBUTED, NATURE-BASED STORMWATER PROJECTS

The River Project 2018

Cost-benefit review and definitions of terms for stormwater projects focused on distributed, nature-based projects.

MODEL DESIGN MANUAL FOR LIVING STREETS

Ryan Snyder Associates and Transportation Planning for Livable Communities (Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs 2011)

Comprehensive guidance on living streets serving as a template for inclusion and adoption by agencies and organizations.

RAINWATER HARVESTING FOR DRYLANDS AND BEYOND

Brad Lancaster

Leading guides for regenerative, practical, and hands-on water capture, conservation, and reuse.

SEEKING STREAMS: A LANDSCAPE FRAMEWORK FOR URBAN AND ECOLOGICAL REVITALIZATION IN THE UPPER BALLONA CREEK WATERSHED

Brian Braa, Jessica Hall, Chiung-Chen Lian, and Greg McCollum

Inventory of creeks in the Ballona Creek watershed, including process and insights for identifying urban creeks and streams in other areas.

WATER AUGMENTATION STUDY AND WATER AUGMENTATION STUDY FINAL PROJECT REPORT

Council for Watershed Health 2014 and 2016

Monitoring study started in 2000 that has evaluated the groundwater quality impacts of stormwater capture projects. A gold standard in research and evaluation, demonstrating that capture projects are net positive for water quality, even at a heavy industrial site.