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Crafting a Cleaner Future: Optimizing LA County's Safe, Clean Water Program

The Challenge

With great funding comes great responsibility, something the Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) knows well. Tasked with steering Los Angeles County towards clearer waters and greener communities with a $280 million annual fund, they needed to ensure every dollar works as hard as possible, meeting evolving needs while maximizing impact. 


Our Approach

Craftwater has worked as expert adviser to the LA County Public Works since the program’s inception, ensuring it runs at peak performance. 


Here's how we're turning the tides:


  1. Tax Credit Trading Program: We developed an innovative system to incentivize and reward water-smart practices across the county.

  2. Metrics and Monitoring Study: We dove deep into data to measure success and identify areas for improvement.

  3. Countywide Initial Watershed Plans: We crafted comprehensive blueprints, mapping out strategies for each unique watershed in the county.

  4. Procedural Refinement: We reshaped the Program's procedures and guidelines, streamlining operations for maximum efficiency.

  5. Data-Driven Planning: We generated valuable new planning datasets, providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making.

  6. Results Driven: Maximizing achievement across all 14 of the Program's ambitious goals


Key Takeaways

  • Adaptive Management: Demonstrating the power of continuous improvement in large-scale programs

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Showcasing how robust metrics and monitoring can guide program evolution

  • Innovative Incentives: Illustrating the potential of market-based approaches like the Tax Credit Trading Program

  • Comprehensive Planning: Highlighting the importance of tailored strategies for diverse watersheds

  • Maximizing Impact: Proving that with the right expertise, even massive programs can be fine-tuned for optimal performance


With Craftwater at the helm, LA County's Safe, Clean Water Program isn't just a funding source—it's an instrument for change, leading the way for cleaner waters, greener spaces, and thriving communities across Los Angeles County.

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