Watershed Conservation

The department is responsible for flood control for unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and incorporated cities which contract with the department for services.

The department maintains dams, underground storm drains, open channels and related structures and facilities; it is also involved in water conservation efforts through containment of storm water runoff and operation of spreading grounds.

It is also responsible for providing sustainable water supplies, healthy watersheds and reducing flood risk for LA county. Watersheds include LA River, Sun Valley Watershed, San Gabriel River, Ballona Creek, Santa Monica Bay, Dominguez Watershed and Santa Clara River. Maintenance for the LA River is shared with the LA Army Corps of Engineers. Parks and recreational areas surrounding the LA River are maintained by The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), a local government public entity.