West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) – a wholesale water agency that serves nearly one million people in Los Angeles County – has announced a major milestone in water recycling with the completion of the Phase II Expansion Project at the Juanita Millender-McDonald Carson Regional Water Recycling Plant (JMMCRWRP). This project includes the installation of a Custom Engineered Membrane Filtration (CEMF) system, significantly increasing the plant’s capacity and reinforcing the District’s commitment to innovative water solutions.
The new CEMF system is an advanced open-platform microfiltration system capable of accommodating up to six different membranes. The design enables more effective cleaning and restoration of membrane permeability, leading to enhanced system performance by improving maintenance, water quality, and operational efficiency.
The system can process nearly six million gallons of recycled water per day, ensuring a reliable supply of treated water for industrial use. A key beneficiary of this expansion is Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles Refinery in Carson, which utilizes the recycled water for cooling towers and boiler operations. The increased capacity also reduces the need for potable water in non-potable applications, promoting sustainability.
Credit: West Basin Municipal Water District
“The completion of this project exemplifies the power of commercial, industrial and institutional partnerships in addressing the need to utilize recycled water in every capacity possible to conserve potable water in California and contributing to environmental stewardship”, said West Basin Board President Gloria Gray. The JMMCRWRP upgrades were possible through the collaboration and investments between West Basin, Marathon Petroleum, the State Water Resources Control Board and Cal Water.
The expansion was supported by $15.7 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and an $8 million grant from voter-approved Proposition 1. The investment aligns with California’s goal of producing 800,000 acre-feet of recycled water by 2030, a key component of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Water Supply Strategy.
West Basin’s latest innovation ensures long-term system reliability, improves maintenance efficiency, and strengthens water resilience for the region. This project underscores the District’s leadership in sustainable water management, setting a precedent for future advancements in water recycling technology.
