What is the primary source of water for LADWP?

The primary source of water for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is indeed the Sierra Nevada mountains, particularly the Owens Valley. This region is crucial because it provides a significant portion of the city’s water supply through a complex system of aqueducts that transport water from the mountains to Los Angeles. The Sierra Nevada snowpack serves as a natural reservoir, storing water that melts in the spring and is then released over the warmer months to meet the city's needs.

Other sources, such as local groundwater supplies or water from the Pacific Ocean, either supplement the primary supply or are not viable as a major source. Desalination from the Pacific Ocean is not yet a primary source due to high costs and technical challenges. Imported water from places like Canada is also not part of LADWP's main supply strategy, as the organization focuses primarily on local and regional sources. Thus, the Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley represent a reliable and significant foundation for the area’s water needs.