Progressing Toward a Water-Secure Future in Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles partners with BC and Walsh Construction on Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Advanced Water Purification Facility to advance citywide water recycling goals.
The Hyperion Advanced Water Purification Facility (Hyperion AWPF) embodies Los Angeles’ commitment to water sustainability and security. This facility represents a major advancement in water recycling, processing effluent from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) to create high-quality, recycled water for diverse applications, from local use at the HWRP to industrial and toilet flushing applications at LAX.
THE CHALLENGE
Los Angeles faces pressing water supply challenges due to climate change, increased demand, and reduced rainfall. The City needed an innovative solution to significantly increase water recycling capacity, reducereduce reliance on imported water supplies, and address potable water reliance, and address urban water management constraints, all within the physical limitations of the existing HWRP site.
THE SOLUTION
The full-scale 1.5-mgd Hyperion AWPF project was designed as a “proof of concept” to demonstrate the feasibility of 100% wastewater recycling:
- Advanced Treatment Technologies: Membrane bioreactors (MBR), reverse osmosis (RO), and ultraviolet advanced oxidation (UV-AOP) were incorporated.
- Progressive Design-Build (PDB) Delivery: Early collaboration with LASAN and Walsh Construction enabled seamless integration of the City’s requirements, feedback, and process preselection.
- Space-Constrained Innovation: The facility’s design overcame a 30% reduction in available space, inspiring efficient, accessible solutions that fit within the tight layout.
RESULTS
- Resource Optimisation: Recycled water generated by AWPF will supply LAX’s cooling towers and other non-potable uses, offsetting potable water demand at HWRP and existing infrastructure.
- Accelerated Timeline: The PDB approach allowed design completion up to the 70% phase with stakeholder input, minimising disruptions and maintaining project continuity.
- Community Engagement: AWPF’s visitor-friendly design includes educational tours and signage to inform the public, fostering support for water sustainability.
- Future Ready: The facility lays the groundwork for citywide water reuse, advancing the City’s goal of 100% wastewater recycling and reinforcing sustainable water management practices.
With the Hyperion AWPF, Los Angeles sets a precedent for resilient urban water solutions, balancing technical innovation with community and environmental needs.
Project Snapshot:
- 5.5 hours for the Hyperion AWPF total treatment process at full capacity from primary effluent to proof-of concept, reuse ready.
- 30% reduced space for the Hyperion AWPF was not a barrier, but fueled more efficient, accessible, and creative solutions for the client.
- $7M in savings through value engineering options and concepts with progressive-design build delivery method.
- 2025 anticipation to turn on the Hyperion AWPF to pump recycled water to LAX for toilet flushing, cooling towers, and more.
Courtesy of Brown and Caldwell with collaboration with City of Los Angeles / LA Sanitation & Environment. (c) 2024, Brown and Caldwell. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
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