The Load Reduction Strategy (LRS) Adaptation Implements a More Efficient and Effective Strategy to Address the Los Angeles River Bacteria TMDL
There are many sources of bacteria in the environment and although elevated concentrations of traditional fecal indicator bacteria may indicate a higher potential for human health risks, it is exposure to pathogens that can cause illness in recreational water users and threaten or impair beneficial uses. Human waste typically contains a higher concentration of pathogens, as compared to other sources, thereby increasing the risk of gastrointestinal illness (GI) through recreational exposure.
The LRS Adaptation Plan provides an effective framework to address human health risk from pathogen exposure, by focusing on eliminating sources of human waste to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). The Plan helps to streamline efforts across the ULAR agencies and other stakeholders in the watershed.
The LRS Adaptation Plan was submitted to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board for review and approval on August 2, 2021.
Funded by the Safe, Clean Water Program.
Access additional study reports here.
What Is Contributing to the Problem?
Human sources of bacteria in our waterways that cause disease or sickness in recreators can originate from a variety of common sources, including the following:
Leaking Sewer Pipes &
Sanitary Sewer Overflows
Leaking sewer pipes and sanitary sewer overflows release raw sewage into the environment. Common causes are blockages, line breaks, vandalism, sewer defects, and aging infrastructure.
Leaking/Failing Septic System
Residential septic systems leak/fail due to poor maintenance or design. Failing systems leak raw sewage into surrounding soil and can ultimately end up in nearby waterways.
Homeless Encampments
Homeless encampments can lead to increased trash and human waste entering nearby waterways through bathing or direct deposition.
Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping refer to the disposal of trash or debris into waterways. These can include human waste contributions..
Illicit Connections/Illicit Discharges
Illicit connections or discharges refer to connections to the MS4 or discharges into the MS4 that are not authorized. These can include human waste contributions.
Source Investigation Framework
To identify human fecal sources within the high priority, areas of investigation (AOIs), the Group will implement a human waste source investigation (HWSI) with the following steps.
See Our Monitoring Team in Action
High Priority Areas In The ULAR WMA
The LRS Adaptation Plan prioritizes outfall catchment areas under dry and wet weather conditions utilizing a risk-based GIS desktop analysis of receiving water and outfall water quality conditions, potential presence of sources of human waste, and hydraulic connectivity to receiving waters.
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In Partnership with the following:
