By: Donna Duperron
For several months, I saw marketing efforts being made on behalf of the Water Replenishment
District’s 14th Annual Groundwater Festival. The photos and information that accompanied the
marketing efforts presented the festival as educational and fun, so I was motivated to attend.
As I arrived at the event in Lakewood, there was a short line of individuals waiting to enter. We
were greeted by Water Replenishment District (WRD) staff and presented with a canvas bag
which held a few items including a water bottle and a brochure that contained a welcome by Joy
Langford, President, WRD Board of Directors.
As I began walking through the festival, I noted how organized and welcoming the festival site
was. Several booths were hosted by various water organizations, while others were a photo
booth, face painting, roundhouse aquarium, Surf Riders Foundation, and Boy Scouts. Booths
provided guests with an opportunity to gain knowledge on the wonders of wildlife, safe clean
water, drought prevention, eco gardener workshops and much more.
Additionally, Stephan Tucker, WRD General Manager provided introductions of the Groundwater
Festival honorees. Honorees included Congresswoman Grace Napolitano; Camille Calimlim
Touton; Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco; Assistant General Manager, Long Beach Utilities B.
Anatole Falagan; Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker; Los Angeles City Councilwoman,
Traci Park; and CEO, Resiliency, Michael Guedel.
WRD manages two of the most utilized urban groundwater basins in the nation. Groundwater
from these basins provide 50% of the total water supply for four million people within WRD’s
service area which includes 43 cities within 420 square miles. Through WRD’s Water
Independence Now Program, the two basins became locally sustainable and completely
independent of imported water for replenishment in 2019.
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce appreciates the Water Replenishment District’s
longtime membership with the chamber, and thanks Division 2 Director Rob Katherman for his
active participation and support of chamber’s programs.