The SWIP, Which Launched in 2022, Is Part of Santa Monica’s Strategy to Bolster Water Resiliency
Santa Monica’s Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP), a water recycling facility, has reached a milestone of capturing over 50 million gallons of stormwater and urban runoff since it began operation in 2022, according to the city.
The facility, designed to reduce the city’s reliance on imported water, has garnered prestigious accolades, including the National Water Environment Federation’s Project Excellence Award and the Global Water Award’s Distinction Award for Water Reuse Project of the Year.
The SWIP, which launched on November 17, 2022, is part of Santa Monica’s strategy to bolster water resiliency. It combines stormwater, dry weather urban runoff treatment, and wastewater recycling to generate up to 1,680 acre-feet per year of purified water—equivalent to about 10 percent of the city’s total demand. The SWIP integrates three primary functions: treating stormwater and urban runoff, transforming municipal wastewater for reuse, and harvesting stormwater. The project operates beneath Santa Monica’s Civic Center parking lot.
Water Utilities Manager Sunny Wang lauded the project as a model for other cities seeking innovative water solutions amid climate challenges. “The SWIP is a prime example of how municipalities can take a holistic view of their water supply portfolio and develop innovative solutions to deliver a climate-resilient water supply for our community,” Wang said.
