Seawater Barrier Improvement Program

The three seawater barriers (Alamitos, Dominguez Gap, and West Coast Basin Barriers) located along Los Angeles County 's Coastal Plain are vital systems that sustain the Central and West Coast Basin 's groundwater resources. The barriers were designed to prevent further seawater intrusion into the basins. Additionally, the Dominguez Gap and West Coast Basin Barriers serve as the primary means of replenishing the West Coast Basin .

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) owns and operates the barriers while the WRD purchases the water that is used for injection. Both agencies work cooperatively to maintain and improve the barriers' effectiveness. A current study on barrier improvement options funded by the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) evaluates different methods for well redevelopment, the installation of telemetry systems to monitor barrier operations and an investigation of alternative concepts to prevent seawater intrusion. Some of these alternatives include deep soil mixing, rubber dams, and nitrogen injection.

Work under this program serves a dual purpose of groundwater recharge and protection of the basins' existing water quality.

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