INNOVATION HAPPENS HERE

Building a better water future for Southern California through inspired thinking

As California’s water challenges mount, Metropolitan Water District recognizes that it will take unprecedented solutions to drive us forward.

 

We’re helping drive water innovation not only within our walls, but outside the box, reaching out to innovators and entrepreneurs across the world.  If you have a great idea, we want to hear it. Our goal is simple: Find the best emerging technologies and solutions.

 

Through our growing portfolio of innovation programs, we’re exploring more efficient and economical ways to move and treat water, testing creative approaches to conservation and investing in new ways to maintain our infrastructure. The solutions are out there. Metropolitan is committed to finding them.

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Have an Innovative Idea?

Learn more about Metropolitan's programs

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Meet the Challenge

Find out how to direct your technology or idea to one of our real needs

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Innovation at Work

Explore our creative results

Compression test in 1937

INNOVATION REPORT

Welcome to Metropolitan’s first Innovation Report

We are pleased to share with you highlights of the exceptional work our team has accomplished to innovate, create and solve challenges to deliver quality water from the source to the tap. In the report, you’ll see four sections that outline how we innovate to provide a reliable water supply; collaborate through partnerships; explore technologies, pilots and research; and embrace ideas advanced by our innovative employees.

 

 

Compression test in 1937

OUR PROGRAMS

Do you have a great idea or innovative solution?

Metropolitan works hard to identify emerging technologies, innovation and practices that support our goal of providing water supply reliability to Southern California. These innovations may come from within Metropolitan or from the other side of the globe. They may meet our direct needs or help one of our member agencies. There are no boundaries.

 

Our innovation programs are designed to guide creative entrepreneurs along the appropriate path and move the best ideas to market. We facilitate an exchange of ideas, striving to understand and evaluate ideas presented while also providing an education about the needs and business practices of the water sector.

Water Savings Incentive Program - Water efficient lettuce washer

Water Savings Incentive Program

The Water Savings Incentive Program encourages innovation in conservation at commercial, industrial...

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Innovative Conservation Program - ICP Project Day

Innovative Conservation Program

The Innovative Conservation Program provides direct grant funding, in partnership with other agencies, for...

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Foundational Actions Funding Program - Chino Basin Desalter

Innovative Supplies Funding Program

The Innovative Supplies Funding Program promotes innovative technical advances that will help prepare...

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Technology Feedback Forum - 3D print of hydroelectric pump

Technology Feedback Forum

The Technology Feedback Forum offers innovators and entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their new...

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Orange County Water District Microfiltration Plant

Our Story

Relying on new technology and creative thinking every day

Metropolitan was born out of innovative thinking. Nearly 100 years ago, facing a growing population and a lack of water, cities across the region united in an unprecedented level of cooperation to create the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Together with our partners, we built the Colorado River Aqueduct, an unparalleled engineering feat that relies largely on gravity to carry water from the Colorado River 242 miles west, across the desert, through mountains to taps across the Southland.

 

In the decades since, Metropolitan has risen as a leader in the water industry, not just for the size and scale of our endeavors, but for the innovative solutions and creative thinking that drive our ability to deliver water from the source to the tap.

 

Our VIDEOS

Take a look at our innovative ideas and technologies

Snapshot of Success

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Collaborating for change

Metropolitan works with dozens of partners who help us fulfill our goal of finding innovative ways to provide water supply reliability. Among our strategic partnerships: Braid Theory, Connect San Diego, Larta Institute, Los Angeles Venture Association, Murrieta Innovation Center, Sustain Southern California, US Green Building Council of Los Angeles,  WaterStart and many more.

The Seal of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

The Metropolitan Water District
of Southern California

Contact Us:

MWD - Innovation and Technology

213.217.7620

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Water Savings Incentive Program - Water efficient lettuce washer
Innovative Conservation Program - ICP Project Day
Foundational Actions Funding Program - Chino Basin Desalter
Technology Feedback Forum - 3D print of hydroelectric pump
Illustration of two people looking at computer
Illustration of man planting flower
Water Savings Incentive Program - Water efficient lettuce washer
Foundational Actions Funding Program - Chino Basin Desalter
Technology Feedback Forum - 3D print of hydroelectric pump
Water Savings Incentive Program - Water efficient lettuce washer
Foundational Actions Funding Program - Chino Basin Desalter
Technology Feedback Forum - 3D print of hydroelectric pump
Illustration of two people looking at computer
Illustration of man planting flower