A revolutionary underground concrete cistern located in Coldwater Canyon Park continues to provide critical water management solutions for Los Angeles, highlighting innovative waterproofing technology that supports regional conservation efforts.
The cistern, constructed in 2004 by TreePeople, utilizes Kryton International’s crystalline waterproofing technology to collect and store approximately 216,000 gallons of rainwater runoff from the center’s roof and parking areas. This infrastructure enables year-round irrigation for the organization’s grounds while serving as a model for sustainable water management.
Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) technology allows the concrete structure to permanently waterproof itself by forming crystals that fill spaces between concrete particles. This unique approach enables the cistern to self-seal small cracks and prevent water leakage throughout its operational lifetime.
The project’s significance has gained renewed attention as Los Angeles County recently approved its first comprehensive Water Plan. The plan aims to locally source 80% of the county’s drinking water by 2045, a substantial increase from the current 60% imported supply. This goal requires modernizing over 200 water systems, many of which are currently failing.
Located at TreePeople’s headquarters, the cistern not only supports the organization’s native plant nursery and environmental education programs but also represents a practical solution for water conservation in a region increasingly challenged by climate change and drought.
In 2011, the project was recognized by GreenSite as the Industrial Project of the Year, underscoring its innovative approach to sustainable infrastructure. The cistern’s continued effectiveness demonstrates how advanced waterproofing technologies can provide long-term, resilient solutions for critical water management infrastructure.
As Los Angeles continues to face water scarcity challenges, projects like the TreePeople cistern offer valuable insights into creating sustainable, efficient water storage systems that can help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.
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