Welcome to LASA, Class of 2025-2026! We gathered in August to meet each other, brainstorm our purpose, and learn about water infrastructure. Thanks to everyone who helped make our three summer days together meaningful, including Ross Wehner of World Leadership School, Stacie Takeguchi of Pasadena Water and Power, and the teams at Metropolitan Water District’s Weymouth facility and LA River Expeditions.

The class shared their reflections of our time together; we had to edit them a little because the group had so much to share.

After reflecting on our first meetings, I found that the part that made me think the most was the first day. Not only the purpose statement, but also when we drew the maps of LA. It was very interesting seeing how other people thought LA is spread out. It made me realize how little geography I really know about LA so over the past couple days up and noticing more and more about where things are if I were to put them on a map. Also, I found the perfect statements very meaningful. Thinking about my future is a very difficult thing to do because I’m still not sure what I’m interested in doing for the rest of my life. Being able to put a rough draft of my purpose on a piece of paper helped me imagine how the skills I have will translate into a job that I am not only good at, but also very interested in. -Tade

I used to always read my school’s purpose statement but believed that purpose statements were only for businesses, schools, and similar organizations. So, I found it quite interesting when we drafted our own personal statements and reflected on the impact we could have in our community. Additionally, I was fascinated by the Water Treatment Plant tour because I had never really thought about where or how my water was being sourced. Another eye-opening experience was kayaking the LA River. I was shocked by the amount of trash I saw. Overall, these summer meetings taught me a lot in just a few days. One memorable highlight was the water tasting competitions, especially learning that California has won those contests consecutively. -Maximus

The visit to the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant had intrigued me and opened my eyes to new possibilities and the careers to consider in Water Treatment. The tour of the facility where people specialize in water treatment allowed me to see the passionate and brilliant minds that work for So-cal to ensure that our water is clean, ready for intake and free of harmful substances. What enamored me with the idea of water treatment was the people who worked to provide people with reliable water sources through a fascinating cleaning process. The people that I have had the pleasure of meeting in the treatment plant had shown me the roles they had managed, from water quality specialists and water source managers, had made me more interested in chemistry as a field of study [once] I realized how you can help people beyond your community through the Earth’s precious resource of water.

I have felt touched by each and every person I met in the treatment plant and have felt their impact in our community. I’m incredibly thankful that we have such amazing people who all maintain one major goal for our state, which is to provide people with safe drinking water. Thank you for letting me come to this tour because, if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been given such a wonderful opportunity to see a part of life that I didn’t put much thought into prior to my visit to Weymouth Water Treatment Plant. -Angella

Going to the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant was really interesting, it definitely felt like going into the behind the scenes of the city. Learning about all of the work that goes into purifying water made me realize how much I look over it, since it’s never been something I really think about. When it comes to such a universally needed and easily accessible (where we are) resource it can almost feel like it spawns in itself, until you actually start thinking about it. It was fascinating hearing about how they get rid of the many unsafe bacteria and chemicals that are in the water before filtering, and it makes me extremely grateful for water treatment plants like this. I mean could you imagine how life would be without them? I doubt it’d be any fun, having to drink dirty water…Also the kayaking was really fun, I was kinda considering going back with a few friends of mine at some point, but I can figure that out later. -Charlotte

Before going to the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant, I honestly wasn’t very interested in how LA’s water is treated. Going to the plant was a special opportunity for us to experience firsthand the lifeline that fuels the ever growing population. I am interested in microplastics and other contaminants in our water, and seeing the water quality building at the plant opened my eyes to the numerous substances they are testing for. Overall, I really enjoyed going to the water treatment plant, and it changed my perspective on the world of water. -Remick

 

I really loved learning about all things water in Los Angeles. I thought it was amazing that we got to go to the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant to see first hand how our water is processed and ask questions. I found it particularly interesting that they talked about their shift to water conservation instead of mass water output in the last few years. Further, I thought it was really great that we not only got to see where the water is treated, but also kayak directly at the source (the LA River)! It was a great way to get a well-rounded picture of all things water. On that point, I was also appreciative of the LASA teachers discussing the Indigenous water histories in context and parallel to our current water systems. I am super grateful for these few days learning about water and I am excited for what's to come in these next couple of months! -Terin

Having access to clean, healthy water was something I didn’t put enough value on. Visiting Weymouth reminded me that water doesn’t come from thin air, it’s gathered and treated with Los Angeles in mind. It was shocking and comforting to learn that the plant was a non-profit and about some of the steps they take to ensure our water is the best quality possible. It’s unfortunate that our local distributors aren’t giving our water the same care, leaving many with water of lesser quality. There are so many roles needed to keep a place like Weymouth running and employees at the plant seem really passionate about the work they do. This makes me curious to do more research on those positions and see what careers I could build there. Smelling the jars of chemicals that smell like beets and soil was also a strange experience. I’ve caught myself sniffing my tap water a few times this week. – Gabriela

Growing up in Los Angeles, I always knew water was important, but I didn’t fully understand just how vital our relationship with it is until I started learning about Southern California’s water system. Visiting a water treatment plant made that reality even more tangible. Walking through the facility, I saw firsthand the careful steps it takes to make water safe and clean for millions of people. It made me more aware of the invisible effort behind something I use daily without a second thought. – Kenzie

Although water usage is in almost everything that we do, the question of where water comes from isn’t something that a lot of people think about. After visiting the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant, I was more attentive and realized the larger impact of my water usage with the depleting resources we have. It is easy to push away a problem even when you’re aware it exists if you don't understand the root of the problem. Through my education on how the water plant works, I have become more grateful for the system we have. This trip has also made me want to explore environmental science as an option for my future. – Madalyn

I found the visit to the Weymouth Plant to be both impactful and informative. Although I previously had some background knowledge about the work necessary to ensure distribution of clean water, I had not thought much specifically about the level of care or the process. In particular, the discussion of the work needed to ensure water quality and prevent contaminants was really informative. I am extremely passionate about the ways that public infrastructure and policy can be used to solve emerging issues, like pollution. Learning about the Metropolitan Water District’s role in testing for potential contaminants, and especially the way they use testing to shape state policy, was extremely interesting. I really appreciated the opportunity to learn about how the District is able to ensure safety in the present while guarding against new challenges. It was also really exciting to be able to see the actual process of water treatment, especially on the roof where we could see the water getting cleaner and cleaner as it was treated. I really enjoyed visiting the plant and cannot wait for the next meeting. -Julia

I had a great week at LASA, and I believe that the most impactful day of this weekend was Friday. I learned a lot at the water treatment plant including how they test for different chemicals and diseases in the water that we use. I never even thought about the processes water has to go through to be clean enough to drink straight from the tap, even though I don’t use the tap water at my house. Something I found really interesting about the plant we visited was that they were actively trying to find more to detect in order to make our water even better than it already is. I think the trip as a whole opened my eyes to the amount of work these people have to do in order to ensure I and the rest of LA County have cleaned water to use. -Bryan

I had a phenomenal week at LASA and was especially inspired by the water treatment plant. I was introduced to many intricate methods of testing and purifying the water we drink and use every day, but more importantly, the impact and difference it makes to Californians. We incorporate so much water into our lives that its continued safety and research are of utmost importance. I'm pleased to know that California is
ahead of the curve in terms of water treatment, and I’m grateful to the people at the plant for their significant contributions to keeping the people of this amazing city healthy and comfortable. -Davis

Cheering all the LASA students and teachers on as they start the new school year. We look forward to gathering again in September.