Innovative Concrete Technology Offers Sustainable Solution to Los Angeles Water Management Challenges

Los Angeles County is facing a critical moment in its water management strategy, and an innovative underground concrete cistern at TreePeople's Center for Community Forestry is emerging as a beacon of sustainable water conservation.

The 216,000-gallon underground cistern, constructed in 2004 using Kryton International's crystalline waterproofing technology, continues to serve as a robust water management solution more than 15 years after its installation. The structure collects rainwater runoff from the building's roof and parking areas, providing year-round irrigation for the center's grounds without water loss or structural degradation.

The cistern's significance extends beyond its immediate location, as it aligns with Los Angeles County's recently approved Water Plan. The plan aims to locally source 80 percent of the county's drinking water by 2045, a substantial increase from the current 60 percent imported from external sources. This ambitious goal would generate approximately 162 billion gallons of water annually, sufficient to support 5 million residents.

Key to the cistern's longevity is Kryton's Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) technology, which permanently waterproofs concrete by forming crystals that fill spaces between concrete particles. The technology enables the structure to self-seal small cracks and prevent water intrusion, eliminating the need for costly repairs and maintenance.

As Los Angeles County prepares to modernize over 200 water systems, with a third currently estimated to be failing, innovative waterproofing technologies like Kryton's become increasingly crucial. The crystalline technology offers a promising solution for rebuilding infrastructure in water-prone regions, addressing the challenges of concrete corrosion caused by water and extreme weather conditions.

The TreePeople cistern, recognized as the Industrial Project of the Year by GreenSite in 2011, represents more than just a water storage solution. It symbolizes a forward-thinking approach to urban sustainability, demonstrating how advanced engineering can help cities adapt to changing environmental challenges.

As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue, such innovative infrastructure solutions provide hope for more resilient and sustainable urban water management strategies. The success of this long-standing cistern offers a practical blueprint for municipalities seeking to improve their water conservation and storage capabilities.