Katella High School Renovations Conserve Water
Katella High School in Anaheim recently completed an $11.4 million makeover, which includes rain gardens, water tanks and landscape featuring native plants and succulents all to better capture stormwater and reduce polluting the nearby Santa Ana River. This renovation has become part of students’ curriculum about the importance of recycling and increased awareness of water resources and sustainability.
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) has become part of that program as well. Students take field trips to OCWD headquarters in Fountain Valley to learn more about the District’s groundwater recharge system and the Groundwater Replenishment System, the world’s largest advanced water purification project for potable reuse.
The renovation was funded by a combination of resources, including a grant provided by the State Water Resources Control Board’s Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (D.R.O.P.S.). OCWD, the city of Anaheim and the Anaheim Union High School District partnered in preparing and submitting the application for the D.R.O.P.S. grant.
With this renovation, Katella High School is helping to replenish the groundwater basin by capturing water that would otherwise run off and end up in the storm drain.
To learn more about this local project, view a video produced by Katella High School students.
Katella High School Background
Recent renovations at Katella High School in Anaheim include an educational component. The high school’s $11.4 million makeover, which includes rain gardens, water tanks and landscape featuring native plants and succulents all to better capture stormwater and reduce polluting the nearby Santa Ana River, has become part of students’ curriculum about the importance of recycling and increased awareness of water resources and sustainability.
The Orange County Water District has become part of that program as well. Students take field trips to OCWD headquarters in Fountain Valley to learn more about the District’s groundwater recharge system and the Groundwater Replenishment System, the world’s largest advanced water purification project for potable reuse in the world.
A combination of funds including a grant provided by the state water board’s Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (D.R.O.P.S.) and money raised by the Anaheim Union High School District’s bond measure (H) have also provided infrastructure improvement such as electrical, a new quad, a shaded structure for eating, and walk ways for the 50-year-old high school.
Instead of water running off and heading down the storm drains, the high school keeps much of it on site and helps to replenish the groundwater basin.
To learn more about this local project, view a video produced by Katella High School students.