Daniel Webster Middle School
A DROPS Campus Tour
Primary Project Benefits
Exploring DROPS at Daniel Webster Middle School
With the support from the California State Water Resources Control Board, the Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (DROPS) provided school campuses with the opportunity to implement and demonstrate the multi-benefits of low-impact development (LID) including: reducing stormwater pollution, water conservation, water supply augmentation, energy conservation, and increased awareness of water resources.
Daniel Webster Middle School is located at 11330 West Graham Place, Los Angeles, CA 90064, 12 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. The school is surrounded by single family homes, multi-family residences, and businesses. The north corner of the campus is up against the Interstate 10 and Interstate 405 freeway exchange. Webster Middle School is located in the LA River Watershed.
Bioswales
This project involved the installation of 8,024 square feet of bioswales on campus. Bioswales are channelized and sloped to move water through the system. Vegetation in these swales typically include native species, including tussocks, forbes, shrubs, and trees. Native vegetation is more adapted to local climate, which means they typically require less water, fertilizer, and are resistant to local pests. With healthy native plants and soils, these systems are capable of improving water quality through infiltration and plant nutrient uptake.
Climate Wise Landscaping
The DROPS Project allowed for the replacement of 9,455 square feet of stormwater planters and climate-wise landscaping! This increase in permeable surfaces and vegetation will increase stormwater infiltration, habitats for wildlife, cooler temperatures, and enhance aesthetics. In addition, more open space on campus will allow for outdoor learning and community convening opportunities. 26,629 drought tolerant, 33,372 bioretention planting
Climate wise landscaping at Webster Middle School.
Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers can include permeable asphalt and concrete, interlocking pavers, and plastic grid pavers. These alternatives to impervious pavement allow water to soak through the material or through the spaces between the pavers and into the underlying soils. This project included the installation of 12,160 square feet of permeable pavement on campus, mostly in the school parking lots. This addition will reduce flooding and reduce pollutants like oil from cars in the parking lot, from running off site and onto the street.
Project Findings: Water Quality and Capture
After the construction of the BMPs on campus, pollutant loads for total suspended solids, total nitrogen, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc were all reduced by at least 40%. Selenium was not detectable pre- or post-construction.
The newly constructed BMPs were able to capture over 500,000 cubic feet of runoff.
Note: These data is taken from one post-construction storm event. More events are needed to better understand the water quality and capture capabilities of these systems.
Education and Engagement
The Council for Watershed Health partnered with TreePeople and the Los Angeles Audubon Society to conduct education and outreach efforts at the DROPS schools. Student engagement efforts included Eco-Clubs, student presentations, and engaging students in LID designs and plant recommendations. Additionally, TreePeople held community sustainability workshops to educate the community about LID BMPs and L.A. Audubon developed curricula, conducted teacher trainings, and created educational signage for the infrastructure.
The Council led maintenance training for facilities staff to ensure the proper upkeep and effectiveness of the constructed LID BMPs.
