Victory Boulevard Elementary School
A DROPS Campus Tour
Primary Project Benefits
Exploring DROPS at Victory Elementary
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.
Victory Elementary School is located at 6315 Radford Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91606, approximately 18 miles northwest of Downtown Los Angeles. The school is surrounded by single-family homes; multi-family homes and businesses occupy spaces down Victory Boulevard. Victory Elementary is located in the LA River Watershed.
Stormwater Harvesting Systems
This project involved the installation of three rain barrels on campus. Rain barrels connect to and capture water from roofs to hold it for later use. The water can then be used for non-potable uses like watering lawns.
Bioswales
This project involved the installation of 6,550 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 2,350 square feet of stormwater planters and 3,743 square feet of drought tolerant 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.
Stormwater planter at Victory Elementary.
Cool Pavements
Cool pavements on Victory's campus
Victory Elementary school replaced traditional asphalt on play areas with cool pavement. Dark pavements can get extremely hot because they absorb 80% to 95% of sunlight. These hot surfaces can contribute to urban heat island affect by warming the air. Cool pavements are light colored pavements that reflect sunlight and create a cooler, healthier environment.
Project Findings: Water Quality and Capture
After the construction of the BMPs on campus, pollutant loads for total suspended solids, total nitrogen, copper, lead, and zinc were all reduced by at least 40%. Cadmium and selenium was not detectable pre- or post-construction.
The newly constructed BMPs were able to capture over 500,000 cubic feet of runoff per year.
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.