The revolutionary underground concrete cistern located in Coldwater Canyon Park continues to provide critical water management solutions for Los Angeles, highlighting innovative waterproofing technology that supports regional conservation efforts. Constructed in 2004 by TreePeople, the cistern utilizes Kryton International's crystalline waterproofing technology to collect and store approximately 216,000 gallons of rainwater runoff from the center's roof and parking areas. This infrastructure enables year-round irrigation for the organization's grounds while serving as a model for sustainable water management that has gained renewed significance as water conservation becomes increasingly urgent.
Kryton's Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) technology allows the concrete structure to permanently waterproof itself by forming crystals that fill spaces between concrete particles. This unique approach enables the cistern to self-seal small cracks and prevent water leakage throughout its operational lifetime, ensuring reliable water storage without degradation. The technology represents a significant advancement in infrastructure durability, particularly important for water management systems that must withstand environmental stresses over decades of use.
The project's importance has been amplified by recent policy developments, as Los Angeles County recently approved its first comprehensive Water Plan. The plan aims to locally source 80% of the county's drinking water by 2045, a substantial increase from the current 60% imported supply. This ambitious goal requires modernizing over 200 water systems, many of which are currently failing or inadequate for current demands. The cistern demonstrates how innovative approaches to water storage can contribute to these broader conservation objectives while providing immediate practical benefits.
Located at TreePeople's headquarters, the cistern not only supports the organization's native plant nursery and environmental education programs but also represents a practical solution for water conservation in a region increasingly challenged by climate change and drought. In 2011, the project was recognized by GreenSite as the Industrial Project of the Year, underscoring its innovative approach to sustainable infrastructure. The cistern's continued effectiveness demonstrates how advanced waterproofing technologies can provide long-term, resilient solutions for critical water management infrastructure that must operate reliably under changing environmental conditions.
As Los Angeles continues to face water scarcity challenges exacerbated by climate variability, projects like the TreePeople cistern offer valuable insights into creating sustainable, efficient water storage systems that can help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions. The successful implementation of Kryton's technology at this site provides a proven model that could be replicated across the region's water infrastructure, potentially contributing to the county's goal of reducing dependence on imported water while improving local water security. The cistern stands as both a functional water management tool and a demonstration of how technological innovation can address pressing environmental challenges through practical, durable solutions.
