As part of a program for action to curb water usage Los Angeles officials today have unveiled their ambitious plan.

The Los Angeles Times reports "This is a radical departure for the city of Los Angeles," said Department of Water and Power General Manager David Nahai. "I think overall this plan is going to be a beacon for other cities."

Los Angeles' plan -- a copy of which was made available to The Times -- would invest in projects to capture and store rainfall and clean up a sprawling, contaminated water supply beneath the San Fernando Valley. About $1 billion would be allocated for reclamation, including a politically sensitive plan to use treated wastewater to recharge underground drinking supplies serving the Valley, Los Feliz and the Eastside.

San Diego county is facing the same water crisis and must start it very own aggressive program. The sooner we start addressing the reality of our situation the sooner we can shape our outcome. I have to tip my hat to those who are taking up the city's 20-gallon challenge. That said, the savings doesn't seem to me to be enough but rather, a drop in the bucket.

To read more from the Los Angeles Times story, click here.

To read the LADWP's summary of "Securing LA's Water Future, " click here.

To read the city Los Angeles' press release unveiling LA's 20-year water strategy, click here.