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Southern California Watersheds

Watersheds in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

Los Angeles County Dominant Watersheds

 
  • Los Angeles River Watershed: (The one we are focusing on!) A massive and highly urbanized watershed, but with significant natural headwaters in the mountains.
  • San Gabriel River Watershed: Flows through the eastern part of the county, starting in the San Gabriel Mountains.
  • Ballona Creek Watershed: A highly urbanized watershed draining a large part of the westside of LA, including Culver City and Santa Monica.
  • Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles Harbor Watershed: A heavily industrialized watershed in the south, flowing into the Ports of LA and Long Beach.
  • North Santa Monica Bay Watershed: This area is generally comprised of the
  • Malibu Creek Watershed and Topanga Creek Watershed—more rural and characterized by the Santa Monica Mountains.
 

Ventura County Dominant Watersheds

 
  • Santa Clara River Watershed: One of the largest and most natural river systems remaining in Southern California. About 40% of it is in Los Angeles County and 60% in Ventura County.
  • Ventura River Watershed: The smallest of Ventura County's majors, known for relying entirely on local water supplies.
  • Calleguas Creek Watershed: Covers the southeastern part of Ventura County, including Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, draining into Mugu Lagoon.

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