At Descanso Gardens, our commitment to sustainability is rooted in action. One of the most innovative steps we’ve taken to reuse water—and ensure the long-term health of our infrastructure—is the installation of a Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR): a state-of-the-art, compact wastewater treatment system that transforms sewage and gray water into clean, reusable irrigation water.
Descanso Gardens historically relied on five independent septic systems. When the largest of these systems, located near the Courtyard, failed in 2017, we faced a costly and unsustainable situation—sewage had to be held in tanks and trucked out daily. We recognized that a long-term solution was necessary, one that aligned with our environmental values and future objectives.
The MBR provided just that. This cutting-edge system treats up to 40,000 gallons of wastewater per day, reclaiming approximately 17,000 gallons daily to nourish our gardens. Water is now pumped directly to our Front Drive Garden.
This project is more than infrastructure—it’s a cornerstone of many of the Master Plan projects, designed to support all new garden expansions with recycled water. It’s a model of responsible stewardship and forward-thinking design.
The MBR is part of the water plan that will ensure that Descanso is here for years to come.
What is a MBR?
A compact sewage treatment plant, which uses a combination of a membrane process, like microfiltration or ultrafiltration, with a biological wastewater treatment process. It basically makes sewage and gray water into water suitable for watering our gardens.
What will happen to the water?
After it is treated, the water will be pumped to the garden for irrigation.
How much water will be processed daily with this new system?
Currently, the system is cleaning approximately 17,000 gallons daily, but it can process up to 40,000 gallons per day.
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Thank you to our donors
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