Upgrading Big Tujunga Dam

Looking down 200 feet from the top of the Big Tujunga Dam spillway. The upgrade will allow Los Angeles to catch more storm runoff from the mountains and use it to recharge the San Fernando Valley aquifer, the city’s main source of local water.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Dam operator Bill Gilbert stands on the edge of his boat to clear debris at the base of the Big Tujunga Dam. The reservoir is currently only 14% full.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Michele Chimienti of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, walks on top of the Big Tujunga Dam. Once the retrofit is finished in the spring of 2011, the reservoir will hold enough water to supply 12,000 households.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)