Introduction to Stormwater Capture
The series of late-winter storms that brought much needed rain to the region last week raised the total volume of stormwater captured by Los Angeles County to 11.9 billion gallons just weeks before the end of storm season on April 15, officials said today.
Current Rainfall Status
To date, downtown Los Angeles has received only 6.5 inches of rainfall since Oct. 1, 2024, less than half the annual average of 15.4 inches, according to LA County Public Works.
Comparison with Previous Year
By contrast, downtown LA received 21.2 inches of rain last year, enabling the county to recharge its groundwater aquifers with more than 117 billion gallons of stormwater — enough to meet the needs of nearly 2.9 million people for a year, according to the county.
Need for Continued Investments
The unusually dry winter underscores the need for continued investments in stormwater management and water conservation, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.
"While recent storms have boosted our local water supply, dire drought conditions persist,” Horvath said in a statement Thursday. "Now more than ever, we must increase water agency coordination and the resiliency of our local water supply through the LA County Water Plan.”
LA County Water Plan
The plan emphasizes increasing local water supply and regional resilience by capturing and re-charging stormwater, according to Public Works.
The plan seeks to improve regional water supply reliability by leveraging collective water resources and infrastructure, improving the quality, production and cost-effective treatment of unused groundwater supplies, ensuring a consistently high standard of water service, with focused attention to under-resourced communities, and mitigating the impacts of wildfire on local water supplies, according to Public Works.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the capture of 11.9 billion gallons of stormwater by LA County is a significant achievement, especially given the unusually dry winter. However, it also highlights the need for continued investments in stormwater management and water conservation. The LA County Water Plan is a crucial step towards achieving this goal and ensuring a reliable and resilient water supply for the region.
FAQs
Q: How much stormwater has LA County captured so far?
A: LA County has captured 11.9 billion gallons of stormwater.
Q: How much rainfall has downtown Los Angeles received since Oct. 1, 2024?
A: Downtown Los Angeles has received only 6.5 inches of rainfall since Oct. 1, 2024.
Q: What is the LA County Water Plan?
A: The LA County Water Plan is a plan that emphasizes increasing local water supply and regional resilience by capturing and re-charging stormwater.
Q: What are the goals of the LA County Water Plan?
A: The goals of the LA County Water Plan include improving regional water supply reliability, improving the quality and production of unused groundwater supplies, ensuring a consistently high standard of water service, and mitigating the impacts of wildfire on local water supplies.
