California Plans to Store More Stormwater in Cities After 'Failing' to Capture Enough to Supply Water for Millions

Drought events had struck different parts of California for over a decade, and the lack of rainfall during certain periods forced local authorities in recent years to impose water restrictions. The state recorded heavy rainfall events, powered by atmospheric rivers and winter weather systems, since 2023. However, it is not an assurance that severe drought conditions will not occur again in the future, threatening water reservoirs.

To address the imminent threat of a future drought, California plans to collect and store more stormwater from cities. This comes after the Golden State "failed" to capture enough stormwater could provide a water supply for millions of people each year. This is according to a new analysis by the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security based in Oakland, California.

California Stormwater Collection

In a nationwide report published by the Pacific Institute in February 2024, researchers found that "California fails to capture massive amounts of stormwater" that were rushing off the streets and surfaces of cities. The institute ranks California as the 9^th state with the highest estimated urban runoff; which pertains to rainwater flowing on streets and yards into storm drains. This stormwater could be captured and used again.

Although California has both natural and man-made water reservoirs, the threat posed by future drought makes the collection of stormwaters necessary more than ever. In the report, the Pacific Institute describes urban stormwater runoff in the United States as an "untapped potential." The researchers highlight the importance of stormwater in the context that urban communities across the US are facing a range of water challenges.

Also Read: Los Angeles Beaches Contaminated by Polluted Stormwater, Report Finds

US Drought Threat

Drought is a natural phenomenon described by meteorologists as a prolonged period of unusually dry conditions and lack of rainfall or precipitation. A type of natural disaster, the climatic phenomenon can occur in a certain area, region, or even countrywide. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), major US droughts have occurred at least three times over the past century. Yet, climate change and global warming is also amplifying the intensity and increasing the frequency of droughts, according to scientists.

In recent months, US droughts have decreased relatively due to cold weather and storms provided by the winter season, which was also fuelled by an Arctic blast. In addition, torrential rain events had also replenished drought-stricken regions, especially the Southwest US. According to the US Government's drought monitoring, 21,84% of the lower 48 states are in drought, with warmer and drier weather reported in the Midwest and the High Plains.

Concerning the Pacific Institute's report, stormwater capture could address the threat posed by US drought and water scarcity risks, as well as close the gap between water supply and demand. One of the measures possible to achieve this is augmenting and diversifying water supplies, according to the institute's assessment.

Related Article: Climate Change Fuels Frequent Shift From Worsening Drought to Deadly Flooding, Research Warns