Where does all the Rain Go in California?
Where does all the Rain Go in California?
California’s wet winter has dumped an estimated 18 trillion gallons of rain in February alone. But much of it is simply going down the drain. In what has become a source of much concern in a state prone to droughts and water shortages, the vast majority of rainwater in urban areas flows into storm drains and is eventually lost to the Pacific Ocean.
How much rainwater can be captured in California?
Experts, however, say there is much room for improvement. In its latest study in 2014, the Pacific Institute estimated that stormwater capture in Southern California and the Bay Area has the potential to increase the state’s water supply by at least 420,000 acre-feet annually.
Where are reservoirs in California behind in rainfall?
Some spots in coastal Northern California and the Sierra Nevada are more than a foot behind in rainfall (or the water-equivalent of snow) in the last 60 days. So far, reservoirs around the state aren’t doing too badly.
Is the Central Valley of California in a drought?
For the first time since early December, a small part of the Golden State’s central valley and Sierra Nevada have fallen into a moderate drought. With this week’s update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, more Californians are in a moderate drought than at any time in the last year, in terms of population.
California’s wet winter has dumped an estimated 18 trillion gallons of rain in February alone. But much of it is simply going down the drain. In what has become a source of much concern in a state prone to droughts and water shortages, the vast majority of rainwater in urban areas flows into storm drains and is eventually lost to the Pacific Ocean.
Experts, however, say there is much room for improvement. In its latest study in 2014, the Pacific Institute estimated that stormwater capture in Southern California and the Bay Area has the potential to increase the state’s water supply by at least 420,000 acre-feet annually.
What to do with the rainwater in Los Angeles?
Among the ideas being tried are slowly feeding rainwater underground, a process known as aquifer recharge, and creating more permeable surfaces where the water flows, such as removing some of the concrete around the Los Angeles River bed. But it hasn’t been enough to make a significant dent.
How much water does Los Angeles County capture?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works said it was able to capture about 22 billion gallons of water since Oct. 1, which officials said shows steady progress. “This year, we’re doing great,” said Keith Lilley, assistant deputy director of stormwater planning at L.A. County Public Works.