How Does California Better Capture Precious Storm Water?
Recent storms right after historic drought have exposed California’s “feast or famine” problem, either too much or not enough water. In an era when large dams have become unfashionable (mostly due to expense and wildlife issues), groundwater recharging has been suggested. As this may have limitations, I’m going to suggest community storm water reservoirs/cisterns, and conveyances able to ship stormwater south.
THE STORMWATER STORAGE PROBLEM: After years of being parched by drought, Californians (and especially farmers) have suffered water shortages and have been compelled to pump groundwater aquifers half-dry. But then the storms came, which refilled many of the Northern California reservoirs, but left much of the Colorado River Basin (which helps serve LA, Las Vegas and Phoenix, among others) relatively dry. Meanwhile, dams (which were designed to hold large amounts of stormwater, minimize flooding, and produce hydroelectric power) have received a black eye, mostly because they may harm wildlife habitat and eventually silt up. Before those in the rest of the Country say “let California dry up as it’s God’s punishment”, remember that the rest of you get much of your food from places like California and Arizona. Also, it should be noted that we already do capture and redirect much storm water, in a series of dams and reservoirs built during the last…
