Capture Rainwater!

Image from Tree People and San Gabriel Rivers / Watershed Council.  All Rights Reserved.

Still wondering whether localized rainwater harvesting is a good idea in Los Angeles?  TreePeople recently posted one of the better graphics I have seen from the San Gabriel Rivers / Watershed Council detailing exactly where all of Los Angeles's water comes from, including how far it travels to get here.  As they noted:

This is a critical issue for L.A. County because more than half the water used by our ten million residents comes from distant locations such as the Colorado River. Transporting this water to L.A.'s faucets and lawns is expensive and wasteful.

Harvesting rainwater will reduce our need to import this costly water; supply us with additional water during dry months; and reduce urban runoff that pollutes our rivers, bays, and ocean.

Given how far the water travels to get here, the least we can do is attempt to use our water wisely, but the best we can do it maximize ways to reduce the amount of water we have to import to LA.  

Still not convinced?  TreePeople provides a great summary of options and resources on their website.  Here are some links on the benefits of capturing water and both small and larger steps you can take.

• Benefits of Capturing Water
• Take Simple Steps
• Take Bigger Steps