Environment
LA County looks to turn El Niño runoff into future water supply
The county’s 27 spreading grounds captured roughly a year’s water use for 3.3 million Angelenos last storm season, and officials hope a wet winter can replenish more groundwater.
Southern California water managers are preparing to capture more storm runoff if a strong El Niño brings heavy winter rain, the Los Angeles Times reported September 26. Los Angeles County uses a network of 27 spreading grounds where stormwater can soak into porous soil and replenish groundwater. The Public Works Department estimated that during the 2025–26 storm season the system captured as much water as 3.3 million Angelenos use in a year.
What it means locally
If major storms arrive, officials say routing runoff into the county’s spreading grounds could bank more water underground for cities to pump later. The same agencies must also prepare for flooding, erosion and debris flows. California’s emergency declaration directs state agencies to support local flood preparation and groundwater-recharge efforts, but El Niño increases the chance of a wet winter rather than guaranteeing one.
Full report and further details: Read original report →