Protecting and Collecting Water for Our Future
Our precious rainwater is slipping away!
California’s increasingly scarce rain is a valuable source of water. But this precious resource is slipping through our fingers.
There is a Better Way
By getting Rain Ready, we can protect our waters before it rains, collect rainwater whenever it falls, reduce flooding, and help California create a water-secure future.
Increased water supply, enhanced public safety and property protection, healthier communities and more green space and recreation opportunities are just some of the benefits of a Rain Ready California.
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Getting Rain Ready means protecting this valuable source of water before rains even start. Smart policies and everyday actions help keep our water safe and clean—and improve the health of our communities.
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Most of our existing infrastructure is designed to quickly direct rainwater away from homes and communities during heavy storms, leaving rainwater as an untapped resource. Modern, natural stormwater infrastructure will collect more rain and lead to increased water supplies and healthier communities.
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Members of the public can support policies, choose less-toxic products, use reusables and make everyday decisions to help collect and protect our rainwater.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park (County of Los Angeles)
Case Studies
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![County of LA’s Safe Clean Water Program]()
County of LA’s Safe Clean Water Program
This one-of-a-kind program invests approximately $280 million annually into multi-benefit rainwater collection projects and programs.
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![Earvin Magic Johnson Park]()
Earvin Magic Johnson Park
The rainwater collection system at this popular park collects up to 85% of the water that was flowing away and brings community health benefits to a disadvantaged area.
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![East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project]()
East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project
The project collects more rainwater, while also adding much-needed greenspace to a couple of parched and barren medians in East Los Angeles.
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![Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District Stormwater Basin System]()
Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District Stormwater Basin System
The system collects and channels rainwater that once caused flooding. But is now channeled safely to recharge the water supply, while adding green space and places for rest and recreation.
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![San Mateo County Sustainable Streets Master Plan]()
San Mateo County Sustainable Streets Master Plan
The Plan includes multi-benefit projects designed to improve street conditions for walkability, cycling, urban greening, climate resiliency and water quality.
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![Orange Memorial Park, South San Francisco]()
Orange Memorial Park, South San Francisco
The park is the site of an underground rainwater collection project that will return as much as 78 million gallons of water to the groundwater basin each year, while providing renovated athletic fields for the community.
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![Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza]()
Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza
This one-acre site incorporates a wetland, surrounded by swales and native plants/trees, a large rain garden, examples of pervious paving material and rain barrels and rain chains.
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Stanford University Stormwater Capture & Use Facilities
These facilities collect 130 million gallons of water to supplement the potable irrigation system and provide benefits to the campus community.
