What You Can Do

Earvin Magic Johnson Park

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park (County of Los Angeles)

Let’s get Rain Ready, together! Californians can support policies, choose less-toxic products, and make everyday decisions to help collect and protect our rainwater.

Support Rain Ready Projects in Your Community

Local governments are already implementing Rain Ready projects around the state. You can help by supporting their efforts to modernize local infrastructure. Send an email or letter of support to your local officials, attend a community meeting to learn more, or vote “Yes” on a ballot measure that funds projects to collect and protect our rain.

Rain drops
Underground Stormwater Infiltration System

Underground Stormwater Infiltration System (County of San Luis Obispo)

Reduce Pesticide Use

Choosing less-toxic or non-toxic solutions for home and garden pests is a year-round action everyone can take to protect our water and our health. Common pesticides have been detected in urban creeks and waterways. They poison birds, fish, and sensitive aquatic wildlife. In some locations, water contaminated with pesticides can migrate from creeks and surface waters into drinking water wells. Water agencies, participating retail stores, and pesticide distributors and manufacturers ­are working together to offer safer alternatives. Find pest control fact sheets, recommended products, and participating retailers at Our Water Our World.

Family gardening

Say “No” to Single-Use Plastic

Plastic degrades very slowly over time and releases tiny particles and toxic residue. By reducing demand for single-use plastic, and using reusable products, we can keep waterways clean and litter-free.

Reusable cups

Put Litter in Its Place

Always use garbage cans and prevent litter from blowing “away.” Pick up any litter you see and dispose of it properly. Join a local litter cleanup. Many cities in California host cleanup events during Coastal Cleanup Month in September.

Make Rain Ready Home Improvements

If you own or manage a property, there are things you can do to slow the flow of rain and irrigate your landscaping, reduce flooding and protect rainwater. Rain barrels, rain cisterns, rain gardens, permeable pavers are a few examples. For more information, check with your city or county stormwater program.

Rain drops
Rain barrel

For more on individual actions to protect our water, visit your local city or county’s stormwater management program.  

You May Also Like