Tuesday February 27, 2024
Stormwater Solutions —
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) successfully captured 25,500 acre-feet of water during February storms so far, equivalent to 8.3 billion gallons — enough water for 204,000 people for a year.
The achievement comes in the wake of a powerful series of storms that brought 7.28 inches of rain to the region, totaling 13.54 inches of rain since July 1, 2023, the beginning of the water year.
OCWD said that its ability to capture this water stems from meticulous planning, substantial investments in water infrastructure, a robust partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the dedication of its staff, who worked tirelessly through inclement weather to ensure the maximum capture of stormwater.
“We operate one of the most advanced aquifer recharge systems globally,” stated OCWD President Cathy Green. “Our network of percolation basins, pumps, and inflatable dams effectively recharge the Orange County Groundwater Basin which serves as a major drinking water source supplying 85% of the water to 2.5 million people.”