California’s increasingly scarce rain is a valuable source of water. And, we can’t let it slip away!
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.
But how does one become Rain Ready? What does that look like for most Californians?
Being Rain Ready means that you’re taking concrete steps to both protect and collect rainwater. Here are some real world examples of how you can protect and collect rainwater:
- Always Put Litter In Its Place – 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. Local non-profit organizations like Heal the Bay and Friends of LA River have frequent cleanup events.
- Reduce Your Usage of Pesticides – 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. Consider taking an integrated pest management approach, which is a more environmentally sensitive method, to managing unwanted bugs in your yard and garden.
- Say “No” to Single-Use Plastics – 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.
- Support Rain Ready Projects In Your Community – Los Angeles is already implementing Rain Ready projects. You can help by supporting City of LA projects funded by LA County’s Safe Clean Water Program. Another way to help is to vote “Yes” on ballot measures that fund projects to collect and protect our rain.
- Make Your Home Rain Ready – 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, and permeable pavers are just a few examples. For information on rain barrel rebates available to LA city residents, visit the Metropolitan Water District’s SoCal WaterSmart residential rebates web page.
It’s that easy, LA! Commit to those five actions and you’ll be helping to create a more sustainable communities within this city we call home and when the storms hit, we’ll be able to say with confidence that we’re Rain Ready, California!
