Throughout module 6 we have been learning about ocean currents and their effect on global climate. I found an article showing examples of the effects of the El Nino in Los Angeles, California. After receiving ample amounts of rainfall from the El Nino following one of the worst droughts in the history, Los Angeles now has gallons and gallons of storm water. Because of previous flooding dangers, the city has organized their water system to dispose of storm water as quickly and efficiently as possible, draining it straight into the ocean. After a year of cutting their water usage by 25%, this storm water all of a sudden seems like the perfect answer to their drought crisis. Instead of capturing the 200 billion gallons (or at least some) of storm water, the city watched as it washed away into the ocean. This water is now untouchable and was also a potentially perfect answer to the drought and water cutbacks the city has been facing.

The city has now made re-managing their water system a top priority. The El Nino is still expected to shower the state in rain in the following months to come, allowing the state another chance to capture the storm water for reuse. The state is now entering a moment where they know they need to be the ones dealing with their water crisis, the storm water has become a great opportunity for them to cut back on imported water. The task is not as easy as it sounds and will take a generous sum of money and willingness of the residents of California to be successful. The city is composed mostly of impervious surfaces, which will generate a high amount of pollutants in the water which will need to be filtered out for public use. There is much change and work to be done but if they succeed, it will be great.

With the changing climate, Californians know they will now be more susceptible to droughts more than ever. Having a backup water supply will be essential to their state. A new way of managing storm water has become one of the best opportunities for the state of California. This will help them effectively resist both drought and climate change much more smoothly.

References:

Nagourney, Adam. “Storm Water, Long a Nuisance, May Be a Parched California’s Salvation.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 20 Feb. 2016. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.