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SoCal Matters

What Happens to Water Runoff When It Rains?

Season 2024 Episode 3

California fails to capture massive amounts of stormwater runoff, which could supply over a quarter of the state's urban usage. But trapping, treating and storing rainwater is a costly, elaborate project. Here's how cities like Los Angeles are addressing flood risk and channeling water from precipitation — into the ocean, planted areas or underground storage. CalMatters' Rachel Becker reports.

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Season
New Bill Targeting Threats to Schools and Churches
2:00
New bill would make threats to schools or churches easier to prosecute.
Trump Targets California Climate Laws in New Executive Order
2:00
Trump moves against CA climate programs that clash with his energy plans.
New Bill Aims to Ban Cat Declawing
1:59
California lawmakers advance a bill to ban declawing cats.
CA Sets Aside $170 Million To Thin Vegetation To Help Prevent Wildfires
2:00
Newsom speeds up wildfire prevention projects with $170M in funding.
Newsom Sues Trump Over Tariffs
2:00
Newsom sues Trump, arguing sweeping tariffs are unconstitutional.
Salmon Fishing Is Shut Down Salmon for Third Year in a Row
2:00
Salmon fishing shuttered again as Chinook collapse worsens in California.
Kaiser Strike Becomes the Longest Mental Health Strike Ever
2:00
Kaiser mental health workers resume negotiations after 6 months of striking.
CA Lawmakers Propose 4 A.M. Last Call at Bars on Weekends
2:00
A new bill could allow bars in some cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m.
Judge Ruled Santa Monica Elections Unfair. Nothing’s Changed.
2:00
Six years after a court ruling, Santa Monica still uses a disputed election system.
Canadian Tourism to California Is Plummeting
1:55
Talk of annexing Canada and new policies are turning Canadian tourists away.
Encampment Sweeps Continue to Rise in CA
1:55
San Diego encampment sweeps ramp up under new law, displacing more unhoused residents.
Over $1 Billion in Health Grants at Risk for California
2:00
Federal cuts threaten pandemic-era health grants that supported key public health services.
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