Green Guys Media

What if you could reduce your water bill, help the environment, and be a leader in your community – all at the same time? Well that is just the opportunity the L.A. Stormwater Program is offering with the Rainwater Harvesting pilot program. The program is funded by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission and the California Coastal Conservancy, and Ballona Creek watershed has been identified as a priority area.

A typical Los Angeles home directs an average of 14,000 gallons of water from roof downspouts into the storm drain system annually. This water may collect pollutants, including trash, pet waste, oil, grease and other chemicals that end up in the ocean. The Rainwater Harvesting program will allow homeowners to collect the rainwater and reduce the amount of rainwater pollution entering the Santa Monica Bay. The captured rainwater will be used to water lawns and gardens, which not only helps the Los Angeles harvester to meet the Department of Water and Power’s recently-mandated water conservation requirements, but also lowers their water bill! Those accepted to the program will receive complementary installations of rain barrels and downspout disconnections.

There are still spots open for this pilot program. Priority is given to the Mar Vista, Sawtelle, and Jefferson neighborhoods, but anyone owning their own property in the Ballona Creek Watershed area with a rain gutter and downspout can apply.  Visit http://larainwaterharvesting.org./ to apply and for more information.