Los Angeles public schools are set to become greener and more sustainable as the State Water Resources Control Board unveiled a new initiative aimed at advancing stormwater capture. During a recent meeting, officials highlighted the potential to capture approximately 2 billion gallons of stormwater annually from school grounds, significantly contributing to local water supply while enhancing the environment.

The initiative, supported by a custom tool called RAIN Steward, aims to streamline the planning and implementation of stormwater management projects across the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). This tool automatically generates detailed fact sheets for over 2,000 school properties, providing essential information such as anticipated costs, environmental impacts, and potential funding sources. By simplifying the data collection process, the initiative seeks to eliminate barriers that have previously hindered progress in stormwater projects.

The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including funding agencies and school district leadership, to ensure these projects move forward effectively. The RAIN Steward tool is designed not only for LA schools but also for broader applications across various regions, promoting water stewardship on a larger scale.

Officials noted that LAUSD campuses are situated across ten major watersheds, each with varying stormwater capture potential. The initiative aims to leverage this variability to maximize the benefits of stormwater management, including pollution reduction and improved water quality.

As the program progresses, it is expected to play a crucial role in offsetting municipal water demand and greening school grounds, ultimately fostering a healthier environment for students and the surrounding community. The State Water Resources Control Board is committed to ensuring that every school campus contributes to effective watershed management, paving the way for a more sustainable future in Los Angeles.