Rainwater Catchment – the practice of storing rainfall during the wet season for use later on – is not a new idea but can have enormous potential to benefit both residents and the environment. Offsetting water use during the dry season can improve summer stream flow for fish and wildlife, and improve individual water security. This strategy can be used at many scales, large and small.  In 2012, California enacted the Rainwater Catchment Act, allowing residents to install rainwater catchment systems without obtaining a permit to appropriate water.  This act made small-scale rainwater catchment much more accessible to the average water-user. However, larger systems may still require engineered design and a building permit.

Check out this ‘Slow it, Spread it, Sink it: Rainwater Catchment‘ Resource from the Napa Resource Conservation District to learn more.