LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Los Angeles County captured more than 120 billion gallons of stormwater during the 2025-26 storm season, a sharp increase from the previous year that will significantly boost the region’s groundwater supply, officials announced Wednesday.
The total of 120.3 billion gallons collected between October and April 15 marks a dramatic rise from the 11.9 billion gallons captured during the prior storm season, according to county officials.
The water is expected to recharge aquifers with enough supply to meet the needs of about 3 million people for a year.
Downtown Los Angeles recorded 16.9 inches of rainfall during the season, about 110% of its annual average, according to county officials. By comparison, the previous year brought just 6.6 inches, less than half the typical annual total of 15.4 inches.
Officials said stormwater captured in reservoirs and spreading grounds reached 185% of average for this time of year.
“Capturing more stormwater here in Los Angeles County is one of the most powerful opportunities we have right now to strengthen our local water supply,” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement. “Investments in stormwater infrastructure allow us to store more of the rainfall our region receives and put it to use for our communities.”
County Public Works officials pointed to a combination of weather and system performance.
“This season’s rainfall translated into a significant increase in stormwater capture, which reflects the performance of the County’s flood control infrastructure, as well as our coordinated stormwater management efforts,” said Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works.
Officials said the county will continue investing in stormwater capture through infrastructure upgrades, sediment removal and improved reservoir operations to maximize storage capacity.
Horvath is scheduled to convene the county’s third annual Water Summit in May to bring together regional leaders to discuss long-term water resilience strategies.
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