Toxic runoff and rethinking water infrastructure in the wake of wildfires
While the rains were a welcome respite from the month of destructive wildfires, they also raised concerns about contaminated runoff and questions on how to rebuild a climate-resilient city. Heavy rains after a fire can be dangerous, increasing the risk of flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows, as witnessed in Pacific Palisades and Sierra Madre. But, perhaps less obvious, is the serious threat of toxic chemicals in fire-ravaged areas that gets washed into waterways, threatening water quality, public health and the environment, according to the State Water Resources Control Board.
Other fire and water impact news:
- Los Angeles Times: Pacific Palisades residents can now monitor water contamination online
- Heal the Bay: News release: Ash to action: Heal the Bay’s post-fire water quality investigation
- Yale Environment 360: Blog: How climate change puts the safety of drinking water at risk
