This November, voters may consider a new property tax to support capturing and cleaning local stormwater

In the face of more frequent droughts and growing water demands, Los Angeles County officials are considering a new property tax for stomwater infrastructure that could meet non-potable water needs for an additional 2.5 million people.

The L.A. County Board of Supervisors is considering a measure for the 2018 ballot that would establish a property tax to fund stormwater diversion and collection projects. Residents and businesses would be taxed per area of non-permeable surfaces on their property, and the revenue would be used to reduce stormwater pollution, help the

region meet federal clean water regulations, and strengthen local water self-sufficiency. The tax, favored by residents according to recent surveys, would be one of the first major regional actions to harness stormwater as a local resource. Mark Gold, associate vice chancellor for environment and sustainability at UCLA, said it would be a groundbreaking action for combatting pollution that flows into the ocean and unprecedented in any city across Los Angeles County.

Read more at The L.A. Times