California’s DROPS program bring water conservation to schools

The State Water Resources Control Board has approved guidelines for a new program that will be reduce stormwater runoff at schools in California.

The Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (DROPS) will provide approximately $25.5 million to local educational agencies. That money will be used to complete projects at schools to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution.

Every project will include a student education component to explain the function of the stormwater capture installation along with the water quality and water supply benefits.

“Every drop of water is precious at any time, but especially during a drought,” said State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus. “Schools are an important part of every community and the DROPS program gives them the opportunity to be great environmental stewards.”

DROPS will focus on projects that provide multiple benefits, including water quality improvement, water conservation, water supply augmentation, greenhouse gas reduction and energy savings.

The funding for DROPS comes from unallocated grant funds from previously approved water bond issues. For more information, click here.