Pacific Grove is working on ways to reduce storm runoff

Pacific Grove is working on a powerful new way to harness rainwater and prevent runoff from getting into the ocean

Whether it’s just after a heavy rain, or a light one, storm runoff can usually be seen flowing into the ocean. Nearby residents like, Donna Applegate say, “You can see it for days after the storms.”

Applegate takes her dog Murdock for walks along the peninsula. She isn’t a big fan of what can flow into the ocean, but neither is the city of Pacific Grove. That’s why the city is working to change it. “Essentially what we are trying to do is capture storm water, before it goes into the A.S.B.S. and then direct it to Monterey One Water for treatment and reuse,” says Milas Smith with the city.

The A.S.B.S. is a stretch of protected water along the parts of the Peninsula. This nearly 9 million dollar project will reduce storm water from entering the ocean, but also reuse it for drinking water.

The city plans on installing two giant storage tanks underneath the Pacific Grove golf course. These tanks takes will collect and store the water. They will also use underground pipes to send it off to Monterey One Water. A process, that could be in place by next storm season. “We are just finishing the engineering, the state has documents, we are awaiting their final approval once we get that, we will be putting this project out to bid,” says Smith.

Once the city gets the contract bid for the plan, construction will only take about 6 to 10 months to complete.