If water supply is a big problem in the States, can’t we effectively store stormwater in some way and replenish our supply?

Question

If water supply is a big problem in the States, can’t we effectively store stormwater in some way and replenish our supply?

In: 1

Answer 1

Storm water lands everywhere. Capturing it would be a nightmare

If you don’t capture it where it lands then it will bring all sorts of nasties with it. Cleaning it would be super expensive.

Storing water is expensive. Requires a massive area and constant monitoring/treatment to stop nasty stuff growing in it.

Transporting water is expensive. Requires massive infrastructure of pipes, pumps, cleaning stations etc. To be fair this problem exists regardless of storms, but it does kind of help to understand why areas prone to storms can’t necessarily share their water with other regions more desert like.