Expanding Local Water Supplies: Assessing the Impacts of Stormwater Infiltration on Groundwater Quality

In urban regions, the increased volume of stormwater runoff that results from the impermeable urban landscape is a potential source of water supply, particularly for groundwater recharge. One concern regarding infiltration of stormwater is its potential impact on groundwater quality. To further evaluate this, an extensive monitoring program was conducted in and around Los Angeles, California, over a six-year period. Samples collected from stormwater runoff, the vadose zone, and groundwater were analyzed for constituents of concern including metals, nutrients, organics, bacteria, and emerging contaminants. Findings indicate no degradation of groundwater quality as a result of intentional infiltration. At sites with shallow groundwater, concentrations of some constituents decreased over the period of the study.