California Pivots from Flood Defense to Water Harvesting Amid Record El Niño Threat
California is preparing for a potentially historic 'super El Niño' this winter, which threatens severe coastal flooding and erosion but also offers a critical opportunity to replenish depleted groundwater. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources for flood control and infrastructure protection. Simultaneously, state agencies and local communities are leveraging the expected heavy rainfall to capture stormwater through expanded spreading grounds, restored floodplains, and farmland irrigation. While the 2025-26 season already captured significant water, experts warn that more aggressive infrastructure and flexible dam management are needed to fully capitalize on the wet conditions and mitigate long-term drought impacts.