The Looming Conflict Between Low Impact Development and the Water Rights System

January 2010

David R. E. Aladjem

ABA Trends, Vol. 41, Issue 3


The article examines whether, and under which conditions, low impact development (LID) may interfere with existing water rights in the context of California law. It states that LID involves the use of several practices that are, collectively, designed to reduce stormwater runoff including vegetated swales and rooftop gardens. It further explores the 2007 report of the California State Water Resources Control Board’s discussion of LID projects.