Huntington Library develops system to capture rainwater

SAN MARINO, Calif. (KABC) -- While visitors enjoy the lush vegetation at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, the staff is preparing for storms that could test systems designed to capture and reuse rainwater.

During construction of a visitor center that opened a couple years ago, a massive underground water retention system was built to capture runoff.

"We're trying to capture as much water as possible on the property before it leaves the property," said Maxx Echt of Huntington Library.

Storms can trigger heavy runoff and debris from the foothill community that flows onto the Huntington's grounds. Improvements have been made to a drainage channel in hopes of preventing flood damage.

Watch Amy Powell's report in the video above.