Abstract: The present system includes arrangements for the low-cost storage of rain water runoff, and arrangements for distributing this runoff water during arid seasons. The system may be located at the sea coast where a water runoff channel enters the ocean, and where there is available protected ocean water which is of reasonably substantial depth. Heavy duty plastic containers are provided for receiving the fresh water runoff from a point just before the water would normally enter the ocean. Pumping station arrangements are also provided for distributing the water inland where it is required during arid seasons. The flexible plastic water containers may be many tens of feet in their dimensions, both horizontally and vertically. The upper edges of the containers may be secured to large floats, and suitable lightweight rigid covers may be provided to extend across the tops of the water containers.