The Man Who Made it Rain
Written by Michael McCarthy, ‘The Man Who Made it Rain’ is a
True Story Based on the Experiences of J. Dietrich Stroeh

Many think water is a God-given right. Mother Nature has other plans.
Marin County, California is a prosperous community of highly educated people adept at solving their own problems, but during a period of 25 months in 1976-77 a curious event occurred that no one could fix. It did not rain. The drought evolved into a critical emergency. Residents learned that no matter how rich you are, money doesn’t make it rain.

As climate change threatens the entire planet, what happened in Marin County should be a warning signal about our future. In a few short years, wars may well be fought over control of clean water. Water is becoming the new oil.

Blame for the Marin drought and responsibility for making it rain, fell on the shoulders of Dietrich Stroeh, the General Manager for the Marin Municipal Water District. Stroeh and his family became the target of threats as expensive real estate turned to dust.

In The Man Who Made It Rain, journalist Michael McCarthy begins with a narrative of real life events that occurred during the unrelenting drought in the 1970’s. The story also jumps ahead to the present day as climatic change becomes reality and storms, floods, and drought pummel the planet.

Based on a true story, The Man Who Made It Rain explores a frightening thought: what happens when the world runs out of water?

About J. Dietrich Stroeh – the Inspiration for ‘The Man Who Made It Rain’
J. Dietrich “Diet” Stroeh is a man who believes that together cities and agencies can proactively protect the future of water before the well runs dry. It’s his collaborative approach to water management that has made him the inspiration for Michael McCarthy’s “The Man Who Made It Rain” (Public Ink, 2006) and has earned him great respect among water experts across the country. His emphasis is on the planning, design, and management of water and sanitary sewer distribution systems. 

His 45 years of professional experience and ability working with local and regional agencies allows him to provide creative and innovative design solutions to waste water disposal and water management challenges.  He is thoroughly familiar with the engineers, and the institutional, economic, planning and environmental aspects of water resource management.

Named one of “Marin’s Top 13 Influential” (Marin Magazine 2007) he led the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) to safety during an unprecedented drought (1976-77) that was destroying agriculture and livestock. His insights and management skills assisted MMWD in developing a major new in-county water supply and implementing a comprehensive water management plan, including conservation education.  He was also instrumental in achieving a national record in countywide water conservation during that drought period.

Taking into account the water needs of an area (e.g., residential, agricultural, and environmental) he consults with water agencies to establish management plans that address the needs of an entire community.  He is currently working with several agencies, including Sonoma County Water Agency. Diet is also a sought-after speaker. Speaking engagements include the 2007 California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association and he has appeared as a featured water expert on CBS TV (San Francisco Bay Area) and other Bay Area media outlets. A registered Civil Engineer with California, Diet received his BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, in Reno, Nevada. 

His current and past memberships in community and industry organizations include:

• California Earthquake Authority Board (designated by Senator Perata)

• Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District – Director

• Recipient, 2007 Scrugham Medal Award, University of Nevada

• American Water Works Association (AWWA) – 6000 member California-Nevada Section – past president and National Director

• Bay Area Water Works Association (BAWWA) - Past member and Director

• Marin’s Top 13 Influential – Marin Magazine, 2007

• Marin County Flood Control, Novato Advisory Board – member

• Citizen of the Year – City of Novato 1992

A California native and long time resident of Marin County, Diet is proud of his five children and seven grandchildren.  Since 1940 he has lived in Novato, California, thirty minutes north of San Francisco.

Articles by J. Dietrich Stroeh
What to Remember About Water Before The Well Runs Dry