As wildfires become increasingly intense and frequent in California, particularly near reservoirs, experts say threats to water resources will require more proactive preventative measures.

Massive swaths of land have burned annually across the state, and rebuilding can take years after the ashes have been swept away.

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Toxic chemicals linger in the scorched soils even longer, and can make their way into water sources, said Ann Willis, California regional director with American Rivers, a nonprofit focused on protecting clean water resources.

Those toxins – including heavy metals such as lead, zinc and copper – could be harmful if consumed, said Willis, a scientist who’s led a program seeking to implement stream conservation strategies across California.

“We really want p

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