California’s Drought and Water Distribution is the main problem and due to this reason, it can not afford to keep its residents happy. States agriculture uses 80% of the water and out of the left water, the government even announces to cut down the use of household uses of water by up to 10% in the time of drought. Citizens are not satisfied with the farmers as they are using four times the water compared to the citizens. Gas and the oil industry also consume lots of fresh water for industrial use, especially for drilling purposes.
What is the Main Issue with California’s Water Supply?
The main issue with the water supply in California is that the maximum amount of water is used for agricultural purposes and lots of water is wasted in that form, the underground water on which most of the citizens are dependent is highly polluted due to the agricultural discharger. But due to unavailability of the water maximum no of residents are dependent on the well for their domestic use.
Why are the Aquifers in the Central Valley of California Being Depleted Now?
The aquifers in the Central Valley of California are depleted by 31% faster when compared to the last two years’ drought because of the less water availability in the area. It is also recorded that the Central Valley of California has absorbed almost 36 million acres of land only for underground water.
What is California Doing to Help with its Drought Problem?
The following steps are taken by the California government to help in drought conditions.
- Reservoirs and melted snowpacks are built
- During the drought season, the government is reducing the amount of supply water.
- Drought emergency plans are made and handed to the agencies where they could handle them immediately.
- The government is rejecting the proposals for use of fresh water for industrial uses.
- Policymakers are given the responsibility of rethinking water management.
- Many new technologies are made by engineers as it is not possible to satisfy the need of people with older methods. Such new technologies are recycling wastewater, desalinating seawater, and capturing stormwater.
California’s drought and water distribution are considered the top priority by the Californian government; therefore, California citizens are using recycled water for all household uses except for drinking purposes. There are many water projects that are funded and currently operating in the state.
Recommended: How to Claim Solar Tax Credit In California For Maximum Savings