CLCA Survey: Got Drought?

drought comes to California

Although Gov. Newsom didn’t come right out and say it while making a drought emergency declaration in two northern counties last month, California statewide remains vulnerable to drought.

In his April 21 emergency declaration, Gov. Newsom directed state agencies to take immediate action to bolster drought resilience and prepare for impacts on communities, businesses and ecosystems if dry conditions extend to a third year.


 

“Climate change is intensifying both the frequency and the severity of dry periods. This ‘new normal’ gives urgency to building drought resilience in regions across the state and preparing for what may be a prolonged drought at our doorstep.”

-Gov. Gavin Newsom, April 21, 2021

 


In addition, the governor proclaimed a regional drought emergency for the Russian River watershed in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, where reservoirs are at record lows following two critically dry years and accelerated action may be needed to protect public health, safety and the environment.

Read Newsom’s statement here.

While the governor didn’t say the drought was statewide, others have voiced concern about water supplies throughout the state.

According to a recent UCLA sustainability report, “the impacts of the recent extreme drought on water supplies throughout California has created a new urgency to increase the City’s (of Los Angeles) ability to provide a secure, resilient water supply through local sources.”

The Marin Water District, meanwhile, has adopted mandatory water use restrictions. Driven by reservoir levels at historic lows, the goal of the restrictions is to achieve a 40 percent reduction in water use districtwide.

The United States Drought Monitor makes a drought awareness argument more visually. VIEW >

The bottom line? While the governor didn’t say the drought was statewide, there is cause for concern.

What do you think? Please take a 45-second survey to help CLCA help you survive the drought.

drought is here yard sign

Drought Survey

What do you think? Please take a 45-second survey to help CLCA help you survive the drought.

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