California Drought Enters Fifth Year, Yet Restrictions Are Weakened.

Written by Bridget Otto

California's drought is now entering its fifth year, described by Gov. Jerry Brown as a 'new state of normalcy' where dry conditions are more frequent and longer lasting. Many areas are experiencing extreme to exceptional conditions; meaning there Climate change, El Nino, rapid urbanisation and the use of water intensive crops are contributing factors contributing to the intensity of the drought. In 2015, statewide emergency water restrictions were put in place to curb consumption and waste. Through a tiered system communities have been prompted to reduce their consumption from 8-36%. The emergency water restrictions drew in controversy for how they would adversely affect some communities as well as the agriculture sector. Governor Brown stated,

Last year's El Nino was expected to bring temporary respite with heavier rainfall and snowpack. The results this year have eased conditions in Northern California with nearly average snowfall and rainfall levels. However El Nino did not deliver the same relief for Southern California. The return of average levels in Northern California has prompted officials to end the statewide emergency water restrictions currently in place and leave water management decisions to local communities, which will take effect 1 June. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists agree that it could take several years of average or above average rainfall before returning to a state of normalcy and the drought shows no signs of ending soon.

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Certain provisions of the water restrictions will remain in effect such as, water only being served in restaurants upon request, no runoff from lawn irrigation and hosing down sidewalks. Other mandates will become permanent to continue to adapt to more frequent water shortages. While policy makers did not make this decision lightly many are concerned that ending statewide restrictions sends the wrong message about water conservation as local communities will be allowed to decide their own water savings targets.

Image: US Forest Services

The state has substituted surface water for its groundwater sources to compensate for the lack of surface water. Estimates are that groundwater accounts for nearly 60% of California's water supply. This is problematic because it will take decades for aquifers to naturally refill making the next water shortage crisis even more severe. It is estimated to cost the state $2 billion annually in agricultural losses. Although the agriculture industry makes up less than 3% of California's economy it produces food for nearly 20% of American homes. Consumer prices have been left largely unaffected by the drought because of farmers tapping into groundwater sources, which is being done at an exorbitant rate and will only make the next water shortage more devastating. Needless to say the economic costs of the drought will be felt for years to come.

Read more: 96 Million 'shade balls' released into LA water reservoir

This drought has highlighted the need to address water conservation and use not just in California but the region as a whole. The Colorado River Basin and Lake Mead which provide water to millions in the Southwest region are at historic lows displaying the severity of the drought. Although there have been innovative ideas and Californian residents have risen to the challenge to reduce their water usage, droughts lead to short term and long term issues. It leaves the region susceptible to wildfire and damages native flora and fauna.

Across the globe water scarcity issues are becoming an everyday part of life. This drought highlights the miscalculation of water as a precious resource and the need for people to change their water use habits.

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