The California drought is an immensely important issue currently affecting citizens of the state. The drought is a not just a state-wide problem, but a nation-wide one, due to the fact that California supplies produce to much of the country. -Veronica La Mont
The California drought is an immensely important issue currently affecting citizens of the state. The drought is a not just a state-wide problem, but a nation-wide one, due to the fact that California supplies produce to much of the country.
California exported 18.8 billion dollars worth of produce in 2012 alone. California is the lead producer of fruits like figs, kiwis, nectarines, and grapes, as well as vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce to the entire country. This produce is essential for the health of U.S. citizens, and without enough water this food could become scarce, and the prices could be raised dramatically. This would limit accessibility to healthy food for families that are lower class or in poverty. California is the second leading producer of livestock in the country. Therefore, having the proper nutrients provided to these animals is also necessary to meet the demand for meat in America.
Decreased snowfall combined with a lack of rain has left a devastating effect on the expected average of water collection. Major reservoirs have 40% less water based on the average numbers for how much should be attained at this point in the year.
I believe that the water situation will grow increasingly worse, unless California enforces requirements on it’s citizens instead of suggestions. I believe California should create a maximum amount of water that one can use through their hose/sprinkler system every day, then have all of the water companies implement this rule, so citizens must abide by it. It’s often I see people using water to wash off the sidewalk, or their car. This is a waste of water, that could at least be used to nourish greenery that’s good for the Earth. Hopefully, if the drought becomes undeniable, due to it’s consequences seen by the California public, things can change.
California exported 18.8 billion dollars worth of produce in 2012 alone. California is the lead producer of fruits like figs, kiwis, nectarines, and grapes, as well as vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce to the entire country. This produce is essential for the health of U.S. citizens, and without enough water this food could become scarce, and the prices could be raised dramatically. This would limit accessibility to healthy food for families that are lower class or in poverty. California is the second leading producer of livestock in the country. Therefore, having the proper nutrients provided to these animals is also necessary to meet the demand for meat in America.
Decreased snowfall combined with a lack of rain has left a devastating effect on the expected average of water collection. Major reservoirs have 40% less water based on the average numbers for how much should be attained at this point in the year.
I believe that the water situation will grow increasingly worse, unless California enforces requirements on it’s citizens instead of suggestions. I believe California should create a maximum amount of water that one can use through their hose/sprinkler system every day, then have all of the water companies implement this rule, so citizens must abide by it. It’s often I see people using water to wash off the sidewalk, or their car. This is a waste of water, that could at least be used to nourish greenery that’s good for the Earth. Hopefully, if the drought becomes undeniable, due to it’s consequences seen by the California public, things can change.
