When did the drought end in California?
Sustainable Investing
60% of California’s water comes from reservoirs. This is a tough fact to face when your state is in the middle of one of the worst droughts in history. However some are hopeful that recent winter storms represent the pivot point in this terrible drought and might make the beginning of the end for California.
Some awesome evidence of this turning point lies in the Sierra Nevada mountains where around one-third of California’s water supply originates. As a result of awesome winter storms now the measurements on the Sierra Nevada snowpacks stand at more than 160% of the historical average in a month from now, on April 1. So any extra weather activity should add to this number.
The Associated Press reported more than half of California now sits drought free!
California’s recent drought became considered one of the most severe droughts in the state’s history. And it has had significant impacts on the state’s agriculture, water supply, and environment. The drought officially began in 2011 and lasted until 2017. Although its effects are still being felt in some areas.
The drought was caused by a combination of factors, including reduced precipitation, higher temperatures, and increased water demand due to population growth and agricultural needs. California typically relies on winter snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to provide water for the state’s water supply. However, during the drought, the snowpack was much lower than usual, resulting in reduced water availability for the state.
The drought had a significant impact on California’s agricultural sector.
California’s agricultural sector accounts for a large portion of the state’s economy. Farmers and ranchers were forced to reduce their water usage. Resulting in decreased crop yields and increased costs. Some farmers had to fallow their land, and livestock producers had to reduce their herds due to a lack of water and feed.
The drought also had significant environmental impacts. Reduced water flows in rivers and streams resulted in decreased habitat for fish and other aquatic species. The lack of precipitation also led to an increase in wildfires, which destroyed thousands of acres of forestland and wildlife habitat.
To address the drought, California implemented several measures to conserve water, including mandatory water restrictions, increased funding for water efficiency programs, and investments in new water storage infrastructure. The state also adopted new regulations to improve water efficiency in agriculture and other industries.
While the drought officially ended in 2017 due to increased precipitation, the state is still recovering from its effects. California continues to implement measures to increase water efficiency and address the challenges posed by future droughts.
Sustainable Investing
When did the drought end in California?
