California Has Enough Water To Meet Consumption Requests For First Time Since 2006
In a twist that might surprise many who are following California’s ongoing struggles with water scarcity, the state is now positioned to fulfill consumption requests for the first time in 17 years.
“California will provide 100% of the water requested by cities and farms for the first time in years thanks to winter storms that filled reservoirs and runoff from a record snowpack,” the Associated Press reported. “The last time the [State Water Project] fully met water requests was in 2006.”
Across 29 water agencies and 27 million consumers, as well as 750,000 acres of farmland, California’s thirsty residents and operations should be satisfied for the time being. But few would have predicted that would be the case a few months ago, as ongoing drought has dried up critical source bodies and forced agricultural cutbacks. However, in early 2023, historically severe storms inundated the state, offering some relief to the years-long mega drought as it caused flooding and other issues, compelling local leaders to explore ways of better preparing for and capturing stormwater.
“Late last year, nearly all of California was in drought, including at extreme and exceptional levels,” according to AP. “The water picture changed dramatically starting in December, when the first of a dozen ‘atmospheric rivers’ hit, causing widespread flooding and damaging homes and infrastructure.”
Despite the recent relief, experts are quick to warn that California’s water scarcity problems are not completely solved. While the state has proven resilient and innovative throughout its long history with drought conditions, the fundamental challenges it faces are still there.
“I think the word ‘drought’ might be slightly misleading,” Alex Tardy, a National Weather Service meteorologist, told CBS 8. “And maybe something that we have to change and rephrase better because in terms of rain, snow, soil conditions, and water supply, yes, drought is over. But in terms of long-term management and a multi-decade type of drought in … water supply, no, that part is not over.” To read more about how water systems around the country confront drought challenges, visit Water Online’s Water Scarcity Solutions Center.