All Dry on the Western Front
The California Drought: what's causing it and what we can do
California Drought: Causes
The devastating drought that is now entering it's fourth year is the direct result of man-made climate change. A recent scientific study by Stanford University linked greenhouse gas emissions to the drought. These emissions have created the perfect atmosphere for the "Really Resilient Ridge". The "Triple R" is a massive ridge of air over the Pacific Ocean that has been pushing storm clouds away from California, keeping precipitation levels dangerously low.
Stanford scientists explain the state of California's drought
Evidence and Effect on California
Drought Maps
These 21 maps of California illustrate the rapid and extreme change in drought level in California. As of December 2014, 80% of the state is in a level of extreme drought
A Dry Wasteland
With the drought, reservoirs and lakes have been drying up and at least one river no longer reaches the Pacific.
No Snowpack Means No Water
Last year, the snowpack for the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range was between 10% and 30% of the average. Snow melt in the spring provides up to 75% of freshwater, so without snow, many will be without water
What You Can Do
Californians need to use the dwindling water supply wisely, and because of this, they must practice good water conservation techniques. Here are some ideas the average Californian can put into place:
- Install a higher efficiency washing machine and only wash full loads
- Take shorter showers! Time yourself to make sure you aren't wasting water
- Do you have a lawn? Get rid of it! Instead of watering the grass, why not xeriscape and plant plants more suitable to California's hotter and drier climate
- Water your plants in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and ineffective watering due to wind
- Install water saving faucets and shower heads
Practicing these water saving techniques can save as much as 500 gallons of water a week!