Southern California Winter Storms

1/17/2017 (Permalink)

Southern California was drenched with rain the first few weeks of the New Year. The storms brought damage to roads, homes, and resulted in mudslide conditions north of the 210 freeway. But, for the first time in five years, a majority of California is no longer classified as the most extreme drought conditions.

After the onslaught of water, less than 60% of California is in drought conditions for the first time since 2013, cited USA Today in a recent article. The rain has alleviated the severe drought condition, but Southern California still remains in some level of drought conditions as a few days of rain will not reverse the multi-year lack of water. [1]

The recent rain should NOT provide Californian’s with the feeling of not needing to maintain drought conscious practices. Drought conditions persist in many areas, especially southern California. California faces long term water supply issues due to climate change. Conservation of water in homes, business, and other services should be maintained.

Some simple ways to conserve water in homes are: not using toilets to flush trash like facial wipes; making sure sprinklers only hit the lawn and not pavement; running only full loads of laundry on water saving settings; and installing water saving shower heads.[2] While reservoirs in Northern California are filling, many in Southern California remain close to empty, causing the drought to still be of statewide concern. [3]

[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/01/12/northern-california-drought-ends/96487788/

[2] http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm

[3] http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-drought-monitor-20170112-story.html