VISTA, CALIF.—While it is unquestionably welcome, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report indicates that the recent rains in California, which dumped nearly 3 inches of rain on many parts of the state, are not having much impact on the state’s overall water supplies after three very dry years.
“Despite a southward shift of the precipitation over the period, the moisture during the week [was] not sufficient to afford drought relief to California,” the report said. “The rain will certainly benefit pastures and begin the process of aiding reservoirs. However, the moisture still fell well short of what is needed to ease the impacts of a three-year drought.”
The best news in the report was that it found most of the recent rain fell in some of the most extreme and exceptional drought areas north of Sacramento, the state’s capital.
“After nearly three days of rain, I think many Californians thought this rain might end the drought,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co. “Unfortunately, it was literally just a drop in the bucket.”
Not Nearly Enough Rain
For instance, more than 20 inches of water should have fallen in Los Angeles by this time of the year, “so you can see what a small amount 3 inches is,” adds Reichardt.
Similar rainfall amount problems exist in other parts of the state as well. As an example, the U.S. Drought Monitor Report says that rainfall amounts since October 1 have totaled 20 to 50 percent of normal, which is why so much of the state is in an “Exceptional Drought” status—the most serious drought rating.
Yet, according to Reichardt, the state continues to get through this drought with less negative impact on businesses and consumers than in previous droughts.
“The main reasons for this are new technologies, from drip irrigation systems, improved water management systems, to no-water urinals that have helped California reduce water consumption even as its population has grown.”
Go to Waterless.
