California Inquiry

[dieselguy]

I've been reading a bit about Gov Brown proposing water rationing here shortly for California. Is it (water shortage) pretty bad statewide or is it in isolated areas?

[rohrmann]

The water situation in California is affecting the entire state, and actually most of the western states are in a severe drought. The lack of snow pack in the Sierras means no or little runoff to fill the state's lakes and reservoirs, which are already very low from previous years of drought. The lack of snow and water affects even the areas that normally get water from pumping from underground aquifers because the water from the runoff is how they are replenished. The entire country will feel the effects from this as most of the agriculture in the state supplies the country with a large portion of the fruit and vegetables it consumes.

[Artemus Gordon]

Very complicated issue! 60% of Colorado River is allocated to Cal. In fact Cal received 25 % more than its is legally allocated. Northern California's water because of Public Water Projects both State and Federal agencies is no longer owned by local communities! Projects for flood control, hydro electric generation, and other mega water projects were built and ownership of water got transferred. Most of our abundant water resources are now sold down State. Our reservoirs are drained to meet water demand. While on the surface we have plenty of water here in Redding, the Gov's actions will effect our abilitie to use water. We can still water lawns, wash cars, but other places in the State will not allow that kind of usage. Lawns and yards dry up and water usage monitored and fines are assessed. The short answer to your question is we are in a single boat, therefore all of us will be looking at water like the previous commodity like gold!

[maximo]

Our Northern water goes to the South part of the State and is still released in the rivers to keep some small fish going. People that do not want to build new dams and reservoirs and want to tear out ones we have now should be having second thoughts. I wonder how many Southern swimming pools will go dry.
Just my opinion and thoughts, not trying to start a argument.