En Español
Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to CB News
MWD Responds: What’s the Truth About California’s Drought?
Last week, the Whittier Daily News called us out. More specifically, they urged the Governor, the Metropolitan Water District and all of its member agencies to ”tell the truth about the drought.”
If California has had above-average rainfall, they asked, then why the need to conserve? If our water shortage depends on more than just rain, they pleaded, then let the people know.
In our view, the op-ed helps bring to light the many, many factors–from the fragility of the Bay-Delta to tainted groundwater supplies across the state–that have all played a part in our current water shortage. While rain is important, it is just one part of a much larger picture.
Metropolitan Water District’s Board Chairman Timothy Brick makes this point in his response, “Beyond Weather: Southland’s Water Challenges,” reminding us all that we’re going to need a lot more than an above-average rainy season to resolve our water woes. Read an excerpt after the jump:
The good news short-term is that the Southland and Northern California had close-to-average rain seasons. Yet on the troubling side, the Colorado River had another dry winter, moving this seven-state water system closer to a potential shortage situation in as soon as two years. Likewise, the Delta remains in ecological distress for many reasons.
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
Is the government or farming industry utilizing the compound that Water Beads are made of to help conserve water for crops?
We must encourage more people to grow plants indoors with hydroponics. This method uses so much less water than in-ground growing. We must also learn to feed ourselves by growing fruits and vegetables indoors.
Popular misconception here. One season does not make the problem go away. California has had this problem for decades. There is too much run off and not enough use of things like rain barrels or water barrels. Each household should use one to catch the run-off from their roofs, etc. They could then use that water for their landscapes, etc.
The problem is not with the type of season we have (wet vs. dry), it’s how well we manage it. It’s time we each took a little responsibility for the problem and worked collectively on fixing it. Even if others feel it’s insignificant. Hey, at least, it’s something! Right?