California drought

by

As Drought Worsens, Restrictions on Pools Rise in California.

Daniels, J. (2015, March 31). As Drought Worsens, Restrictions on Pools Rise in California. Retrieved August 2, 2015, from http://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/drought-worsens-restrictions-pools-rise-california-n333111

Some cities and water district have begun regulating swimming pools due to the drought. In some places, a moratorium has been instituted on swimming pool construction, while other places have limited draining and refilling. The regulations in these areas has spurred pool development in other places, where people fear they have only a limited window before a ban is placed on pool creation altogether. New water regulation requires pool owners to use pool covers in order to cut water loss from evaporation. “Water neutral pools” that refill themselves with rainwater are also being heavily discussed in the Californian pool industry.

This relates to environmental science because it shows the ways humans have to adapt to a changing environment. The severe drought has forced Californians to make their water-consumption habits more sustainable. This drought has proven that humans are versatile, and can make due with less. It’s still possible for change to be made world-wide. Other native species however, don’t have the resources or technology that humans have on their side. Several species of fish (especially salmon) could go extinct very soon if the current trajectory continues unabated.

by

Fullerton using groundwater and imported surface water to supply water

Myers, Ann. (2014 November 20). Water supply to Fullerton comes from a mixture of groundwater and imported surface water. Local News: Daily Titan

Retrieved November 22 from

http://www.dailytitan.com/2014/11/water-supply-to-fullerton-comes-from-a-mixture-of-groundwater-and-imported-surface-water/

Fullerton tap water is now coming from its own backyard in Orange County. Fullerton’s water supply is a combination of surface water and groundwater. People across the state are using groundwater as their main source of water now. The Orange County water district spent $79.3 million in the last three years buying imported water. “The OC Water District is using this imported water to put into the Orange County groundwater basin to recharge it to help offset the impacts made from the drought.”

It is a common thread in a few of these articles that cities have to find new ways to supply tap water. San Diego is trying to use the ocean and other cities are using more groundwater. $79.3 million is a lot of money and this also shows how the drought is affecting us economically as well. Without the drought, that money could have been put towards education or helping build homeless shelters, etc. However, because of our drought the entire state’s main focus is on water and making sure we have some

by

Can California survive without water?

Dokoupil, T. (2014, September 12). Not One Drop: How Long Will California Survive Life Without Water?

Retrieved November 21 from

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/not-one-drop-how-long-will-california-survive-life-without-n195976

Wells throughout the state are drying up and are in serious danger without heavy rainfall sometime soon. People across the central valley, mostly farmers, are finding themselves with no water. This hurts their business and families. They have no water to cook, clean, grow food, etc. Residents explain how their lives have changed since the drought; one man says how he showers with a cup. Another man compares it to living in a third world country.

This was a very sad and scary article to read. Luckily, since it was published we have had a decent amount of rain but not much. We need a lot more to keep these wells full. If this drought and continues we could all run out of water and life in California could be inhabitable.

by

We are drinking California Dry

Lurie, Julia. (2014 August 11). Bottled Water Comes From the Most Drought-Ridden Places in the Country. Environment: Mother Jones.

Retrieved August 15, 2014 from

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/08/bottled-water-california-drought

 

Majority of bottled water comes from California. California is currently experiencing a devastating drought. Arrowhead, Aquafina, Crystal Geyser, and Dasani are getting their water straight from California. The author raises the question of why are these major companies getting their water from a state going through its third driest year on record. One reason is that California is where the companies are located and work out off. Another reason is that California does not have groundwater use. However, the author states that we are practically drinking California dry.

 

This article immediately reminded me of the Lorax story. Major businesses are impacting an environment in a negative way. However, are they the ones really at fault or is it us citizens. We are the ones contributing to the companies’ profits and encouraging their growth. This article inspired me to do everything I can to not contribute to our drought and to do research on companies about their environmental approach before buying.