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.