Why are we facing shortages?
California is experiencing water shortages for several reasons. Drought conditions, environmental problems, and growing pressure on the state’s water storage and delivery system are some key factors.
Our population continues to grow, adding more demand on our resources.
Climate change already is affecting our water resources, and could reduce our mountain snowpack – a key source of water for California – by at least 25% by 2050.
- Drought
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Dry conditions and low reservoir levels have put California squarely in a statewide drought. Rain and snowfall were well below normal in 2007 and 2008, and state water officials say 2009 is continuing the trend.
- Environmental Problems
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Measures imposed to protect fish species are limiting water deliveries for many California cities, farms and businesses. The measures will continue to restrict water supplies even when the current drought ends and more normal rain and snowfall patterns return.
- Growing pressure on our water delivery system
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Constructed primarily in the mid-20th century, the system is struggling to keep up with the state’s population growth as well as new environmental requirements to protect species and habitats.
- Climate change
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Experts agree that long-term climate change is occurring and that it is already affecting California’s water resources. Warming temperatures, changing rain and snowfall patterns and rising sea levels will profoundly affect the state’s ability to manage water supplies and other natural resources.