Essay On California Drought

California is dying from a drought, and the effects look like something out of an apocalyptic movie. Cities are running out of water making communities hostile over what little water there is. Cities and counties are imposing rationing fixed with steep fines for not abiding by the rations. According to different reports, 2013 was California’s driest year since 1849. With no water and fires being more severe and frequent, entire species and industries are threatened.
Prices of water are very likely to increase, due to the cost of water scarcity, and because our water rate designs still too often deny efforts to conserve water, leading to a rise in the cost of water during droughts, even when the use of water goes down. The Pacific Institute …show more content…
These ecosystems are already under extreme pressure due to water diversions and other stresses such as water pollution. The generation of hydroelectricity at California dams will drop dramatically from average levels to minimal levels because it varies directly from the flow of streams. Renewable hydropower is among the most versatile and cheapest of electricity sources. Because of this, California ratepayers will have to pay for more costly fuels to make up for the difference in electricity generated. In the past, the drop in hydropower has been largely made up by burning more natural gas or fossil fuels. Californians will end up spending billions of dollars in additional energy costs and generating more pollution and greenhouse gases to the …show more content…
They mainly ask customers to limit optional water uses such as watering lawns and washing sidewalks and cars. As the drought worsens, agencies expand their programs to recommend water saving solutions. Most recommend purchasing more water-efficient appliances, cutting shower times, removing grass and planting water-efficient gardens. In the past, these kinds of programs and educational efforts have temporarily cut urban water use by up to 25% depending on the programs and level of effort put in towards water

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