California drought: An ecological time bomb
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday declared a state of emergency because of three consecutive years of drought.
He urged Calif residents to cut their water consumption by 20 percent or risk mandatory cuts.
Layers of sun-baked earth are exposed in an area of the San Luis Reservoir near Gustine that was previously underwater but was dried out in January because of drought conditions. (Patrick Tehan / Mercury News). Image may be subject to copyright.
The governor said drought conditions were having “a devastating impact” on people, causing enormous financial harm to California’s economy, with losses to the farmers approaching $3 billion in 2009.
Schwarzenegger reportedly said the water crisis was “self-inflicted, it’s not mother nature’s fault.”
“This drought is having a devastating impact… making today’s action absolutely necessary,” Schwarzenegger said.
“We have a water system that is for 18 million people [but] now we are 38 million. We’ve got to go and redo our water system [to] bring it up to date.”
“The Santa Clara Valley Water District board is expected to consider recommending mandatory reductions of 10 to 20 percent for customers, which include more than a dozen towns and cities, including San Jose.” Mercury News reported.
“Our board was already considering calling for mandatory conservation, and the governor’s proclamation will give them another reason to move ahead with it,” said Susan Siravo, a spokeswoman for the district.
Related News Links:
Related Links:
Fire Earth 