The state of California is taking steps to deal with dryweather. Governor Jerry Brown announced last week that Californians mustreduce their water use by 25 percent because of a lack of rainfall and snow.
Some local communities are developing new restrictions on water use.
This is California’s fourth year of below-average rainfall since 2012. The lackof rain and snow has created moderate to extreme drought conditions acrossthe state.
Bill McDonald is with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Hesays the new restrictions should help.
“Right now, we rely on a lot of snow and rain, and that’s not happening.”
Some of the state’s water comes from northern California. It moves throughaqueducts, or waterways, to the farm-rich Central Valley and water-hungrycities in the south. Farms use 80 percent of the state’s water to produce muchof the nation’s fruit, vegetables and nuts.
In general, farmers are not required to follow the new water restrictions. Butmany growers have already faced cuts to the amount of water they can takefrom public water supplies. They now pump groundwater for crops, andeventually will face more limitations on using it.
Catrin Chappelle works for the Public Policy Institute of California. She thinksthe public wants even stronger measures to control water use.
 |
|
California Governor Jerry Brown said Californians must reduce their water use by 25 percent to cope with a major drought, and local communities are drawing up new restrictions. |
“Our recent survey asked the question, ‘do you think local and stategovernment is doing enough about the drought?’ And we saw the majoritysay, ‘no.’”
Some of the new measures are already in place. Restaurants will face fines ifthey offer water to people who have not asked for it. Gilberto Cetina owns arestaurant in Los Angeles. He says the restrictions will save more than justdrinking water.
“It’s the water, it’s the ice, the electricity you use to make the ice, the cupwhen you give the water or, if you use glasses, the water you use to wash theglass.”
Some Californians say they are prepared to help. State resident Nicole Duraplans to cut back on the amount of water she uses.
“We can just do what we can – we turn off the water, and between brushingour teeth.”
Golf courses and other major water users will face new restrictions. Localcommunities are writing rules to reach the 25 percent reduction by next year.
Bill McDonald notes that California homeowners are being paid to removegrass from their property. He says homeowners are now being urged to growdrought-tolerant native plants and add drip irrigation systems.
“And that’s the future. That’s where we’re going, because putting drinkingwater on a landscape that’s ornamental is not a good use of resources.”
Other water restrictions will be coming for businesses, public agencies andCalifornia residents. Local communities and utility companies are tighteningrules under appeals from the state.
Experts say there is no single solution to the state’s water shortage. But theysay education, better planning and stronger measures can help the state dealwith its periodic droughts.
I’m Anne Ball.
This report was based on a story from VOA’s Mike O’Sullivan in Los Angeles.George Grow wrote it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.
______________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
water – n. the liquid that falls from the sky as rain or is found in lakes, riversand oceans
moderate – adj. not extreme
fruit – n. food from trees and plants
vegetables – n. plants grown for food
measure(s) – n. an action taken; a legislative proposal
