Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in California due to the current drought situation.
In response to the current problem, Schwarzenegger has devloped a list of immediate actions to address the problem. Despite recent rainfall, California is facing its third year of drought.
“We must prepare for the worst- a forth, fifth, or even sixth year of drought,” he said in a speech. The governor is demanding that the state Department of Water Resources must expedite water transfers and offer technical assistance to agricultural water suppliers and agricultural water uses. This includes information on managing water supplies with the least economic impact possible and how to implement other water supply practices.
The California Farm Bureau Federation’s President Doug Mosebar said, “By acknowledging that the health of communities and arms is linked to a reliable water supply, the governor’s actions will help ease job and economic losses due to California’s water crisis.”
By March 30 the governor said the Department of Water Resources has to provide an updated report on drought conditions and water availability. If changes do not occur, the governor will implement additional steps. Things may get as extreme as rationing out water supply and reductions in use.
Farmers must plan ahead. “If you plan to grow crops that will need water beyond the limited supply available, you may find yourself in a very serious dilemma,” said Victoria Whitney, deputy director for water rights. “There’s a strong possibility your water right will be curtailed due to a lack of surface water or low priority of right.”
She suggests farmers find an alternative source of water, perhaps groundwater that does not require a water-right permit.
“The crisis is statewide,” Tom Birmingham of the Westlands Water District in Fresno. “The losses to the economy, the environment and our overall quality of life will be enormous. Most important, the problem will not be solved when abundant rains return one day. The problem is our broken water system that can no longer provide reliable supply to met California’s needs.”
Experts believe the system needs reworking and that the government must push for this to happen. Last week two water bond proposals were introduced to the state Legislature. One proposal was rom Sen. Dave Cogdill (R.) and the other was from Sen. Dean Florez (D.), and the Farm Bureau is actively involved in discussions with both authors.
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