Sonoma County Gazette, June 2014: Drought in the News

With the specter of global warming and unusual weather patterns, we now live in a new water reality that should persuade all citizens to regularly and stringently conserve water on a permanent basis.

Drought in the News….

On April 25th, the Governor issued his second Executive Order to redouble State drought actions.  The Order consisted of 20 actions requiring immediate implementation. He states: “The driest months are still to come in California and extreme drought conditions will get worse.  This Order cuts red tape to help get water to farmers more quickly, ensure communities have safe drinking water, protect vulnerable species and prepare for an extreme fire season.”

On May 15th, the US Drought Monitor for California declared that 100% of California is now in highest stages of drought.  There are five stages all together and our area is in the fourth stage.   About 70% of California is in the 4th and 5th stages.  The area in the highest stage goes from San Francisco to Los Angeles and from the Coast to the Sierra Mountains.  Seven major fires have broken out in the last few weeks in Southern California.  It’s a time to be very cautious.