California Drought Preparedness

Drought is a natural occurrence and, unfortunately, one that California is familiar with.

In times of drought, those who feel the effects of water shortage the most are small water systems and their customers whose reliance on marginal wells, springs, and small creeks make them especially sensitive to annual rainfall totals. Urban systems are undoubtedly spared compared to their smaller community counterparts. However, small water systems do not necessarily need to be so adversely affected. Following a recommendation made by the Governor's Advisory Drought Planning Panel, California Rural Water Association (CRWA) will bring small water systems a myriad of resources to aid in dealing with water shortages in times of drought.

California has the unfortunate characteristic of being prone to prolonged and severe droughts at any time.

The immense size of California enables droughts to occur at different times throughout the state. Vulnerability to dry conditions means that consumers consider water reliability to be of the upmost importance.

One of the biggest barriers to water conservation is the perception of conservation itself.

There are many ways to look at the term conservation. It can be approached as a cost-benefit model that involves trade-offs, it can be seen as simply meaning deprivation, or it can be looked at as a healthy model of improved efficiency.

Drought Preparedness

Overview of California hydroclimatology, including the hydrology of the state’s most significant historical droughts

Groundwater

Overview of the basic concepts of groundwater hydrology, including factors controlling groundwater flow & fractured bedrock settings

Water
Conservation

Review elements of water conservation and water shortage contingency planning

Water saving tips.

When it comes to conserving water, small adjustments can have a big impact. Here are just a few tips from “Water. Use it wisely.”

#1. There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

#17. Reuse the water that you washed produce in for watering house plants or for cleaning.

#41. Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.

#63. Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later. Your pool should lose no more than 1/4 inch each day.

#88. Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons each month.

#100. There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start...and end...with you. Water. Use it Wisely.

100 Water Saving Tips from “Water. Use it wisely.”

Our Affiliates

These are some of our affiliates who have helped us along the way.

California Drought
Preparedness