Be Water Wise

I recently read  This  article in the local Santa Maria Times newspaper. And it made me wonder just how serious the drought is and how much it directly affects us.

Researches have scaled the drought as extreme and the Santa maria drought monitor has labeled it "exceptional drought" since February. The drought has out us on the map of "metropolitan areas in California prone to crop failures, water shortages, and other water emergencies." The solution for our city is to create water restrictions and regulations. These reparations would help in the drought situation by cutting water used by 25% . Supervisor Adam Peter stated, “These things happen and they often come on the heels of a dry spot. While it’s prudent to be talking about emergencies right now, it may be a little premature.” But statistically, last year this time the community didn't begin taking steps to help the cause until much later, and it put us in a time crunch to spontaneously apply restrictions. This year, we are further along and it has helped the situation. Even if some find it "premature," it has helped the community in preserving water.

Controversy has risen over just how necessary these restrictions regarding the drought. One of the biggest industries affected are cattle and other agriculture. The Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner's office estimates that nearly 75 percent or more of all county cattle have been sold or moved.  UC Davis students have calculated the drought cost statewide at about $2.2 billion, with the 2014 drought directly costing agriculture about $1.5 billion, according to the university's study, "Economic Analysis of the 2014 Drought for California Agriculture." These numbers are an important factor. Even if you don't find the drought a major issue because it doesn't directly affect you, economically it will. Crops, cattle, and other agriculture are instantly affected by the drought, and that causes ripples in our economy. Locally, the community is expected to see rises in produce. The affects will eventually trickle down and affect everyone. 

Fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, washing your car at a better time, these are all very minimal efforts the community can and will take to save water in helping the cause. If you don't think the drought is a big deal, reconsider the disastrous outcomes that it could cause. The drought has already taken quite a toll. If we do not take steps now in fixing the issues, we won't be able to in the future if things get worse. The first step in fixing the issue is awareness. Be aware and cautious of saving water, and the results will follow. These restrictions are a small price to pay to avoid making the affects of the drought disastrous in the future.