The end of summer has arrived but what does that mean for the severe drought that is plaguing California? Weather forecasts indicate the answer is: “not much.”
Typically, California's wet season runs from around November through March. In that five-month period, California picks up more than 90 percent of its average seasonal snowfall. However, last winter's dominant high pressure ridge blocked storms from sweeping in from the Pacific Ocean, exacerbating two years of already below average seasons. And according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, forecasts indicate the “persistence/intensification of drought is favored over the Pacific Northwest, northern and central California, and most of the central inter-mountain region.”
The gloomy outlook comes as the drought's effects intensify across California, from severely depleted reservoirs to private wells running dry. The map provided by the California Department of Water Resources, shows the current reservoir levels throughout the State.
Hundreds of residents in the farming community of East Porterville (Tulare County) have become the first Californians to run out of tap water, as dwindling flows from the Tule River have caused their wells to dry up. Further, more than 4,000 wildfires have burned more than 80,000 acres since January 1. Even the mountains are moving — without water to weigh them down, some parts of California’s mountains have moved upward more than half an inch.
The City of Turlock wishes to remind its residents how vital water conservation is to our community. As we continue to experience the adverse effects of the drought, the constant need to protect and conserve our water supply is evident. Citizens are encouraged to conserve water whenever possible, and to realize there is never an excuse to waste this precious resource.
By gaining a better understanding of the value of our water and implementing efficient water use and conservation practices, we help to ensure a sustainable water supply both now and in the future. If we all work together, we can make a difference.
— Brought to you by the City of Turlock Municipal Services Department
Water Conservation Tip #25
HIGH-EFFICIENCY WASHING MACHINE: Your clothes washer is the second largest water user inside your home. Energy Star rated washers also have a Water Factor at of 9.5 or less which means they use 35-50 percent less water and 50% less energy per load. Switch to a high efficiency washing machine and save money on both your water and energy bills. The City of Turlock also offers rebates on the purchase of an HE clothes washer. You can find more information on the program here: http://ci.turlock.ca.us/citydepartments/municipalservices/gogreen/rebateopportunities.asp
