Merced Drought

by Justin Hinojosa

● large, flat valley that dominates California

● one of the most productive agricultural regions

● agriculture is the primary industry in most of the Central Valley

● hot and dry summers ● cool and damp winter

Central Valley

Today’s lakes

★ one of the most severe droughts on record★ below average rainfall in 2015★ A study done by UC Davis Center for Watershed

Sciences states that the drought is expected to cost $2.2. billion with a job loss of 17,100.

★ The current drought continues to persist, affecting farm workers, crop, and water levels.

Quick facts

Common Signs

Farmers and the drought

● Farmers heavily rely on water to nurture their crops

● haven't received any surface water due to the drought

● forced to drill underground for water

Potential Problems

● drying up of wells● reduction of water in

streams and lakes● deterioration of water

quality● increased pumping

costs● land subsidence

How much water do we use?

➔ average family uses 400 gallons per day (EPA)

➔ 70% of the water is used indoors

➔ toilets are the largest consumer of water use

WaterSense Fixtures

● Approximately 5 to 10 percent of American homes have water leaks that drip away 90 gallons a day or more

● WaterSense labeled toilets use 20 percent less water per flush

● Can save $170 per year by installing water efficient fixtures and appliances

● Route water saved from the city to help farmers water their crops

● Water could be tremendously saved in the city by switching to water efficient fixtures

Proposal/Solution

Proposal/Solution(cont.)

● Farmers need to regulate their underground water use

● Place a daily regulation ● A petition can be started and brought

up to the county board● Force farmers to be more efficient