Governor Gavin Newsom expanded the states’ drought emergency in order to include the entire state, in a recent proclamation on Oct. 19. This is California’s second driest year. 

The proclamation includes eight counties it previously exempted, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial, San Bernardino, Orange County, Ventura, and San Francisco.  Governor Newsom is emphasizing water conservation, as a third year of drought is possible.

The proclamation grants the state water regulators to prohibit any practices that classify under water-wastage. An example of that would be using consumable water to clean sidewalks or streets. 

Governor Newsom said, “As the western U.S. faces a potential third year of drought, it’s critical that Californians across the state redouble our efforts to save water in every way possible.” 

While the rainstorms happening in Northern California and Sacramento will improve the situation, the rainstorms are not enough to completely cure the drought. 

“Even with five inches of rain in Sacramento, our deficits are immense. We’re basically missing two years of ‘precip’ in this basin.” geologist and water expert at the Public Policy Institute of California, Jeffery Mount said. He concluded by saying “It’s not a drought buster.”

Governor Newsom is also encouraging Californians to try to conserve water by being more mindful of their water usage. 

Ready, an official website of the U.S. government, offers numerous ways to conserve water during a drought, and just in general.

According to Ready, instead of pouring water down the drain, water should be used for something else, like watering plants, etc. Lawn sprinklers should also be correctly installed to ensure that the water is being sprinkled on the grass/shrubs and not the sidewalk or pavement. Unnecessary toilet flushing should also be avoided as well as letting the water run while brushing or shaving. It is also recommended that during a drought, people switch to short showers instead of baths. Fixing any sort of leaks or cracks, and only using dishwasher/washing machines when fully loaded are also some ways to conserve water. Even just one drop of water wasted per second can waste about 2,700 gallons of water per year. 

Overwatering lawns and/or leaving garden hoses unattended should also be avoided. About 600 gallons of water can be spewed out of a garden hose in only a few hours. 

As a third-year of drought is possible, Californians have to be mindful of their water practices more than ever and try their best to conserve water. 

Photo courtesy of PUBLICDOMAINPICTURES.NET