Drought to cut off federal water to Calif. farms

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Federal water managers said Friday that they plan to cut off water, at least temporarily, to thousands of California farms as a result of the deepening drought gripping the state.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials said parched reservoirs and patchy rainfall this year were forcing them to completely stop surface water deliveries for at least a two-week period beginning March 1. Authorities said they haven't had to take such a drastic move for more than 15 years.

The situation could improve slightly if more rain falls over the next few weeks, and officials will know by mid-March if they can release more irrigation supplies to growers.

Farmers in the nation's No. 1 agriculture state predicted it would cause consumers to pay more for their fruits and vegetables, which would have to be grown using expensive well water.

"Water is our life - it's our jobs and it's our food," said Ryan Jacobsen, executive director of the farm bureau in Fresno County. "Without a reliable water supply, Fresno County's No. 1 employer - agriculture - is at great risk."

The drought would cause an estimated $1.15 billion dollar loss in agriculture-related wages and eliminate as many as 40,000 jobs in farm-related industries in the San Joaquin Valley alone, where most of the nation's produce and nut crops are grown, said Lester Snow, director of the Department of Water Resources.

California's agricultural industry typically receives 80 percent of all the water supplies managed by the federal government - everything from far-off mountain streams and suburban reservoirs. The state supplies drinking water to 23 million residents and 755,000 acres of irrigated farmland.

Farms supplied by flows from the state's system of pumps and canals would also see cutbacks but still get 15 percent of their normal deliveries, Snow said.

This year, both the state and federal reservoirs have reached their lowest level since 1992.

Dwindling supplies would have to be routed to cities to ensure residents, hospitals and fire crews have enough to meet minimum health and safety needs, said Don Glaser, the federal reclamation bureau's Mid-Pacific Region director.

The water shortages are so severe most cities will have to start mandatory ration programs by summertime, and residents will be asked to reduce their usage by 20 percent, Snow said. "You've got to think about water as a precious resource," he said. "It may seem a stretch to conserve 20 percent of your water, but that's nothing in comparison to the consequences of the drought and job loss in agriculture."

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090220/D96FI4R85.html

[Jasman0717 9]

Its a no-win situation living in California

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Its a no-win situation living in California

At least, no hurricanes! But floods, fires, earthquakes, hippies, we get all the rest.

[Peikko 1,575]

Where are all the CA hippies? I've not come across one in 3 years.

[Jasman0717 9]

Its a no-win situation living in California

At least, no hurricanes! But floods, fires, earthquakes, hippies, we get all the rest.

The quakes are long over due

Where are all the CA hippies? I've not come across one in 3 years.

You just haven't been to the right places. California needs a good Greatful Dead Concert

[Saddle Bronc 124]

The ones to whom federal water SHOULD be cut are those with private outdoor pools (lots of those in CA)--cutting water to farms means cutting their production, ergo state's revenues.

The private outdoor pool on the other hand really wastes water.

[Peikko 1,575]

The ones to whom federal water SHOULD be cut are those with private outdoor pools (lots of those in CA)--cutting water to farms means cutting their production, ergo state's revenues.

The private outdoor pool on the other hand really wastes water.

Probably true, but how do you do that seeing as there are no seperate water supplies specifically for pools. You can't shut off water to a house just because they have a pool.

[peejay 327]

The ones to whom federal water SHOULD be cut are those with private outdoor pools (lots of those in CA)--cutting water to farms means cutting their production, ergo state's revenues.

The private outdoor pool on the other hand really wastes water.

Probably true, but how do you do that seeing as there are no seperate water supplies specifically for pools. You can't shut off water to a house just because they have a pool.

How about cutting off twits that use a certain amount over and above what is considered "normal"? This can be determined at the water meter and also by banning watering of the ornamental landscaping. It's not like homeowners are guaranteed lush landscaping as a constitutional right.

[Peikko 1,575]

I think people will see it that way though, unfortunately. To be honest, CA landscaping should be much more 'creative' with the use of indigenous species that are drought tolerant. Having grass is one of the main offenders. Why does anyone want grass in SoCal?

I think you will get those who think that as long as they pay enough, they have the right to the water to do whatever they like with it. However, I do agree that more could be done with water wastage.

What do they do in Texas? They have droughts too, no?

[peejay 327]

What do they do in Texas? They have droughts too, no?

Texas is a big state with a variety of climates and ecosystems. There are deserts, mountains, forests, ocean, etc.

In the north they are depleting the Ogalala Aquifer at an alarming rate to sustain irrigation agriculture. In the west it is sparsely populated desert. In Houston we use surface reservoirs and lakes from damed rivers. Water use in Houston is rarely restricted.

[Peikko 1,575]

As is CA. I guess what you mean is, living in Houston you don't have any problems with water so you don't know what happens in the more drought prone areas?

That is interesting re irrigation agriculture. Not a very ecologically sound move then?

[Ban Hammer 13,332]

Where are all the CA hippies? I've not come across one in 3 years.

light up a bong and they will come.

[peejay 327]

As is CA. I guess what you mean is, living in Houston you don't have any problems with water so you don't know what happens in the more drought prone areas?

That is interesting re irrigation agriculture. Not a very ecologically sound move then?

Building large population centers in the desert or in arrid regions without dependable water supplies is not so smart. But, then again, a lot of stuff gets done in the USA to make money first, face the consequences later. The carrying capacity is usually the last consideration when greed comes into the picture.

As far as irrigation agriculture goes...if you have never seen these huge water sprinklers on wheels it is quite a sight to see when traveling in the high plains of TX. The area is so flat, vast, and devoid of trees that it reminds me of the ocean.

[lostinblue 1,989]

755,000 acres of irrigated farmland .That is a lot of fruit and vegetables.Get ready for a large increase in price if water is used for the swimming pools instead of ag.

[NickD 202]

755,000 acres of irrigated farmland .That is a lot of fruit and vegetables.Get ready for a large increase in price if water is used for the swimming pools instead of ag.

And it all comes from the Colorado River, some odd 32 million people depend on it. Tell you what you Californians, just come to Central WI and you can take all the snow you want. Just got another 5" today after 5" yesterday, sick of shoveling it.