Water Shortage in California is Ruining the Farmers

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Water is a precious resource. It is the lifeblood of every living thing on Earth. California is in the midst of a water crisis. Combined with a three (plus) year drought and many people moving into the state there is not enough water to support the crops the farmers need to grow. There is also a tiny little fish that is causing a mess in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Delta water pumps were turned off to prevent the extinction of the tiny little fish. Some farmers have to let their fields sit idle for the fall and spring planting season. This is causing a lot of problems in California. The pumps need to be turned back on. The needs of the people should come before that of a fish.

California is an ever-growing state, and doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing down. California has exceeded New York in population since the 1970’s, making it the most populous state in America. California’s population as of July 2009 is 36,961,664. This is almost double the population of New York’s 19,541,453. In Los Angeles County alone there are 9,848,011 people. This is more than ten times that of Fresno County’s 915,267 people. With so many people moving into the state the supply and demand of the water may not meet the needs of our state.

California has an ever-changing water variable. Our climate is a feast-or-famine, where it is possible to have both flooding and drought in the same year. In the fall of 2006, at the beginning of this drought California is in, there was less precipitation and runoff than is normal. Water from precipitation flows into the state’s rivers and reservoirs, this is known as the developed supply. Snow pack and water storage also contribute to the condition of our water supply. Snowpack contribu...

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...Blog Maven. "Where Does California’s Water Come From?" Aquafornia. 13 Aug. 2008. Web. 15 June 2010. .

"California Water Crisis." California Water Crisis. 11 Nov. 2009. AccuWeather. 11 Nov. 2009. Web. 15 June 2010. .

Hernandez., Teresa. "California Water Crisis: Why Should You Care? | The Americano." The Americano | News & Opinion Celebrating Latino Heritage and Conservatism in America. Web. 17 June 2010. .

John. "Delta Smelt." News around the Globe 24x7. 18 Sept. 2009. Web. 17 June 2010. .

Tavin, Tabitha. “California Water Crisis Questionnaire.” Questionnaire. Fresno: Heald College, 2010

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