We’re in a Severe Drought Locally And We’re Still Not as Dry as Most of California

According to Robert Ruehl, Observing Program Leader for the US National Weather Service in Eureka, our local area is at 84% of normal rainfall. Compared to last year that’s an improvement! However, we are still in what the US Drought Monitor calls “severe drought” conditions.  But, hey, compared to most of the rest of California…. we’re doing great. Take a look at this graphic:Drought

 

The US National Weather Service out of Sacramento just released an infograph showing the rainfall levels for these first few months in their area. For Sacramento it has been the driest first quarter of the year….Ever(!) and other cities in Central Valley area are not far behind.

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And to complete this set of dismal graphics here’s the California Water Resources Boards information on our snow pack. We’re at just 8% of normal snow pack. This has terrible implications for some areas that rely heavily on melting snow to provide for summer water needs.

snow
Can you help? Here’s some tips.

  • Stop leaks! Check your indoor water using appliances and devices for leaks.

  • Replace your old toilet, the largest water user inside your home. If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, then it is very likely that you do not have a water efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet.

  • Replace your clothes washer, the second largest water user in your home. Energy Star™ rated washers that also have a Water Factor at or lower than 9.5, use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load. This saves you money on both your water and energy bills.

  • Run water only when using it — not while brushing teeth, shaving or washing counters — and keep showers short.

  •  Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time.

  • Plant the right plants with proper landscape design & irrigation. Whether you are putting in a new landscape or slowly changing the current landscaping at your home, select plants that are appropriate for your local climate conditions.

  • Adjust sprinklers so only your landscaping is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.

  • Water only what your plants need. If you are manually watering, set your oven timer to remind you to move the water promptly. Make sure your irrigation controller has a rain shutoff device and that it’s appropriately scheduled. You can also install a weather adjusting Evapotranspiration irrigation controller that automatically saves water by only watering when necessary. Check with your local water provider to inquire if ET controllers work in your area.

  • Do one thing each day that will save water. Even if savings are small, every drop counts.

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ikickittoyou
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ikickittoyou
8 years ago

Looking at the Redding chart, all those years, except ’55 not sure what the numbers are for ’55, were very big wildfire years in the north state. The conditions are dire in the higher elevations because of the lack of snow pack over the long term.

Lani Burch
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Lani Burch
8 years ago
Reply to  ikickittoyou

1955 was a flood year. Major flooding that wiped out a number of small towns. Not as bad as 1964, but BAD!!!!

silverlining
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silverlining
8 years ago

Maybe we will get freakish late season rain as in 93. But my instinct is starting to think mega drought.

HotCoffeeandMe
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HotCoffeeandMe
8 years ago

Before it starts I want to say…..Bless you Fire Fighters!!!!!!