In times of drought, however, California’s groundwater dependence rockets to 60% or more, increasing demand on aquifers. In wet years, most of the state’s water comes from surface sources, such as rivers, lakes and streams, while groundwater accounts for about 40% of supplies. “And if groundwater levels continue to decline, matters will get worse before they get better.” “The human right to water in California exists, and yet it’s clearly not being met in many areas,” said Scott Jasechko, associate professor of hydrology at UC Santa Barbara. Droughts and overpumping cause groundwater levels to drop, causing contaminant concentrations to increase. They also suffer disproportionately from water affordability issues and well contamination. Rural communities are particularly vulnerable to drought and water problems because they lack the finances, organization and infrastructure of urban and suburban areas.
Increased groundwater demand and less precipitation because of drought have forever altered the state, but several sectors will be hit especially hard.
California As California droughts intensify, ecosystems and rural communities will bear the brunt
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