To say that California has a long history of drought would be an understatement, and the state has gone to great lengths to maintain itself as a habitable home to millions. As climate change worsens and water levels continue to hit all-time lows, it is increasingly difficult to satisfy the water demands of city dwellers, farmers and nature as we know it.
It’s vital to the future of California for Californians to find alternative water solutions and prepare for worsening droughts.
The Water Crisis in California
The climate of much of California is Mediterranean in nature with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. On the coast, the average daily high temperature ranges from 70°F to 80°F on the hottest summer days, occasionally climbing to 90°F or more.
Winters are also mild, and temperatures below freezing are unusual. While the state experiences some of the most idyllic climate conditions in the world, California also endures severe droughts often.
Current Causes
The current crisis is the result of various issues, but the most significant are decades of declining rainfall and unsustainable groundwater extraction across the state.
Californians have reduced their individual water consumption, but without enough rain to replenish even minimal water use, the drought predicament remains. As water levels continue to decline in California, it’s important for residents to understand the water crisis and what they can do to help.
How Californians Can Prepare for Future Droughts
There are many solutions that can help relieve the drought conditions in California. It’s important for Californians to be proactive and take steps to conserve water.
Conservation and Water Harvesting
Conservation and water harvesting are two key solutions that can be implemented on a local level.
Water conservation means using less water when possible and using it more efficiently. Water conservation measures can be taken in the home by:
- Preparing a household usage plan
- Using water-efficient appliances
- Utilizing drought-resistant plants
- Fixing leaks
- Install water-saving devices in your home, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads
Water harvesting involves the catchment and storage of water from rainwater and runoff. This water can then be used for irrigation, flushing toilets and other non-potable uses. With proper filtering, this water can also be used for drinking. Harvesting is a primary means of water conservation, as the source of the water is naturally occurring.
Water Drought Solutions in California
Water Conservation
Preparing a personal water usage plan for your family is a great place to start. This involves a closer look at how you use water daily, as well as how much you need to have in reserve in case drought conditions persist.
Greywater Systems
Collection and distribution techniques differ, and a greywater system allows homeowners to conserve and/or reuse water that isn’t particularly dirty. Water from a washing machine’s rinse cycle is typically clean enough to irrigate the soil of a flower bed. Using part of your home water supply twice ultimately saves money on your water bill, as well as being an easy method for conserving water. Greywater isn’t drinkable, but it may be useful in many situations around the yard and garden, especially irrigation. California allows the use of greywater systems throughout most of the state, though there are some restrictions.
Utilize Rainwater Collection Systems
Rainwater harvesting is another water conservation solution that can be used to great effect in California. Rainwater collection systems can be used to divert water from rooftops and parking lots into storage tanks for later use. Capturing rainwater is a reliable way to stockpile water during wet months that can be drawn on during dry periods. In fact, a rainwater harvesting system can provide up to 60% of a property’s water needs.
Rain barrels and rainwater harvest kits have been developed to catch and store stormwater runoff from a home’s roof, which can then be used for drinking water and other purposes. How much water can be collected in this manner? A simple calculation is to multiply .56 x the square footage of your roof. This will give you the gallons of water per inch of rain that your roof could produce.
As an example, a 2,000 square foot roof would provide approximately 1,120 gallons of water per inch of rain. In Southern California, Los Angeles receives an average rainfall of 14.3 inches per year. This means there is the potential to catch over 16,000 gallons of water annually from your roof.
Tank Depot Offers Water Storage Solutions to Prepare for Future Droughts
Tank Depot offers a wide variety of rainwater harvesting tanks that are perfect for storing water collected from rainfall. With various shapes, sizes and colors to choose from, we have the perfect tank for your needs. Our rainwater tanks are made of high-quality materials and are designed for long-term use.
We are your go-to source for all things water storage. We carry a wide variety of water tanks, rain barrels and accessories to help you store water safely and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our products and water storage solutions.