Conditions already mirror the state’s recent historic drought, but officials believe California can withstand the latest dry spell without environmental and agricultural disasters.
Devoid of spring runoff, federally operated Folsom Lake outside of Sacramento is just 37% full. (Courthouse News photo / Nick Cahill)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) Toxic algae blooms. Exposed, barren shorelines. Racing to prevent salmon die-offs. Sinking farmland. Dry wells. Unseasonable wildfires.
Drought has returned to California and the American West.
Following the fourth-driest winter on record and just a few years after declaring victory over the last drought, California is once again prepping for a summer of water insecurity. Conditions already mirror the last drought, but experts and water managers contend the state is better equipped this time around.