Ground zero: Rain brings little relief to California's depleted groundwater
Communities still have dry wells. Restoring groundwater takes decades, with costly, long-term replenishment projects — and ultimately, much less pumping.
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Communities still have dry wells. Restoring groundwater takes decades, with costly, long-term replenishment projects — and ultimately, much less pumping.
Desalination plants can be costly and energy-intensive, and are difficult to manage in an environmentally friendly way, according to water policy experts.
Desalination plants can be costly and energy-intensive, and are difficult to manage in an environmentally friendly way, according to water policy experts.
By some estimates, the recent storms dumped more than 32 trillion gallons on California. But much of it is running out to sea.
If the drought and excessive water use continues, Lake Mead could reach dead pool in the next two years and Lake Powell could soon follow.