Drought Response
Due to climate change, periods of drought and weather extremes are occurring more frequently, and California’s current drought, now in its third year, is the driest on record. Recent research released by the University of California, Los Angeles also found current drought conditions in the American West to be the worst 22 year dry-period in at least 1,200 years.
In response to worsening drought conditions, on April 26, 2022, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California declared a water shortage emergency and ordered outdoor usage to be restricted to just one day a week for about 6 million people in parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties.
SAWPA’s work in the Santa Ana River Watershed advances projects and programs that build water resiliency and promote collaborative, innovative responses to water planning, all of which help address drought conditions.
For current restriction updates as well as information on water-use efficiency rebates and drought conditions, contact your local water provider, or visit their website. Each of us can do our part by reducing water usage where possible, especially outdoors where the biggest water savings can be achieved.
Drought-O-Meter
To learn how SAWPA’s member agencies are addressing drought and ways to receive water-saving rebates, visit the resources linked below:
How is SAWPA Supporting Watershed Drought Resiliency?
SAWPA advances innovative and sustainable initiatives to promote watershed sustainability and respond to growing concerns around climate change and drought conditions. Below are some examples of how SAWPA supports long-term resiliency and collaboration in the Santa Ana River Watershed:
