SAN FRANCISCO – (INT) – Surviving the ongoing drought has been a study in contrast for Californians.

Most urban and suburban areas were relatively well prepared, thanks to significant investments to diversify their water supplies and build infrastructure that allows communities to share water during emergencies.

But in some rural areas—particularly in the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada—small communities without diverse water sources have faced shortages, and more than 2,000 domestic wells have run dry.

The Public Policy Institute of California found the drought has been particularly hard on the agricultural sector.

In 2015 growers received nearly 50% less surface water because of the drought. They made up for much of that loss by pumping additional groundwater, but still had 10% less water than in normal years. Farm-to-farm water sales helped keep valuable orchards and vineyards alive. But farmers also reduced acreage by 6% statewide.

The environment is also being hit hard.

Low flows and high water temperatures are threatening California’s native fish. As many as 18 species—including most salmon and steelhead runs—are at risk of extinction if the drought continues.

Story Date: August 3, 2016