Sunday, June 29, 2014

Running out of water

The Agriculture Department characterizes three types of drought:

  • Severe - characterized by crop loss, frequent water shortages, and mandatory water use restrictions. Seven states - Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma and Kansas - had severe drought in more than half of their land. In some cases this condition has gone on for more than three years.
  • Extreme - characterized by major crop and pasture losses, as well as widespread water shortages. California and Oklahoma have had extreme drought on more than half of their land.
  • Exceptional - where crop and pasture loss is widespread, and shortages of well and reservoir water can lead to water emergencies. Oklahoma is the worst with 30% of its land so characterized.
What is being done?

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