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Scientific Studies Show Drought in California Worst in 1200 Years

Scientific Studies show drought in Californida Worst in 1200 Years http://blog.heavenlygreens.com/blog/bid/203766/Scientific-Studies-Show-Drought-in-California-Worst-in-1200-Years @heavenlygreensThe severe drought conditions that have been occurring in California over the past few years are nothing new. In fact, residents who have been through a drought in California, know the seriousness of the situation. During extreme weather conditions, residents are required to make considerable lifestyle changes to help conserve and protect valuable resources.

How They Know

Researchers show the recent drought in California has been the worst in over 1,200 years. Scientists compared information about past droughts to the information currently being generated. They arrived at their conclusions by using information collected through the study of over 300 blue oak trees. Core samples were taken to evaluate each tree's growth rings throughout its life. The taking of the core sample did not impact the growth of the three or cause any other types of damage.

The samples indicated that, even though there was substantial drought events in the region over the span of the last 1,200 years, recent years have proven to be the worst. The studies showed over 35 times in the 1,200 years targeted for research, where drought had been severe enough to cause extensive damage to the environment. None of the previous drought periods experienced both extreme temperatures and lack of precipitation at the same time, like California has experienced over the past three years.

 

How the Drought in California Is Affecting Living Conditions

A severe drought affect all living things in for as long as the conditions persist. As rivers, streams, ponds and lakes begin to lose water and dry up, the animals that rely on them for hydration may begin to die or experience poor health and various types of disease. When plants begin to die, animals begin to go hungry due to the poor nourishment they receive from the withering plant life.

Where humans are concerned, the lack of water can cause various problems. In California, residents must learn to live with, sometimes harsh, restrictions put in place by the government to protect and regulate the use of water. Regulations and various pieces of legislation have been enacted to prevent the waste of the state's water resources. State officials understand that putting restrictions on residents' water usage may be an unpopular solution, but they also realize that by doing so they are conserving water so that the citizens' basic needs are continually met.

What Type of Activities Are Prohibited

During periods of severe drought, controlling how water is used is one of the ways local government has to prevent depletion of existing resources. Several activities that are commonly enjoyed by residents are often put on the list of banned activities due to the extensive amount of water they use. A few include:

  • No watering of lawns or gardens

  • No washing vehicles or other large items outside

  • No filling of swimming pools, hot tubs or other large water storage containers

Local and state governments have deemed conditions to be so severe that penalties are levied against homeowners who break the law. In some instances, the fees can exceed over $500 per day, per offense. Law enforcement agencies have went so far as to encourage homeowners to report their neighbors for violating water ordinances. Learn more about the California drought fines for wasteful outdoor use.

One of the changes that has become common place is the removal of bans on artificial grass by several neighborhood organizations. Most require homeowners to keep their yards well kept and in good condition. In the past many groups had banned artificial turf, but with recent events homeowners were researching the option because of the large fines being doled out over the excessive use of water being used to maintain lawns. Now because of the drought in California, many homeowner groups are allowing the use of artificial turf, so residents can remain in compliance with government legislation. Learn more about how artificial turf can alleviate the California drought.

Water Conservation

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