Editorial: Time to act like there is a water crisis
Publisher’s note: This editorial is from the Feb. 19, 2014, Fresno Bee.
The California drought has finally gotten the attention of state and federal officials, and they are even taking actions that could be helpful in the short term. Earlier this month, President Obama announced drought relief assistance for California and then Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative Democrats offered their drought legislation.
The prolonged drought has serious implications for the state’s economy. In addition to threatening the state’s agricultural industry and driving up food prices, a lack of water could reduce availability of water for urban uses across California.
While agriculture has been feeling the impact of the drought for several months, mayors and city council members of California’s cities have been conducting business as usual when it comes to limiting urban water use.
This head-in-the-sand approach shows a remarkable lack of understanding of the crucial need for all of us — farmer or city dweller — to save water.