02 February 2014 (20:00 UTC-07 Tango 01 February)/01 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1435/13 Bahman 1392/03 Bing-Yin (1st month) 4712
“If groundwater was your only supply, you would potentially have no income this year.”-Tim Luke, Idaho Department of Water Resources
“This is the first time in the 54 year history of the State Water Project that projected water supplies for both urban and agricultural uses have been reduced to zero.”-Mark Cowin, California Department of Water Resources
California: For the first time in the Golden State’s history the State Water Project could cut off water to cities. Farmers in the Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins are being told not to expect any water this year. Farmers under the federally controlled Central Valley Project are expecting to be cut off from water as well. California residents must reduce water usage by at least 20%. 17 communities in central California are facing zero water supply. About 75% of water usage in California is by the agriculture industry. Citrus growers say they could lose their 30 years old orchards, meaning it would be years before California could supply citrus fruits to market!
California is the number one state in terms of cash farm receipts, accounting for 15% of the entire United States agricultural industry. The Golden State also accounts for half of all fruit, nut and vegetable production in the U.S.!
Idaho: Climatologists at the University of Idaho say the Gem State hasn’t been this dry since the 1920-30s drought that created the Dust Bowl in the Plain States. Blaine County has been declared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be in extreme drought. Irrigation farmers from southern to eastern Idaho have been told by the Department of Water Resources to expect no water during summer. It’s blamed on the fact that fish hatcheries are running low on water, and state officials have decided that fish hatcheries come before farmers who bought water rights to the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer after 1974. Southwestern Idaho is under extreme drought conditions. The summer water cut off could also apply to cities across Idaho.
The top agriculture products from Idaho are dairy, cattle, potatoes, wheat, and hay.
Montana: Local news reports revealed that evil Carlyle Group has rejected the city of Missoula’s offer to buy Carlyle owned Mountain Water Company, for $50-million USD. The people of Montana will seek legal action to kick out the evil for profit Carlyle Group. Mountain Water Company is the only privately held water supplier in Montana.
Nevada: About half the state under extreme drought conditions.
Oregon: Officials in the Beaver State are hoping a wetter than normal spring will make up for the dryer than normal winter. 75% of the state is under severe drought. Last year only 4.8% of the state was under sever drought conditions.
Washington: Under moderate drought conditions.