It’s official: California’s water reservoirs have made a huge comeback. After months of worrying over the state’s extreme drought-like conditions, California residents can finally rest assured that their water reservoirs are brimming with water once again. Thanks to a generous winter this past year and significant increases in snowpack levels in the Sierra Nevada, the state’s water reservoirs are now almost at full capacity.
To illustrate this incredible reversal of fortune, photographs taken of California’s reservoirs between March and June of this year show a historic increase in water levels at many different reservoir sites. Images of the Lake Oroville reservoir, for example, show the incredible transformation from bare and rusty shores at the end of LAST Year to a full lake this past spring. And it’s not just the lake; surveys indicate that the lake’s snowpack has also dramatically increased since this time last year.
The impact of California’s return to abundant water supplies cannot be overstated. For one, California’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems will see immediate benefits from the returning water. Streams and rivers will be freshened and the vegetation in the state’s beautiful parks and forests will be re-hydrated. All in all, California will experience improved water quality, thus improving public health and revitalizing the state’s many diverse ecosystems.
What’s more, California residents will also feel the benefits of a restored water supply in their everyday lives. An increase in the state’s water supply means more water available to irrigate farms, sustain small businesses and provide clean drinking water to households across California. On top of that, a robust water infographic shows that the state’s water supplies are supporting recreation, hydropower and water storage programs.
While Californian’s should be thankful for the state’s restored water supplies, they should also keep in mind the fragility of their ecosystems. Californians must practice mindful water conservation if this recovery is to be sustained and if the rest of the nation is to ensure that their families have access to clean water. In addition, governments, businesses, and citizens must all prioritize water conservation and take steps to ensure that water resources remain plentiful for future generations.
It’s a relief to finally see California’s water reservoirs bouncing back! The stunning images of their new-found full reservoirs serve as a welcome reminder of the incredible resilience of our natural environment and the power of collective action.
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