We know the drought in California is bad. More than half the state now suffers from the most severe drought conditions possible and it’s only getting worse, according to recent reports.

A drought can have a massive impact on agriculture and the ecosystem, depending on how long it lasts and how widespread it is. Drought affects our lives in many different ways. We need water to live, and animals and plants do, too. And if water is scarce, the effects can be devastating./p>

California’s current climate problem is a reminder of how important water is to our environment. California is home to over 30,000,000 residents and boasts a thriving tourism industry and a growing technology hub. Californian also provides a huge share of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. And California is beautiful. It’s incredible national parks, wineries, vineyards, beaches, and wildlife preserves make for a wonderful place to live and visit. But the drought has turned wildfires into a year-round issue and has reduced the amount of viable crops…and the longer the drought, the longer it will take to recover.Here in the U.S., we are fortunate to benefit from high quality water sources; however, it’s easy to forget how fortunate we are when water still flows from the tap each day. Water is always a precious resource and Californians know this all to well as the media continues to remind consumers to be mindful of water use. Even if you don’t live in California, it’s good practice to save water, in the event of a drought or conditions that impact our water supplies. Below are a few tips on how to conserve water and use it effectively and efficiency:

• Check faucets and pipes for leaks
• Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
• Insulate your water pipes
• Take shorter showers
• Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads
• Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge