Environmental issues of California

California has the worst air pollution in the entire country. Over 90% of Californians, according to the California Air Resources Board, reside in areas where the air is unsafe. (Example 9 people out of 10) Unsafe air means increased risk of respiratory ailments, asthma, and premature death.

San Joaquin Valley ranking one of the most polluted in the nation where 1 in 3 families have respiratory ailments, 1 in 6 children suffer from asthma, 1 in 8 adults suffer from asthma, and more than 1,200 premature deaths occur each year.

Water and Drought

California faces an official drought at a severe level.

With drought coming in second on the environmental list local water agencies are increasing their conservation efforts as well as notifying their customers how to conserve and reduce water consumption.

It is crucial we save water. Only use the amount of water that is needed.

How much water does it take to supply a typical family in a years time?

It takes about 163,000 gallons of water.
Is 163,000 gallons of water a lot?
163,000 gallons of water is a lot. 163,000 gallons of water is an estimated 2,716 baths.
How much water does an average person use per day?
The average person may use any where from 50 gallons to 300 gallons of water per day.
How much water is needed to grow enough food for one average family per year?
It takes about 1,075,800 gallons of water to grow enough food for an average family per year.
How much ground water does California use?
In the past California has used 40% of ground water for resources but in recent years consumption has increased by 20%.

Is this the first drought California has experienced, if not, how many in the past years?

California experienced a drought from 1987-1992, and 1976-1977.

What is the most severe drought California has experienced?

The most severe drought occurred back to back in the years 1976 and 1977.
How bad is the current drought we are experiencing in California?
The drought we are experiencing in California is severe. Drought police are enforcing water restrictions giving fines to residents who are not abiding the new water policies. If we do not take special measures on preserving and reducing water California will be chronically short of water by 2010.

How can you help out and make a difference? - Preserve Water!

Turn off water while brushing your teeth, you will save about 3 gallons per day.
Fix your water leaks and you could save up to 20 gallons per day.
Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and you could save 15 - 50 gallons per day, same applies to your laundry.
Water your lawn 2 days a week and you can save 800 gallons or more per week.
Water your plants in early mornings or late afternoons to prevent evaporation. By doing this can save up to 25 gallons a day.
Use a broom to clean your driveway instead of a hose and you can save up to 150 gallons on each use.
Shorten your shower, every minute you cut from your shower is roughly 5 gallons of water.
Go to a car wash, going to a car wash is a lot more water efficient than washing your car at home. Majority of car washes are required to recycle their water.
Replace your old toilet tank with a new one, doing this saves 2 or more gallons per flush.

California has the worst air pollution in the entire country. Over 90% of Californians, according to the California Air Resources Board, reside in areas where the air is unsafe. (Example 9 people out of 10) Unsafe air means increased risk of respiratory ailments, asthma, and premature death.

San Joaquin Valley ranking one of the most polluted in the nation where 1 in 3 families have respiratory ailments, 1 in 6 children suffer from asthma, 1 in 8 adults suffer from asthma, and more than 1,200 premature deaths occur each year.