More Water Info

Climate change and Sierra Nevada snowpack

The Sierra Nevada snowpack is one of the largest sources of fresh water for California. The melting of the snowpack allows water to be captured and pumped to homes throughout California. However, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is melting at a faster rate than it has in previous years.

Scientists measured snow accumulation and melt trends over a 28 year period at 260 different snow sensor stations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This study revealed that less snow accumulated and melted earlier in areas below 2400m. Generally, most snow sensor stations above 2400m revealed an increased trend in snow accumulation but earlier snow melt.

Johnson, Tammy, Jeff Dozier, and Joel Michaelsen. Climate change and Sierra Nevada snowpack. Publication. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK: International Association of Hydrological Sciences, 1999. Print.


Climate Change Impacts on Water Supply and Agricultural Water Management in California's Western San Joaquin Valley, and Potential Adaptation Strategies (2009)

This study revealed that "increasing agricultural demand under climate change brought on by increasing temperature will place additional stress on the water system, such that some water users will experience a decrease in water supply reliability."

California residents must adapt water consumption habits that conserve this precious resource in order to guarantee it for the future.

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON WATER SUPPLY AND AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT IN CALIFORNIA’S WESTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, AND POTENTIAL ADAPTATION STRATEGIES (2009). California Climate Change Center, Aug. 2009. Web. 28 Feb. 2010. http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009publications/CEC-500-2009-051/CEC-500-2009-051-F.PDF.