Water in California is shared across three main sectors. Statewide, average water use is roughly 50% environmental, 40% agricultural, and 10% urban. The percentage of water use by sector varies dramatically across regions and between wet and dry years. Some of the water used by each of these sectors returns to rivers and groundwater basins, and can be used again.
Environmental water use falls into four specific categories. The water in rivers protected as “wild and scenic” under federal and state laws. Then the water required for maintaining habitat within streams. 3rd you have the water that supports wetlands within wildlife preserves. The finally, the water needed to maintain water quality for agricultural and urban use. Most water allocated to the environment does not affect other water uses. More than half of California’s environmental water use occurs in rivers along the state’s north coast. These waters are largely isolated from major agricultural and urban areas and cannot be used for other purposes. In the rest of California where water is shared by all three sectors, environmental use is not dominant (33%, compared to 53% agricultural and 14% urban).
Agricultural water use is holding steady even while the economic value of farm production is growing.
Today, farm production and food processing only generate about 2% of California’s gross state product, down from about 5% in the early 1960s. The current drought exposes major water use challenges. In the Central Valley, where most agricultural water use occurs, the failure to manage groundwater sustainably limits its availability as a drought reserve.
Jeff Hill aims to allow growers to be the most efficient farmers in the use of water and materials allowing for a better environmental impact and soil leading to better crop.
Jeff Hill 