Withdrawal of groundwater for irrigation in the San Joaquin Valley of California caused the water table to drop by 75 meters. Pumping has been greatly reduced, the aquifer is slowly recharging, and water for irrigation is now provided by canals that bring water from the adjacent Sierra Nevada. What else might be done to insure an adequate water supply for the foreseeable future?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the above options would help insure an adequate water supply for the foreseeable future. Local governments could establish water conservation ordinances to regulate water usage and prevent excessive water waste. Local agriculture could practice water-conserving irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation or soil moisture monitoring, to reduce their water use. Finally, people dependent on the agriculture of this region could eat less meat, as livestock production is a major contributor to water usage (through feed crop irrigation and drinking water). By implementing all of these actions together, the San Joaquin Valley can better manage their water resources for the future.

Withdrawal of Groundwater for Irrigation in the San Joaquin Valley