The Supply Side of California's Historic Drought

With increased public attention focused on every water drop during the worst drought in California's history, Kightlinger is particularly well equipped to dispel rumors and share the regional initiatives underway. He recently spoke with VerdeXchange News to update readers on how suppliers are adjusting to the changing conditions as state and local bodies further regulate use. 

Kightlinger comments on alternative options for meeting the regions' supply needs, including desalination and stormwater capture. He also notes that despite potential conflict over water sources between urban and rural areas, ultimately collaboration—and an agreement to share the burden of behavioral change—will be necessary to get to goal:

"There’s no winner in this drought. Agriculture in the Central Valley has been hit extremely hard. Last year, we had more than half a million acres of farmland fallowed—over a $2 billion hit to the agricultural economy. By all accounts, 2015 will shape up much worse than that—probably three quarters of a million acres, perhaps more, fallowed. You’re seeing big disruption in the agricultural sector, just like you’re seeing in the urban sector now, with the governor ordering mandatory rationing among urban users at a 25 percent level. That’s going to be a very painful cut to urban users, as well. We’re seeing a 'share-the-pain' approach across the state."