Re:California Imposes First-Ever Water Restrictions to Deal ...
by bradleyjg on Wednesday April 01, 2015 @04:41PM
(#9306715)
Of course you fail to mention how much water in the form of crops (especially alfalfa) are being exported. That wouldn't fit in with the friendly local farmer providing nutritious food narrative, now would it?
Re:California Imposes First-Ever Water Restrictions to Deal ...
by pkaye on Wednesday April 01, 2015 @04:44PM
(#9306730)
My point about the GDP is that it is such a small part of the overall economy that it is feasible to share the burden to improving the irrigation systems across the full population. And perhaps the "use it or lose it" penalties could be put on hold during a prolonged drought situation till hopefully things improve.
Also in your opinion, are the high water usage due to primarily the irrigation methods or that the crops need lot of water? Like almonds for example?
Re:California Imposes First-Ever Water Restrictions to Deal ...
by jconley on Wednesday April 01, 2015 @04:54PM
(#9306807)
Irrigation methods can significantly reduce water usage for some crops. Others require gobs of water. I don't know the numbers for each crop, though.
The Almond Board of California has some info on this for Almonds. Obviously, take this as you will, given the source: http://www.almonds.com/pdfs/waterfactsheet315.pdf
Re:California Imposes First-Ever Water Restrictions to Deal ...
by cynicalkane on Wednesday April 01, 2015 @04:56PM
(#9306816)
I would hesitate to call Central Valley "local" to most Californians.
I think incentives would help, yes. There is also a "use it or lose it" system builtin to many of the water rights contracts that are toxic. Much like big corporate budgets, farmers find a way to use the water just in case they need it the next year.
The reality is it is very expensive to change irrigation systems in established orchards. Incentives to do that would certainly be well received by the tree farmers I know.