Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state wide Drought Emergency on Friday. This sets in motion various state and local programs aimed at conserving water by residents, businesses, and agricultural users. Many residents can recall drought years in '75,'76, and '77.
This does not bode well for resort areas/businesses which depend on seasonal travelers for their livelihood. Lake Tahoe businesses are no exception despite the stability of the lake levels. Once the lake recedes below the outfall rim level at Tahoe, the losses return to evaporation rates only.
High Sierra lakes will dry up without snowmelt. Streams will dry up, providing almost no extra supply. Visitors will still have the lake as a source for recreation and fishing throughout the year.
Let's keep in mind: the big users throughout California are agricultural interests and business interests. Between the two, they consume 92% of available water. Some adjustments in the balance will be necessary, obviously. Given the water saving programs available to residents, I believe little can be done to have homeowners cutback much more. Yes, lawns will turn brown; pools will be kept covered or empty; and long showers will be looked upon as a rare luxury. Health clubs will suffer as temporary measures restrict water use.
A sharp increase in the price of garden crops could be expected. However, I'm sure consumers will not take kindly to price gouging by supermarkets.
So, we will live with a tedious drought situation that will make fodder for the media and the various hacks who love these dominant topics. They make the writers' job easier.
Tahomans really don't have to worry about water service interruption because water companies pumpfrom wells that ralley are fed by ground water from: Lake Tahoe.
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