The California two-year drought

The paper reviews the two-year drought condition experienced in California in sufficient detail to obtain an understanding and appreciation of the effects of drought on water conservation and distribution in the State. It covers the effects of drought on agricultural interests, municipal and industrial water, recreation, fish and wildlife, energy, and forests and wild lands. It discusses the decisions made and actions taken to cope with the effects of the drought by state and federal water projects, by the Drought Emergency Task Force appointed by Governor Brown, and by local agencies. Finally, the paper reviews quickly the problems and special conditions encountered in making water supply forecasts during record setting low flow conditions.