Water Conservation Needs All of Us, Not Just Farmers

In the first grade, I learned about the water cycle. My sweet teacher told us that water circulates in this perfect pattern in which it can never be lost. I must have paid close attention because I remember the terms evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. However, my optimistic, or perhaps naive, self in third grade did not realize the ways in which water can be lost and never return to an area in dire need of a steady water supply.

25 percent of the United States’ produce comes from the Central Valley in California. Many Americans are unaware of how prevalent agriculture in California really is. I get it. California is beautiful and Americans typically forget that there is more to our state than just Hollywood and the beach. In addition to the celebrities you may be lucky enough to spot, there are far more farmers to meet in California than stars in your favorite television show.

Sadly, the farmers in California have had to fight for their water supply, dealing with red-tape from the California legislature. Red tape in California? I know, what’s new? Let’s just say that the red tape in California is the only “red” part about California, and this causes many problems for the farmers who feel unseen and uncared for by California officials.

In addition to always having to tread upstream in the bureaucratic state, farmers are also heavily impacted by the perpetual drought in California. In a drought, it can be very difficult to determine who should be able to use the water and how much.

As I said, this is a large issue not just for Californians, but also for the entire nation, as 25 percent of the produce in our country comes from the drought-ridden Central Valley.

In states such as Texas and Oklahoma, farmers can use as much water as they deem necessary. The law only states that they may not use enough to upset their neighbor.

However, in places like the San Joaquin Valley in California, water supply is regulated and is being reduced due to water conservation efforts. Farmers in the San Joaquin Valley are struggling to produce their crops with the little water they can use.

An important takeaway for all citizens is to remember that we can all play a part. Just like farmers’ water usage, our water intake matters as well. We can take timed showers, turn off the water when brushing our teeth, and even wash our cars on our lawns. Those are simple actions that can make a large impact when we all work together. Unlike how some public officials feel in California, the fact is we can support our farmers while also conserving water. While 40 percent of California’s water usage comes from agriculture, 10% of water usage comes from communities. We can make a difference.