“California Gov. Gavin Newsom Lifts Drought Emergency in 19 Counties: What You Need to Know”

California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially lifted a drought emergency declaration in 19 counties, representing 70% of the state’s population, following two wet winters that boosted water supplies. The decision to roll back certain drought-related state authorities affects counties such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange, and Riverside.

However, Newsom has chosen to keep the drought state of emergency in effect in 39 counties where severe impacts of the 2020-22 drought persist. These impacts include depleted groundwater supplies and threats to native fish populations. The affected counties include regions across the Central Valley and in the watersheds of the Scott, Shasta, and Klamath rivers.

The governor’s decision comes in response to the extreme heat wave experienced this week, highlighting the need for a climate-resilient water system in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. Newsom emphasized the importance of building resilience in water supplies to address future challenges.

State officials explained that the order reflects improved conditions in some parts of the state while continuing efforts to support drought recovery. Measures remaining in place in the 39 counties include suspending environmental requirements for certain groundwater recharge projects, allowing the state natural resources secretary to suspend environmental requirements for conservation projects, and providing disaster assistance funding through the Office of Emergency Services.

California’s Natural Resources Secretary, Wade Crowfoot, emphasized the need to address the increasing extremes in water availability, with dry periods becoming drier and wetter periods becoming wetter. The state aims to support communities in recovering from drought impacts while preparing for worsening droughts and floods in the future.

The state experienced its driest three-year period on record from 2020 to 2022, leading Newsom to declare a statewide drought emergency in October 2021. The drought ended dramatically in early 2023 with record-breaking rainfall and snowfall. Newsom rolled back some of the most stringent drought measures in March 2023 following the wet winter.

As California faces the challenges of climate change, the state is projected to experience a 10% decrease in water supply by 2040. Currently, about 41% of the state is classified as abnormally dry or in a moderate drought, with dry conditions persisting in Northern California and the southeastern corner of the state.

Despite full reservoirs, California continues to face supply challenges, particularly in counties considered drought hot spots. The state remains vigilant in addressing these issues as they arise to ensure water security for all residents.