La Californie a peur des restrictions sur l'irrigation

The state of California will take measures to reduce water consumption by 25% compared to the levels in 2013, residential areas are currently the only ones concerned.

It is agriculture that uses 80% of the water in California, the residential sector consuming only 20%. The new measures announced will not affect the agricultural sector, for now. Yet with a worsening situation, the governor could impose restrictions (reasonable-it is added) on irrigation in extremely dry areas of the state.

Starting with San Joaquin Valley, home of almonds and pistachios cultures. Historically, almond agribusiness spread in the wetter areas of California, but increasing global demand encouraged producers to plant growing on dry soils. Dry soils that require a huge amount of water.

Drilling groundwater are increasingly important, but also have limitations. Yet the governor of the state and the Water Authority will ensure that agriculture gets enough water. California seems for now to benefit from an agricultural system that might rapidly be above its water means. 

source : allgov.com, new york times com