As the hope for a wet El Nino winter begins to wane, the seriousness of the drought continuing into 2015 is daunting. Most in Plumas County have fared ok through the dry summer, although there are those who have not. Many local agricultural producers have been hit hard by the drought, either unable to irrigate simply because the creeks are just too low or because state restrictions either limit or completely prohibit them from taking any water from local streams. Many have turned to drilling more wells and pumping groundwater to meet water demands; however, groundwater management has become a hot topic across the state. Taken from an article published in the Washington Post a few weeks ago, a recent study by U.C. Davis researchers warned that some of the state’s aquifers could soon be depleted if pumping continues at current rates, which have helped farmers survive this year. However, one of the authors, Richard Howitt, a professor emeritus of resource economics said, “A well-managed basin is used like a reserve bank account. We’re acting like the super rich who have so much money they don’t need to balance their checkbook.” “The study estimated that 5.1 million acre-feet of water will be pulled from the state’s underground reserves this year, a volume roughly equivalent to the storage capacity of Lake Shasta, the state’s biggest reservoir and third-largest lake after Lake Tahoe and the Salton Sea.” So what can we do? Last week we shared what Feather River College is doing to reduce their water consumption. Plumas County Facility Services has cut back water use by reducing the sprinkling time 50% on the Courthouse, Dame Shirley Plaza, Library and Museum lawns. Dony Sawchuck, Plumas County Facilities and Airports Director, also noted that most departments are no longer washing vehicles as well. As individuals and homeowners there are lots of small things we can do that can add up to significant water savings. For example, when running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water and adjust the temperature as the tub fills. Or better yet, recycle indoor water outdoors: put a bucket in your shower and use it to water plants. If you would like to share what you are doing locally to “save our water”, email Gia Martynn at gia@plumascounty.org. As the upper Feather River Watershed Coordinator at Plumas Corporation, she will share your tips in subsequent drought articles and on their website and FB page. For more information and tips on conserving water visit www.saveourH2O.org You can also find out what is happening locally by attending the The September Plumas County Drought Preparedness Task Force meetings held on the first Monday of each month at 9:30am in the Plumas County Building and Planning Services conference room at 555 Main Street in Quincy. meeting will be on September 8th due to the holiday weekend.