Drought Response
On April 7, 2017, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an executive order ending the drought state of emergency in all California counties except Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Tuolumne, where emergency drinking water projects will continue to help address diminished groundwater supplies.
National Forests provide approximately 50% of the state's water supply, which is estimated to be worth about $9.5 billion annually. These forests provide a source of safe, clean water to Californians. This water helps to support a thriving world-renowned agricultural economy that is the world's fifth largest supplier of food and commodities with a value of $37.5 billion in 2010.
California is in a severe drought, one of the worst in it's history.
The Forest Service is committed as conservation leaders to work with state, federal, and local agencies and communities in responding to this critical situation.
We have a responsibility to serve as a model for the wise use of water as well as a tremendous opportunity for the conservation of water.
With California facing water shortfalls in the driest year in recorded state history, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. proclaimed a State of Emergency on January 17, 2014, and directed state officials to take all necessary actions to prepare for these drought conditions.
Available Resources
State of California Drought Portal
The State has created a website http://drought.ca.gov/ that provides information, bi-weekly updates, and key partner links. Learn more
Affected by the Drought?
If you have been affected by the recent Drought, here is a brochure from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services that may be helpful. Learn more
Save Our Water Campaign
A statewide water conservation campaign was implemented to make all Californians aware of the drought and encourage personal actions to reduce water usage. This campaign is built on the existing Save Our Water campaign (www.saveourh20.org) and will coordinate with local water agencies. This campaign will call on Californians to reduce their water usage by 20 percent. Learn more