After two wet winters that increased California’s water supplies, Gov. Gavin Newsom officially lifted a drought emergency in 19 counties that are home to 70% of the state’s population.
The move will result in the withdrawal of some state drought authorities in counties including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange and Riverside, among others.
At the same time, Newsom decided to keep a state of emergency in effect in 39 counties where state officials say significant effects of the severe 2020-22 drought persist, including depletion of groundwater supplies and threats to native fish.
These 39 counties include regions of the Central Valley and the Scott, Shasta and Klamath river watersheds, among others.
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a visit to the San Diego Zoo in August.
(Derrick Tuskan/Associated Press)
Newsom referred to this week’s extreme heat wave as he explained why his administration is retaining some drought authorities in parts of the state.
“As this week’s weather clearly shows, California and the West are experiencing extreme weather patterns that are exacerbating our water challenges and making it more important than ever to build a climate-resilient water system,” Newsom said. “This targeted action addresses current conditions while continuing to provide tools and support for ongoing work to help sustain water supplies in the communities most impacted.”
State officials said Newsom’s order responds to improving conditions in parts of the state while continuing efforts to support drought recovery. They said that where some drought-relief measures remain in place, they will help the state address ongoing impacts to local water supplies.
“We continue to help local communities recover from drought,” said California Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “In some cases, the powers we have under these executive orders are very helpful in supporting local communities.”
California experienced the driest three-year period on record in the state, from 2020 to 2022.
Newsom declared a statewide drought emergency in October 2021 and called on Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15%.
The drought ended dramatically in early 2023, when one of the wettest winters on record triggered flooding and blanketed the Sierra Nevada with heavy snowfall.
In March 2023, following this series of storms, Newsom reversed course some of the most stringent drought control measuresincluding an order requiring urban suppliers to activate conservation plans in the event of a 20% shortage.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, about 41 percent of the state is classified as abnormally dry or in moderate drought. Unusually dry areas include large parts of northern California and the southeastern part of the state.
