A megadrought - persisting for the last 20 years. The most severe dry period in over a thousand years. This is what America's southwest has been struggling with, and the end is not yet in sight.
The worst-hit states include California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon, and Montana in the West. In the South, the driest places are in Texas, and Oklahoma.
At least six of these states have issued drought emergency declarations, and the federal US government ordered water restrictions along the Colorado river. Experts believe that the drought is so severe that even one year with high rainfall won't be enough to remedy the situation.
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So, what's causing this scary megadrought?
The causes include lower rainfall in the southwest region, combined with exceptionally high temperatures. Adverse ocean dynamics in the tropical Pacific also have a role to play. Additionally, the natural phenomena are exacerbated by climate change.
The consequences are obvious - from lack of access to water for various uses, to lower food production, and a hit on living conditions in cities and towns.
The drought has severely reduced surface and groundwater levels.
The soil has become dry, and wildfire risk has increased dangerously.
Rivers and lakes are drying up with reduced stream flow and low snow coverage.
With the situation becoming more grave every year, what are authorities doing?
The Mayor of Los Angeles in California promised in 2019 to recycle 100% waste water by the year 2035. A $3.4 billion water recycling facility has also been proposed. The plant is so advanced that it would even make waste water safe to drink, as per reports.
In the city of Las Vegas in Nevada, 99% waste water from indoor use is treated and put into Lake Mead, which supplies 90% of the authority's water supply. The city has also banned "non-functional turf".
In California's San Diego, subsidies are provided to people investing in water-efficiency technologies. The city also has America's largest desalination plant. 8% waste water is also recycled for non-drinking uses like agriculture.
In Phoenix, Arizona, 100% waste water is reportedly recycled for various uses. Treated water is used for farming, energy production, urban irrigation, groundwater replenishment etc.
With concrete action against climate change still missing, India might be staring at a similar situation in the future. IPCC reports have warned of a 5-20% increase in drought conditions in India and surrounding regions by middle of the 21st century.
Staring at such a grim future, it might be time for India to learn from experiences of other places like the US to prepare for prolonged periods of water scarcity.