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Is Groundwater The Most Important Natural Resources A State?

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Groundwater is the most important natural resource a state can obtain. This is true for the state of California, which is fifth in the world for the production of agriculture. In a state with numerous climate regions and various different landscape and soil profiles it is astonishing to be able to grow over 400 different commodities. This is only possible with the unique design of the irrigation systems that provide eighty percent of the total amount of water used by agriculture producers in the state. Although, farmers and rancher only use forty percent of water in California. Since California is experiencing its fourth consecutive year of drought water is a hot topic. The general problem is the lack of water in the state which is causing …show more content…

Recognition began in 1928 when pioneer researcher O.E. Meinzer of the U.S. Geological Survey realized that aquifers were compressible” (ca.water.usgs.gov).

History of the Issue
Examining the history of California agriculture, it began with predominately growing wheat and livestock production. This was due to the climate and season California provided for these crops. The wet cold winters and the dry, hot summers were the most beneficial for the wheat production. Within the years to come though, specialty crops became an increasing desired product. This caused the development of irrigation systems throughout the state. Irrigation was thee biggest influence in California agriculture, this is because it transformed millions of desert-like acres in to production ground suitable to grow the 400 different commodities California now produces. However, when there is a drought in the state, which is a natural occurring event, it causes stress on the area in California that are reliant on surface water the irrigation systems provide the producers. This problem is important because growing crops are farmer’s livelihood, and they still need water to keep their crops are alive therefore they rely on groundwater. In fact, groundwater basin provided 38 percent of the water supply, and “during dry years, groundwater contributes up to 49 percent (or more) of the statewide annual supply. [Groundwater also serves] as a critical buffer the impacts of drought and

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