Drought can gradually parch the coffers of companies, while for others it’s an economic boom. For some, it’s driving innovation.
One hair salon is using biodegradable towels, water well drillers are turning away potential clients, drought-resistant plants are all the rage, and watersports proprietors are figuring out how to survive with less water to play in.
In spite of this resiliency, things could get worse before they get better because the rainy season is still months away.
According to the government’s U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme conditions are more widespread throughout the West than they have been at any time in the last 20 years. About three-quarters of California is listed in “extreme” drought conditions. A year ago only 3% of the state was in the “extreme” category.
And summer has just officially begun.
The Russian River in Sonoma County has long been a popular place for locals and tourists to play in. During droughts, recreation activities can be impacted because of an ever-decreasing flow of water.
