The Trinidad Bay Watersheds are located on California’s rainy north coast, however even here we periodically face droughts. Prolonged periods of lower than normal rainfall impact the watersheds and community in a variety of ways:
- Reduced overall stream flows, especially in the dry season
- Water insecurity for community members reliant on private water systems
- Soil moisture deficits
- Lower water tables
During the 2012-2014 drought, the City of Trinidad implemented water use restrictions for all water customers. The City is currently working on developing a water shortage contingency plan that will be implemented according to the level of water shortage. The State of California has has put in place regulations and policies to “Make Conservation a Way of Life”.
The Trinidad Bay Watershed Council has collected a variety of informational resources to help you learn about and respond to the drought, whether you are a local or visitor, depend on City water or get your water from a well or creek. Please see our one page TBWC Water Conservation Tips. It takes all of us to keep the Trinidad Bay Watersheds beautiful and flowing with clear cold water.
http://wateruseitwisely.com/widget/
Helpful Water Conservation Links
Here are some links to ideas you can use, drought information and websites:
Feb 2015 TBWC News is focused on the drought.
- Save Our Water: https://www.saveourh2o.org/
- Home Water Works – calculate your water usage, compare it to others, and learn ways to start conserving: https://www.home-water-works.org/
The Science and Monitoring of the Drought
- USGS California Water Science Center
- California Drought Monitor
- NOAA Climate Prediction Center
- DWR Drought Information page