No, LA Is Not “Technically” In A Drought. Yes, We Should Conserve Water Anyway.
Climate whiplash means that huge swings from really wet to really dry seasons are bound to become the new normal. But what does that mean for everyday Angelenos? More importantly, are we in a drought or not?!
October 23, 2024
Bailey Duarte, Community Engagement Manager at LA Waterkeeper, and Justin Breck, Climate Resilience Fellow at LA Waterkeeper
Pyramid Lake, Photo Credit: Mindaugas Dulinskas
Humans have funny brains. Take confirmation bias, for example—the tendency to seek out or pay more attention to information that confirms what we already believe. Or recency bias, where we tend to put more weight on things that have happened more recently, while forgetting about long-term patterns. Besides being mildly amusing, these quirks of the human brain also make it hard for us to grasp larger, more complex and long-term problems like climate change.
Studies show that our brains struggle to respond to threats that feel abstract or distant. Research by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that, while 72% of Americans believe climate change is happening, only 48% believe it will harm them personally.
When it comes to things like climate change, it’s easy to convince ourselves these problems aren't real or don’t matter. Just scroll through the comments section of any climate-related YouTube video. You’ll probably find gems like, “How can there be global warming if it’s cold outside my house right now?” or “How are we in a drought when it just rained yesterday?”
Ironically, climate change might be making this confusion even worse. Enter: climate whiplash. This refers to the wild swings from one weather extreme to another that are becoming more common thanks to, you guessed it, climate change.
These swings can mess with our perception of reality. When it rains heavily, we might start thinking, “Well, the drought must be over!” Suddenly, we’re back to hour-long showers and watering our grass lawns at noon like nothing’s changed. We don’t plan. We don’t prepare. And then, when the next drought or disaster strikes, we’re left asking ourselves, “Why didn’t we see this coming?”
So, what’s really happening? What does this climate whiplash mean for Los Angeles, and how is it affecting our water supplies?
Death Valley, Photo Credit: jamesdvdsn
Climate ~whiplash~
Here’s the good news: if you’ve been feeling confused by California’s weather lately, you’re not alone. For most of recent memory, we’ve had long stretches of drought—from 2007-2009, and again from 2012-2016—and then in 2022, we saw the driest January through March in over a century.
But following that dry spell, LA was hit with two extremely wet rainy seasons, together dumping over 53 inches of rain on Downtown LA. This dramatic flip from drought to deluge is a prime example of climate whiplash.
These rainy seasons reflected more of an El Niño weather pattern, which brought those heavy rains and helped replenish some of our water supply. But looking ahead, scientists are predicting that we’re shifting into a La Niña weather pattern—known for bringing drier conditions to Southern California. This means we could be facing much less rainfall in the coming years, which is expected to put additional pressure on our already strained water supplies.
So… we are in a drought?
San Gabriel Mountains, Photo Credit: Richard Par
Good question! The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, the “formal” definition of drought is determined by its impact on water users. Since California is huge, drought looks different depending on where you are. Some areas might be bone-dry while others are doing relatively okay thanks to their diverse water sources.
The good news? LA’s main reservoirs—Pyramid Lake, Lake Perris, and Diamond Valley Lake—are currently doing pretty well, sitting at 92%, 79%, and 97% of capacity (as of 9/14/2024). Statewide, most reservoirs are either at or above average for this time of year. To date, overall precipitation in California over the past water year has also been approximately 100% of average.
Our snowpack, however, is another story. California’s snowpack is another crucial water source, as it feeds our reservoirs as it melts. While in late summer, it's typical for snowpack to be negligible, this year, California’s snowpack melted much faster than usual due to heat waves. By the end of June 2024, it was almost entirely depleted—well ahead of schedule.
In addition to snowpack and reservoirs, California also relies heavily on groundwater, especially during droughts. In this case, too, climate change is creating cause for concern. Many wells, particularly in the Central Valley, are severely depleted due to overuse and extended dry periods. While most of Southern California’s monitored groundwater wells are currently at or above normal levels, with La Niña ahead, it’s unlikely our reservoirs will be refilled this winter.
Back to Saving Water, Then?
With this year’s La Niña pattern, our region could see more strain on water supplies, making conservation even more important for everyone. While individual actions might feel small in the grand scheme of California’s water usage, the math shows that conservation is still the most affordable and reliable way to help secure the state’s water future.
Of course, we need bigger investments in sustainable infrastructure, like wastewater recycling and stormwater capture. And yes, reforming our region’s water rights laws—especially in agriculture—would make a big impact. But did you know that outdoor water use accounts for 50-70% of single-family residential water consumption in LA, according to a 2010 study by UCLA?
Ready to start saving water? Try these simple tips:
Set up a rain barrel or cistern: Capture rainwater during the few storms we might get this year and use it later on your garden or outdoor plants. LADWP offers rebates starting at $50 per barrel or $500 per cistern, making it easier to get started!
Use the bowl method to save water while washing fruits and veggies: Instead of rinsing under running water, soak your produce in a bowl. Then, reuse that water for your plants—an easy, sustainable way to keep them hydrated without wasting water.
Take the Shower Bucket Challenge: While waiting for your shower to heat up, collect the cold water in a bucket. You can use it to water plants, wash dishes, do laundry, or even flush the toilet.
Install water-saving toilets and showerheads: These simple upgrades use significantly less water without sacrificing comfort. LADWP is offering up to $250 for premium high-efficiency toilets and free showerheads and aerators to help you conserve at home! For more information and to apply, visit the link here.
Replace grass turf with a sustainable native plant lawn: Native plants need less water and thrive in California’s dry climate. They also support local ecosystems and reduce constant watering. Check out LADWP’s California Friendly Landscaping guide for expert tips on smart irrigation, easy maintenance, and more. Plus, LADWP's turf replacement rebate can help cover the cost of transforming your lawn. Be sure to check for available programs and get approval before starting your project.
As we face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, from extreme droughts to intense downpours, it’s more important than ever to conserve water. Every drop saved not only helps protect our limited water supplies but also builds resilience for the challenges ahead.
By adopting simple habits like collecting rainwater, using low-flow devices, and replacing thirsty lawns with native plants, each of us can play a part in securing a sustainable water future for our region. Together, we can truly make water conservation a way of life!