As of 2009, California is in the third year of a drought, which is compounded by regulations which are restricting water supplies south of the Delta. Continued dry conditions and restrictions on Delta water exports are a real and serious threat to almond production. Additional requirements to re-establish the flow in the San Joaquin River, as well as to improve habitat for endangered species in the Sacramento River, have the potential to further limit the amounts of water available in the future. Until the state improves its ability to store and transport water through new infrastructure, growers face the task of sustaining the growth and productivity of California’s almond orchards under low water conditions by careful stewardship.
Related Links:
Governor Schwarzenegger issues Executive Order [CA-Govnenor-Declares-Drought-6.08.pdf] June 4, 2008, regarding California drought