We are in a historic drought and getting a preview of what a future with limited water may look like. Our water infrastructure is stressed, communities are on the verge of rationing water, and the need to find new sources of water are being explored through discussions and actions related to desalination, building water pipelines, and the implementation of new well drilling.

Often, the focus of the drought is framed on the negative impacts to people, which leaves out the impacts on our natural environment. The drought is not only impacting the human environment, it is having profound negative impacts on the natural environment and species. One only has to take a look at our watershed with dry creeks and stressed trees and vegetation to begin to get a glimpse of the implications. The natural environment needs water not only to support habitat and species, but also to recharge our community water sources.