Sacramento is the capital of California, and it sits where two major rivers converge. The American and Sacramento rivers both meet here on their way to the Pacific. While the state has been dealing with drought conditions for decades, Sacramento has avoided many of the drastic water crises plaguing other parts of the state thanks to being a water-rich region.
Things are changing, however. Over-reliance on rapidly aging water infrastructure, a growing population demanding more water, and climate change make droughts more intense. These are all making many wonder if Sacramento might start running out of water in the future.
The answer to this question is as complex as the situation itself. Climate science, policy decisions, and natural resource management all play their part. Still, any look at the situation makes the broader problem obvious: Sacramento has tremendous water challenges. Exploring these factors is crucial to understanding the scope and detail of the situation while also revealing potential solutions.
Historical Advantages Help
Geographic location has long proven beneficial for Sacramento’s water supply. Groundwater aquifers have provided water, as have the region’s rivers. However, the snowpack from the Sierra Nevada has also been a perennial source of this vital element. Abundant water has allowed the region to support a growing population and develop extensive agricultural operations.
Rivers keep surface waters flowing, and the mountain snowmelt refills underground aquifers and area reservoirs. Underground resources have been especially crucial in times of drought when surface water levels are prone to dwindling. Having a variety of different resources has helped shield Sacramento from the water shortages many parts of the state are known to suffer.
Climate Change Impacts the Situation
Climate change might be the single biggest threat to the water supply in the area. Conditions keep getting hotter and drier, so droughts happen more frequently and with increasing intensity. The entire state is witnessing a decline in the historically reliable Sierra Nevada snowpack. Historically, the snowmelt happened gradually through spring and summer to release water into streams and rivers over many months.
However, there is less snow accumulating each winter, and it’s melting earlier each year. This impacts the regularity of the American and Sacramento rivers. Earlier snowmelt reduces how much water is available during the driest, hottest months, where demand peaks for both urban and agricultural applications. Extreme weather patterns are also more prevalent than they were before, leading to increased evaporation rates and faster depletion of resources.
Population Growth Drives Demand
Sacramento’s population is growing steadily. Many people relocate to this region from both inside and outside the state because its housing market is historically affordable relative to other California cities with high costs of living. Unfortunately, a growing urban populace needs more water.
Household water use adds a lot of demand, and it’s competing with large-scale farming operations across the Sacramento Valley. The state agricultural sector is one of the biggest water consumers in the area, and balancing urban needs with farmers is a tricky act. Water scarcity issues happen frequently, especially when extended droughts happen.
Groundwater Overdraft Hurts Long-Term Sustainability
Groundwater has helped Sacramento diversify its water supply, especially in droughts. However, this crucial resource is also being overdrawn. Groundwater pumping goes up to compensate for low surface water supplies. The result is groundwater overdraft, and that happens when more water gets pumped up from underground aquifers than is naturally replenished.
In some parts of the state, this results in sinking land, or subsidence, and that hurts canals, bridges, and roads. Sacramento has yet to face the expenses of fixing this damage as much as other parts of California, but the risk is growing. Sustainable water management practices in the future may need to include groundwater recharge programs that capture excess water in wet years so it can percolate back into the aquifers.
Water Infrastructure Is Getting Old and Vulnerable
The pipelines, canals, reservoirs, and dams that comprise Sacramento’s water infrastructure were mostly built decades ago. The signs of wear and tear are growing in a system struggling to meet high levels of demand. Extreme weather events, wildfires, and floods put the system at risk with growing regularity.
Oroville Dam almost failed completely in 2017, and nearly 200,000 people had to be evacuated under emergency conditions. Modernizing the infrastructure is crucial to long-term resource reliability. Upgrades will improve storage and delivery, but they can also improve capture and management during wet years so surplus water can be stored for droughts.
Sacramento Can Avoid Running Out of Water
Sacramento is highly unlikely to totally run out of water, but it might suffer serious risks of shortages where there isn’t enough to go around. Overuse, climate change, and aging infrastructure are all contributing causes. It might not be possible to restore the dwindling snowpack or reduce the local population growth, but the city can adopt new ways to deal with its water reality.
Infrastructure investment and water conservation at a regional scale can do a lot to create a sustainable situation. That is one where urban citizens and agricultural operations continue getting enough water without hurting the future of the city.
Residents can do their part. Water-saving habits can include fixing leaks quickly, installing water-efficient appliances, and reducing outdoor watering. City, county, and state government authorities can implement programs that prompt conservation. Rebates for water-efficient appliances and landscaping can help, and tiered water pricing charges higher rates for those who use water excessively. The agricultural sector is already embracing soil moisture monitoring and drip irrigation to maintain productivity while using less water.
Sustainable Water Management Can Pave the Way Ahead
Changing conditions are a certainty in Sacramento’s future, but its ability to adapt can counter this variable. Climate change is here to stay, and it brings numerous challenges with it. However, the city and region have strong foundations with which to work. Modernized infrastructure, smart policies, and sustainable water management practices can secure water resources for the coming generations.
Integrated water management combines stormwater, recycled water, groundwater, and surface water for a resilient and flexible system. Stormwater capture programs can maximize the water the city receives, and treating wastewater from urban, industrial, and agricultural applications can further drive up the available supplies.
Sacramento Has a Fluid Future
The future of Sacramento’s water isn’t set in stone. The city probably won’t run out of all of its water, but there are substantial challenges that need immediate attention. Aging infrastructure, population growth, and climate change are all potential risks to the availability of water, but proactive steps can help the area maintain a sustainable supply of water and protect its resources in the coming years.
These steps can include the promotion of water conservation, adopting sustainable management practices, and investing in infrastructure upgrades. Sacramento can avoid a looming water crisis and be an effective role model for other places also facing similar challenges.
Making the most of the water in your home helps preserve limited resources and gives your family the chance to practice conservation. Huft Home Services offers HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services for the Sacramento area, including El Dorado, Placer, San Joaquin, Solano, Yolo, and Yuba counties. Contact us at Huft Home Services for your home’s water needs, including water filtration.
