Judy Karnes: Because it’s raining doesn’t mean drought is over
Re “Writer is correct – the drought is over” (Letters, Dec. 31): Contrary to the letter writer’s comments, the drought is not over. While we have had a good rainfall this month, and yes, there is flooding in some parts of the state, it is just the beginning.
January, February and March are also rainy months, and, if you’ll recall, in 2014 we had almost no rain during those months.
We depend on the snowpack, which last week measured only about 33 percent of normal. We need many more feet of snow to refill the reservoirs and lakes. The aquifers, which is where groundwater is stored, need to be refurbished. We have been in a drought situation for the last four years.
Continue praying for rain and snow. Be patient and conserve what we have, so there will be water available.
Judy Karnes, Manteca
This story was originally published January 2, 2015 at 12:04 PM with the headline "Judy Karnes: Because it’s raining doesn’t mean drought is over."