Agenda - 05-06-2010 - 4m - Laserfiche WebLink

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When precipitation returns to normal and meteorological drought conditions have abated, the sequence is repeated for the recovery of surface and subsurface water supplies. Soil water reserves are replenished first, followed by streamflow,reservoirs and lakes, and ground water. Drought impacts may diminish rapidly in the agricultural sector because of its reliance on soil water,but linger for months or even years in other sectors dependent on stored surface or subsurface supplies. Ground water users, often the last to be affected by drought during its onset, may be the last to experience a return to normal water levels. The length of the recovery period is a function of the intensity of the drought, its duration, and the quantity of precipitation received as the episode terminates. Severe Droughts in the United States The period of drought that has been the most well documented in both text and photographs occurred in the 1930s when drought covered virtually the entire Plains area of the U.S. for almost a decade. The most common effect of droughts often involves large amounts of agricultural land. Crops were damaged by deficient rainfall, high temperatures, and high winds, as well as insect infestations and dust storms that accompanied these conditions. The resulting agricultural depression contributed to the Great Depression with bank closures, business losses,increased unemployment, and other physical and emotional hardships. Although records focus on other problems, the lack of precipitation would also have affected wildlife and plant life, and would have created water shortages for domestic needs. Effects of the Plains drought sent economic and social ripples throughout the country. Millions of people migrated from the drought-stricken areas, often heading west,in search of work. These newcomers were often in direct competition for jobs with longer-established residents, which created conflict between the groups. In addition,because of poverty and high unemployment, migrants added to local relief needs, sometimes overburdening relief and health agencies. I To reduce the impact of future droughts,proactive measures were developed and implemented including an increase in conservation practices and irrigation, average farm size, and crop diversity. Federal crop insurance was established and the regional economy was diversified. Many other proactive measures taken after the 1930s drought also reduced rural and urban vulnerability to drought,including new or enlarged reservoirs, improved domestic water systems, changes in farm policies, new insurance and aid programs, and removal of some of the most sensitive agricultural lands from production. 12