Experts Warn Ongoing , Megadrought , Could Have Catastrophic Impact.
'Newsweek' reports that the current "megadrought"
in the western half of the United States could
have "catastrophic effects" on the country.
Experts predict that another decade or two
of drought would place an additional strain on
already struggling water resources in the region. .
According to the latest data from the U.S.
Drought Monitor, 65% of the continental U.S.
is currently experiencing some form of drought.
The hardest-hit areas include parts of Utah,
Oregon, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, which
are experiencing "extreme drought" conditions.
This region is experiencing
an exceptional drought condition,
with a severity that we have
not seen in the past 1,200 years, Rick Relyea, director of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, via 'Newsweek'.
Despite weeks of heavy rain, over 40%
of California is still considered to be
under "severe" drought conditions.
According to 'Newsweek,' much more
precipitation will be necessary in order to replenish
depleted reservoirs and groundwater stores.
As a result, drinking water shortages have been
reported in some areas, while others have experienced
a reduction in the quality of drinking water.
The widespread droughts have also led
to a limited amount of water available
for crops and other industries.
When the megadrought began,
it caused water availability to decline
while water demand continued to grow, Rick Relyea, director of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, via 'Newsweek'