Food Shortages
Water plays a huge role in agriculture and food production. Around 70% of water used for human activities is irrigation. Millions of gallons of water are used to irrigate California's vast supply of crops. California is one of the biggest crop producers in the U.S., supplying a variety of nuts, fruits, and vegetables to many other states. If California's agriculture takes a loss in water it will affect many different states.Water is also vital for the health of our livestock. Water is used for the grain they eat, to keep up their hygiene and also for them to drink. California's climate makes it easy for livestock to experience dehydration. A lack of clean water can expose the livestock to disease, causing their health to decline. Diseased livestock can be harmful and/or fatal to humans if consumed. Up to half of the United States water supply is used to raise livestock and takes over 2,400 gallons of water to produce a pound of meat. Water is very important to the production of meat and crops. Water shortages will cause a great decline in food production.