How Hemet Residents Can Prepare for a Drier Summer

California is once again experiencing widespread drought—and this time, the warning signs are even harder to ignore.

According to the latest data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 44% of California and Nevada is in drought, with areas in the south now facing Extreme to Exceptional Drought conditions (Drought Status Update for California-Nevada, 2025). Meanwhile, the California Department of Water Resources warns that our changing climate could cause California to lose up to 10% of its water supply over the next 20 years due to increased evaporation and hotter average temperatures (Understanding Our Current Drought).

This isn’t just about weather patterns—it’s about preparing for a new normal. And while that may sound overwhelming, there’s good news: every small action we take today can help protect our wallets and our water for the future.

What’s Going On?

Drought impacts everyone differently. Farmers and rural residents often feel the effects first, especially those relying on private wells or dry rangeland. But as conditions persist, every household and business in the region will feel the squeeze, especially when rising heat causes more water to evaporate before it ever reaches our taps.

Recent reports show that Southern California received well below normal precipitation this year, and rapid snowmelt has reduced our seasonal water yields (NIDIS, 2025). Combined with long-term warming trends, this puts us in a dangerous cycle of dry years and reduced water supply.

What Can We Do Right Now?

Here are five immediate ways we can all help ease the pressure:

1. Stick to Off-Peak Watering Hours Water your yard only in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

2. Upgrade Your Landscaping California offers rebates to help you swap thirsty lawns for drought-tolerant gardens. They're beautiful and efficient.

3. Patch Up Leaks Small leaks = big losses. Fix faucets, sprinklers, and hoses as soon as you spot a problem.

4. Use Appliances Efficiently Only run your dishwasher or laundry machine when they’re full. Every gallon counts.

5. Get Informed Visit Drought.ca.gov for tips, tools, and financial assistance programs that can help your household save water and money (California Department of Water Resources, 2025).

What I’ll Fight For

Conservation alone isn’t enough—it has to be paired with good leadership. I will:

• Push for investment in recycled water systems and drought-ready infrastructure

• Expand rebate programs and conservation outreach for working families

• Prioritize repairing leaks and inefficient pipelines to prevent waste

• Advocate for transparent decision-making so residents understand where their money is going and why

This summer is shaping up to be another hot and dry one. But that doesn't mean we have to panic. By working together, planning ahead, and conserving smartly, we can keep our community strong, our costs down, and our water flowing.

Let’s build a water-wise future—together.

References

California Department of Water Resources. Conservation Tips. State of California, 2025, https://water.ca.gov/water-basics/conservation-tips.

California Department of Water Resources. Understanding Our Current Drought. California Water Watch, State of California, 2025, https://cww.water.ca.gov/droughtindicator.

National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). Drought Status Update for California-Nevada, April 10, 2025. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 10 Apr. 2025, https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/drought-status-update-california-nevada-2025-04-10.