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'
