A severe water shortage could endanger crops across the Rogue Valley this season, from pears to wine grapes to marijuana. Local irrigation districts may run out of water around August 1, well before most crops are harvested. The irrigation season typically lasts into September.
A drought last year forced local irrigation districts to nearly drain reservoirs to get through the growing season. There wasn’t enough snowpack or rainfall to replenish depleted reservoirs over the winter and this spring. Despite the past week of sporadic rain, the area is still in drought conditions, with many reservoirs at historic lows.
According to one grower, irrigation districts are working hard to figure out how to make the water last longer, but it’s an uphill battle. Growers everywhere will also have to do their part by conserving water.
Soruce: ashlandtidings.com
