Understanding the water crisis in our community
Water bills have increased 120% in 10 years. The average family now pays $85/month, straining household budgets.
Drought concentrates pollutants. ER visits for water-related illnesses have doubled since 2015.
Subsidence from groundwater loss has caused $14M in infrastructure damage to homes and roads.
Water-intensive crops like almonds replaced drought-resistant varieties across 120,000 acres.
Groundwater management laws were repealed, leading to unchecked well drilling.
The worst drought in 1,200 years reduced surface water by 40%, forcing reliance on groundwater.
Stockton's aging pipes began leaking up to 30% of treated water - that's enough for 15,000 families annually.
Summer extended by 5 weeks compared to 1980s, increasing lawn watering and AC use (which needs water to operate).
50,000+ new residents moved in, but water infrastructure wasn't expanded to match demand.
75% of homes kept thirsty lawns despite drought warnings, using 50% of residential water outdoors.
Source: San Joaquin County Water Resources, 2023
While households account for only 30% of water use in our county, agricultural demands consume the majority of our water resources. This imbalance becomes critical during drought periods.
The average Stockton resident uses 85 gallons per day, while a single acre of almonds can require up to 4,000 gallons daily during peak season.
Source: California Water Boards Groundwater Monitoring Data
"I think the drought has been terrible. A lot if vegitation has died and it's impacting animals alot."
"It's pretty Serious, I grew up with a large family so I withnessed first hand how much water is wasted. Farms are being lost due to droughts, I don't see any change happening without action!"
"Take out your lawns and plant succulents!"
"My Crops are dying, My corn cannot grow right!"
Learn what you can do to help protect Stockton's water future
Take Action Now