This document discusses a data visualization project about the drought in California. The project analyzes data on drought conditions in California from 2012 to the present. It shows that over 58% of California is in a state of "Exceptional Drought" and no part of the state is below the level of "Severe Drought." The project includes an interactive online poster and door hangers to inform residents of their water usage and how to conserve water.

1. Deann Garcia
Final Project | california Drought
SD6700 | august 15 2014

2. Since 2012, the Western United States has been in a steadily
worsening state of drought. This year, 2014, we’ve shifted from
a worrisome situation to an extremely critical one. We are
rapidly running out of water.
Drop by drop.

3. I’ve created a data visualization dealing with the worst-hit
area: California.
California has a really special problem. It’s not only the most
populous state, it’s also a dry state which produces more food
for the rest of the country than any other. California needs
water. And it doesn’t have it.
today
last week
3 months ago
start of calendar year
one year ago
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Exceptional drought - 58.4%
extreme drought - 81.92%
severe drought - 99.8%
moderate drought - 100%
abnormallydry - 100%

4. I’ve defined my audience as residents in communities which are particularly
bad water wasters, specifically, Fresno residents, although the data and the
visualizations are easily customizable to any community which has a problem.
I’ve also included a version which shows the data from the state of California
as a whole, with the thought that this could be more applicable to the online
sharing audience, people who likely have friends in many communities. It will have
a broader reach.
I collected a large amount of data from the USGS, California Water Project,
and other research organizations which have studied the problems. Over the
past three years, California has moved from normal to a state of “Exceptional
Drought” over 58% of the land, and no where in the state is any inch of land
below the level of “Severe Drought”. Water tables are dropping, streams are
running at record-low levels, and the cost has been significant.

5. Part two of the project is a door hanger. The design of this hanger allows it to
draw upon data which should be available for single dwelling units, although I
did not have access to this data. The hangers would be left on a water-user’s
door, informing them of the amount of water they are using and how it compares
to averages.
The reverse side displays ideas for conserving water, as well as the scale of
their impact. The goal at the top gives users something to aim for.
In theory, a second hanger would be dropped after one month’s time, letting the
user know if they have met that goal.

6. A video explaining the project further can be found here.
the online poster can be found here. i encourage you to share it freely!

7. Sources of information
USGS WaterWatch http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/ww_cont.php?m=pa01d&w=table2&r=ca&a=1
http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/data_and_monitoring/MAPS_CHANGE/MultiYear/DOTMAP_S2014-S2011.pdf
http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/data_and_monitoring/groundwater_reports.cfm
http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_25090363/california-drought-water-use-varies-widely-around-state
http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1344/pdf/c1344.pdf
http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/
http://baydeltaconservationplan.com/AboutBDCP/WhatistheBDCP.aspx
http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/index.php?r=ca&id=real
http://www.cadrought.com/drought-monitor/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Arrowhead_Reservoir
http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm