In the September/October issue of Western Water magazine, Writer Gary Pitzer explores the impacts of California’s severe drought on cities, business, agriculture and environment. In all, experts say this drought is charting new territory.

After four years of drought, California has endured cumulative years of deficit, which have taken their toll. The 2014 water year tied the 1977 water year with a snowpack of 25 percent of normal. Water year 2015, which ended Sept. 30, was even worse.

Pitzer details what’s being done to lessen the impact of the current drought and what plans are in the works to adapt to the “new normal.”

Read the excerpt from this issue. Purchase a printed magazine or subscribe to the digital, interactive version.