The heavy rains in California recently are helping to fill small reservoirs.... But experts still say the bigger drought problem will take years to fix. A reservoir is a large lake that is used as a source of water supply for people's homes or businesses.
Steady storms have helped to replenish several key reservoirs in parts of California, as the state nears the end of its rain season. The state's largest water reserve - the Shasta Reservoir, could fill up this month.
California is heading into its fifth year of the drought. The reservoir hasn't been full in four years -- it even saw a record low a little over a year ago.
People in cities and towns across the state were under orders to help conserve water. Governor Jerry Brown last year mandated residents to cut water use by 25 percent. State regulators expect to announce soon whether they will soon consider relaxing those orders.
Instructional Links
Encyclopedia Article: World Book Student, Reservoir
http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar465540&st=reservoir#tab=homepage
May Need Password
Website Article: U.S. Department of the Interior, California Drought