Contrary to the ALS ice bucket challenges this summer, and the green lawns up and down the Peninsula, California is in the middle of a serious drought.

Although the Crystal Springs Reservoir, right in our backyards, looks full of water and “normal,” it is extremely necessary that Californians begin to conserve water where they can now.

7 percent of the Carlmont students we polled think that the drought is a one on a scale of ten, and think that the drought doesn’t affect them. In many viewpoints, without the physical proof of a drained reservoir, the drought isn’t real. However this isn’t the case and if Californians continue to use water the way they are, we’re headed for serious trouble.

If we don’t begin to conserve water now, the drought holds dire consequences. A study done by Cornell University predicts the “megadrought” has the potential to last for 35 years and people will begin to mass migrate from California and the Southwestern United States.

Starting now, people need to do their part in helping to lessen the amount of water they use. To start off the conservation, it is as simple as taking a few minutes off of your shower, watering your lawn less (and only watering at night), and driving a dirty car.

People need to start taking the small steps to begin the conservation, and slowly build up to more long term goals and solutions for both conserving water and solving California’s drought.