The draining of California’s aquifers is sinking the land above them, at about one foot per year in some places. There’s no need to speculate about the impacts. California already has enough evidence; it just has to look into its history. San Luis Obispo had this happen in 1989. Sinking is bad enough. Sinking unevenly wrecks buildings, which makes building owners upset, which makes them sue anyone responsible. The local government had to pay for damages. As the drought continues, the scale increases, the more buildings and infrastructure are influenced, and the greater the damage. Californians will be suing Californians which may require Californian taxpayers to pay. Not a good time for California’s economy.
(Click on the photo for the link.)
“What Will Happen To A Sinking California” – Grist
Pretending Not To Panic 