California's drought is Asia's nightmare

By Mark L. Clifford

Updated 1229 GMT (2029 HKT) May 11, 2015

Inmates at a state prison in Vacaville, California, install a drought-tolerant garden in October. The garden will be watered using reclaimed water from the prison's kitchen. California is entering its fifth year of severe drought.
Photos: California's historic drought
Inmates at a state prison in Vacaville, California, install a drought-tolerant garden in October. The garden will be watered using reclaimed water from the prison's kitchen. California is entering its fifth year of severe drought.
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California State Assemblyman Devon Mathis speaks to members of the media after he helped secure a donation of 100,000 water bottles in September. More than 300 homes in Porterville, California, were out of running water because of dried-up wells.
Photos: California's historic drought
California State Assemblyman Devon Mathis speaks to members of the media after he helped secure a donation of 100,000 water bottles in September. More than 300 homes in Porterville, California, were out of running water because of dried-up wells.
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Evacuee James Logan embraces his wife, Lisa, as they listen to an update about a wildfire in Clearlake Oakes, California, in August. Drought conditions have fueled numerous wildfires across the state.
Photos: California's historic drought
Evacuee James Logan embraces his wife, Lisa, as they listen to an update about a wildfire in Clearlake Oakes, California, in August. Drought conditions have fueled numerous wildfires across the state.
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Firefighters hike down a hill in Clearlake, California, as they mop up hot spots from the Rocky Fire in August.
Photos: California's historic drought
Firefighters hike down a hill in Clearlake, California, as they mop up hot spots from the Rocky Fire in August.
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A golfer in San Francisco hits a shot in July. After Gov. Jerry Brown ordered a statewide water-use reduction of 25%, golf courses have been struggling to keep their fairways and greens watered.
Photos: California's historic drought
A golfer in San Francisco hits a shot in July. After Gov. Jerry Brown ordered a statewide water-use reduction of 25%, golf courses have been struggling to keep their fairways and greens watered.
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People picnic in July on the sandy bottom of Mirror Lake, which is normally covered with water at Yosemite National Park.
Photos: California's historic drought
People picnic in July on the sandy bottom of Mirror Lake, which is normally covered with water at Yosemite National Park.
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A man applies green paint to a brown lawn in Novato, California, in May.
Photos: California's historic drought
A man applies green paint to a brown lawn in Novato, California, in May.
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A close-up of the dry Guadalupe Creek, as seen in San Jose, California, in April.
Photos: California's historic drought
A close-up of the dry Guadalupe Creek, as seen in San Jose, California, in April.
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Workers install artificial grass at a home in Burlingame, California, in April.
Photos: California's historic drought
Workers install artificial grass at a home in Burlingame, California, in April.
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Motorists in Rancho Cordova, California, pass a sign in April reminding them to reduce water use.
Photos: California's historic drought
Motorists in Rancho Cordova, California, pass a sign in April reminding them to reduce water use.
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