Brown lawns, fallow fields and higher water bills are all the predictable outcomes of the California drought.
The Golden State is in the midst of its driest period on record. But all that warm, dry weather affects more than just lake levels and snowpack — it has some downright weird effects, too. From pipe-eating poop to more roadkill, here are some of the strangest results of the California drought.
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1. Pipe-eating poopPeople are still pooping as much, so each flush contains more waste with less water to flush it through the system. The waste that is broken down creates hydrogen sulfide, which eats through the concrete in the pipes
2. More roadkill
Since the drought means less greenery and animal food, animals must take bigger risks to reach food and water sources — even when that means crossing dangerous roads and highways. As a result, roadkill incidence may be increasing in the Golden State
3. Send in the snakes
With fewer water sources away from homes, rodents are likelier to venture into peoples' homes. Rattlesnakes then follow, lured by their main prey
4. Kitten bonanza!
cats react to warm weather just as people on a Hawaii vacation might — by getting busy
5. Pest growth
pests such as scorpions and spiders reproduce like crazy in the dry, warm conditions
What's the weirdest thing about the drought for you, ye Californian Soylentils?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 16 2015, @09:38PM
Have you considered permaculture? Saying you want pretty pathways and plants will go over much better with the missus than "no lawn". Plus I hear it requires very little actual work.