California Drought of 1976 and 1977--Extent, Damage, and Governmental Response

With the drought persisting through 1976 and 1977, surface water supplies in some parts of California dwindled sharply, and large quantities of groundwater were extracted to make up the shortage. The drought did the most damage to California's agriculture, especially the livestock industry. Federal, State, and local government response has been generally adequate to cope with the drought.