3.
In the Central Valley of California,farmers are reducing crop size because they do not have enough water.Last year,California had the least amount of rain since officials began keeping records.And it may be just as bad this year.
Reservoirs are areas where water is stored.In California,some reservoirs are empty.The amount of snow in the Sierra Mountains is 75 percent below normal.This mountain snow melts in the spring and fills rivers.The water is used by farmers.But now,farmers are warning of the possibility of another"Dust Bowl,"like the one of the l930s.Severe droughts and dust storms covered American farmlands and few crops grew.
Dan Errotabere is a third generation California farmer.He grows tomatoes,walnuts,garlic and other crops in Fresno County.He says the federal agency that controls the amount of water released from dams and rivers has stopped giving him water.He and other farmers say officials are not correctly administering the water system."The last couple of years-dry years,along with severe environmental restrictions--has now presented us with a zero allocation year,''said he.
Farmers may not be able to plant crops on more than 200,000 hectares of farmland in the Central Valley this spring.Mr.Errotabere will plant crops on just 80 percent of his farmland.He has enough work for only l5 of his 25 workers.
Federal and state officials sometimes reduce the amount of water to farmers even in years with normal rainfall levels.The officials must supply water to the Sacramento River Delta which is home to several endangered species.
Long-term solutions include conservation,recycling waste water and,building"desalinization (脱盐) centers."These centers remove salt from seawater so it can be used on farms.Farmers say better administration of the state's water system could also help solve the crisis.
51.The farmers in California grow fewer crops due toA.
A.water shortage B.water pollution
C.government policy D.species protection
52.There is no water in some reservoirs becauseD.
A.snow didn't melt in time
B.dust storms covered them
C.water supply was cut off
D.the snowfall dropped sharply
53.What do we know about Dan Errotabere?A
A.He isn't content with the officials in charge of water system.
B.He can do nothing but ask for help from the government.
C.He has to employ more workers to work for him.
D.He plans to cut down the majority of his crops.
54.The underlined word"it''in the last paragraph refers toB.
A.salt B.seawater C.waste water D.desalinization
55.What's the main idea of the text?C
A.Annual rainfall in California decreases.
B.Water use in California is not reasonable.
C.Lack of water affects Californian crops.
D.Action is taken to rid drought in California.