Surprising consequences of the California drought
As the California drought drags on and officials impose new statewide water restrictions, here's a look at how the drought might affect your day-to-day life... even if you don't live in California.
If, for example, you're a person who can't imagine your burrito without guac, get ready for your wallet to get a lot thinner. The price of avocados has increased 28 percent due to the abnormally dry conditions out West.
By CBS News Staff Writer Christina Capatides
Monarchs of the drought
The California drought, so bad for so many animals, may actually be giving the dwindling monarch butterfly population wings. The beautiful black-and-orange butterflies, once numbered around 1 billion, have dropped to fewer than 60 million over the past two decades as the national supply of milkweed has fallen prey to pesticides and development.
As residents throughout California rip out their water-thirsty lawns, many are choosing to dot their properties with milkweed instead. And it just so happens that female monarchs will only lay their eggs in milkweed. As such, California's new landscaping trend may actually save threatened butterflies, in addition to water.
Rattlesnakes
Thanks to the drought, there are more rattlesnakes around than usual. And to make matters worse, they're now snaking their way into residential neighborhoods and California backyards where small children play.
A 2-year-old girl, named Ishneed Kaur, was bitten by a rattlesnake, June 9, 2015, while playing in her backyard in Pittsburg, California. She had to be airlifted to Children's Hospital in Oakland for immediate treatment.
That same week, a 4-year-old boy was bitten after stepping on a baby rattlesnake coiled on a bike trail in Folsom, California. When his ankle started to swell and turn purple as a result, the child's mother, Jacklyn Caramazza, jumped into action and sucked the venom from his wound; a dangerous move, which may have saved the boy's life, but most experts don't recommend.
Throwing shade at the problem
In August 2015, the city of Los Angeles began covering its open-air reservoirs with floating, plastic "shade balls" to protect the water from penetrating sunlight and the detrimental chemical reactions that it can cause. As a result LA reservoirs, like this one, are now covered with over 90 million black plastic balls a piece.
Grass-starved beef
The Golden State -- usually a lush green this time of year -- is growing more and more golden by the day; bad news for both products and industries that depend on green grass.
Grass-fed cattle, for example, have no grass to feed on. So, fans of the healthier, more environmentally friendly burgers may have to settle for grain-fed beef soon. There is simply not enough grass in California at this point to keep cows alive.
Here, cattle walk on dried grass in Raymond, California, April 23 2015, illustrating the widespread problem.
Salad skyrocketing
While the California drought crisis threatens all crops, certain fruits and vegetables that demand a lot of water are taking an especially big hit.
The salad staple lettuce, unfortunately, is one of the crops most affected.
As a result, a study out of Arizona State University this week projects that the price of lettuce is likely to skyrocket 34 percent; pre-packaged salad mixes are expected to follow suit with a lesser, yet still hefty, 13 percent price increase.
Stray kittens
While a majority of the California drought's unsavory consequences are culinary, others are a different animal altogether.
Cats, for example, apparently get extra frisky in warm, dry weather. So, Bay Area animal shelters have been inundated lately with a flood of stray kittens, reportedly caused by the drought.
Who knew?
Parks
Cats may be more prone to mating in the current California climate, but dogs are not happy.
Where did all the parks go?
Here, a woman walks her dog in San Francisco's Bernal Heights Park. All that dried-out earth can't feel good under the paws.
California Ethos
Due to the drought crisis, Starbucks announced that it plans to move all production of its Ethos bottled water brand from California to Pennsylvania, beginning this month.
The coffee giant had been under pressure to justify its West Coast operations for months, before making this announcement, May 7, 2015.
Not to worry, though. Their California latte production will continue unchecked.
Peppers - too hot?
While some peppers are always chili, even they aren't immune to the unusually dry, warm weather in California these days.
In fact, the price of peppers is projected to rise 14 percent.
Something to grape about
What's eating Gilbert Grape? Oh, just another price increase.
A new study out of Arizona State University projects that the price of grapes will rise 21 percent, as a result of the California drought crisis.
Bugging out
Humans aren't the only Californians feeling the water pinch.
The ongoing drought crisis has drastically reduced natural water sources, used by bugs. So, ants, bed bugs, spiders and roaches in California have had to find themselves new sources of food and water... like your home.
In fact, Clark Pest Control told CBS Sacramento that they've seen a 20 percent jump in bug calls, since last year; even hiring new employees to meet the increased demand.
Lakes
Lakes ... This one, admittedly, falls under the anticipated consequences category.
However, just because a consequence is expected, doesn't make it any less upsetting.
Here, the Enterprise Bridge can be seen passing over a historically low Lake Oroville. Not good.
Tomatoes
Like your spaghetti with tomato sauce? You may want to start rationing your family's sauce intake.
The price of tomatoes is projected to rise 19 percent.
That's a speecy spicy meatball.
Lawns
California water regulators imposed sweeping and unprecedented restrictions on residents' use of water, May 5.
With those regulations, the State Water Resources Control Board urged Californians to just let their lawns die; classifying any water used for landscaping, an improper waste of the state's severely diminished resources.
Broccoli
Broccoli -- a vegetable that requires a lot of water -- has been hit hard by the epic California drought, now in its fourth year.
As such, a new study conducted by Arizona State University agribusiness professor Timothy Richards, projects that the price of broccoli will escalate as much as 22 percent.
Mansions
California's unprecedented drought is even affecting the look of its luxury homes.
Here, an aerial view overlooking landscaping in Ramona, California, shows a mansion surrounded by dead grass, April 4, 2015.
Gov. Jerry Brown has demanded a 25 percent cut in urban water usage. College campuses, golf courses, personal homes, industrial and recreational facilities alike are expected to heed the new restrictions.
Berries
As the weather in California remains berry dry and berry hot, the price of berries is set to rise 14 percent.
The accuracy of signs
The continued California drought has even rendered several of the state's signs straight-up liars.
Here, a sign from wetter times warns people not to dive from a bridge over the Kern River, which has since dried up, due to water diversion projects and insufficient rain.
Melons
Melons are yet another water-hungry crop, affected by the ongoing drought.
Accordingly, the price of melons is projected to rise 18 percent.
Aw nuts!
In fact, it seems no crop is immune.
Here, a dead almond hangs on the branch of a stressed and under-watered almond tree, April 23, 2015 in Firebaugh, California.
As California enters its fourth year of severe drought, farmers in the Central Valley are struggling to keep their crops watered; many opting to simply leave acres of their fields fallow.
