This year, the state of California is experiencing the worst water crisis of its history. Many reasons — including global warming, over consumption by farmers, inefficient engineering plans in the major cities and a rapid growth in population — are to blame for the issues. But contrary to popular belief, the water crisis is not merely just a California issue. In fact, California may simply be the first domino to fall in what could be a future nationwide water catastrophe.

According the United States Accountability Office, 40 of the 50 states in the country will be affected with a water shortage in the next 10 years. Of these states, Kansas is included. In fact, our state has already begun to see severe symptoms of a problem. Last year, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 93 percent of Kansas was threatened with severe drought. The Ogallala Aquifer, which is leaned on heavily by farmers and suburban citizens alike, is unable to replenish itself at a fast enough rate to counter its consumption. The threat of a water disaster was even enough to prompt Governor Sam Brownback to sign drought reducing bills into law, such as HB 2202. As the summer grows ever closer, water issues will only continue to escalate here.

In California, the water crisis has caused unpleasant strain. It has come to the point where water consumption is required to be reduced by as much as 25 percent in many areas. It’s a stunning requirement, especially for the southern counties who only contribute 25 percent of the state’s water to begin with. Local water agencies will be threatened with 10,000 dollar fines if they fail to oblige. Even outside of the government, tensions have risen. Extremists, nicknamed “water vigilantes,” have even begun “water shaming” individuals who are caught wasting water, confronting them or posting their images on social media. It’s a ridiculous situation to say the least. As residents of a state which is particularly susceptible to similar water issues in the future, Kansans need to work to reduce the problems before they get as severe as those in the golden state. Even doing little things to limit unnecessary water use, such as replacing inefficient showerheads (which, the Environmental Protection Agency claims, would save America 260 billion gallons of water every year if every American did it), would make a big difference.

The plea to save water is admittedly a recurring message, but it’s one that needs to continue to be said none-the-less. Those who might find it difficult to comprehend future water problems can better understand the unpleasant reality by looking no further than California or Kansas. The sad truth is that water crises are happening, and pose a threat to the entire nation. The sooner this is widely recognized, the quicker we can avoid its nasty effects