Mixed outlook for California's drought recovery.

California has experienced heavy rainfall and snowfall since late last year, which has helped alleviate drought conditions in the state. As of March 16, only 36% of California is in a drought, compared to 100% on Jan. 1. However, groundwater basins are much slower to recover, and it will take more than a single wet year for groundwater levels to substantially improve at a statewide scale. According to a recent study, it can take up to an average of three years for rainfall to restore depleted aquifers after a drought.