The drought in California, which has lasted more than four years, has created more than lawn-watering laws, The Huffington Post reported.
West Nile Virus and the encroachment of thirsty rats and other species are increasing as a result of lack of water, according to published reports.
Stagnant water brings mosquitoes and scientists say the levels of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in California are at record levels. In September of 2014, there were 798 human cases of West Nile Virus, from which 29 people died.
More than 2,442 birds died from West Nile Virus, and 3,340 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus, information from WestNile.ca.gov revealed.
As sources of water become more scarce, insects, animals and birds congregate at the same locations, and that creates a health risk, according to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District.
In addition to laying eggs on the still surfaces of stagnant water, the district indicates that fish that would normally eat the mosquitoes disappear as the bodies of water dry up to low levels. The mosquito population thrives in drought conditions.
But other animals do not and that is a cause for concern say scientists. As the water sources for species of invasive ants, rats and snakes dry up, it brings these creatures ever increasingly into people's living areas - and frequently into homes.
In addition, the groundwater basin grows increasingly contaminated, Reuters reported. The groundwater basins are contaminated from the nitrogen used in fertilizer and farm feeding operations, said Linda Rudolph, co-director for the Center for Climate Change and Health in Oakland.
