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2021 Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan supplies are not replenished at a normal rate. This can lead to a reduction in groundwater levels and problems such as reduced pumping capacity or wells going dry. Shallow wells are more susceptible than deep wells. Reduced replenishment of groundwater affects streams. Much of the flow in streams comes from groundwater, especially during the summer when there is less precipitation and after snowmelt ends. Reduced groundwater levels mean that even less water will enter streams when stream flows are lowest. Where stream flows are reduced, development that relies on surface water may seek to establish new groundwater wells, which could further increase groundwater depletion. Other Potential Losses Environmental losses from drought are associated with damage to plants, animals, wildlife habitat, and air and water quality; forest and range fires; degradation of landscape quality; loss of biodiversity; and soil erosion. Some of the effects are short-term and conditions quickly return to normal following the end of the drought. Other environmental effects linger for some time or may even become permanent. Although environmental losses are difficult to quantify, growing public awareness and concern for environmental quality has forced public officials to focus greater attention and resources on these effects. The following are potential impacts of drought:  Wildlife habitat may be degraded through the loss of wetlands, lakes and vegetation. The degradation of landscape quality, including increased soil erosion, may lead to a more permanent loss of biological productivity.  Drought conditions greatly increase the likelihood of wildfires, the major threat to timber resources.  Water shortages and severe drought conditions would have a significant impact on Native American tribes’ way of life in fishing and farming subsistence.  Scenic resources in the County are vulnerable to the increased likelihood of wildfires associated with droughts.  Drying up or dying off of forests could reduce ecological and eco-tourist values.  Any shortage of water supply can have significant economic impacts. 9.4.5 Economic Impact Drought causes the most significant economic impacts on industries that use water or depend on water for their business, most notably, agriculture and related sectors (forestry, fisheries, and waterborne activities). In addition to losses in yields in crop and livestock production, drought is associated with increased insect infestations, plant diseases, and wind erosion. Drought can lead to other losses because so many sectors are affected—losses that include reduced income for farmers and reduced business for retailers and others who provide goods and services to farmers. This leads to unemployment, increased credit risk for financial institutions, capital shortfalls, and loss of tax revenue. Prices for food, energy, and other products may also increase as supplies decrease. When a drought occurs, the agricultural industry faces greatest risk of economic impact and damage. During droughts, crops do not mature, resulting in smaller crop yields, undernourishment of wildlife and livestock, decreases in land values, and ultimately financial losses to farmers. Agriculture production has been a significant and growing factor in San Mateo County, especially as agricultural effects on the economy start to normalize (after a period of decline). Direct effects (excluding indirect and induced spending benefits) can be evaluated based on information in USDA reports. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 241 farms were present in San Mateo County, 9-12