According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, more than 81% of California is in an “extreme drought.”

The state has been battling a drought that has become increasingly severe and costly over the past few years. California is now “short more than one year’s worth of reservoir water,” according to an NDMC report and residents can be fined up to $500 for excessively watering their lawns.

All images July 20, 2011, vs. Aug. 19, 2014, unless otherwise specified.