(CNN / WTXL) - Much of the state of California is still suffering an "exceptional drought,” the worst level. According to a study from NASA, California needs roughly 11 trillion gallons of rain to get out of its extreme drought. That's enough water to fill 17 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Officials say the situation is so dire, the flooding that struck the state earlier this year barely made a dent in the drought. Most of the rainfall turned into run-off since it came down at such a rapid pace.
NOAA did a study and found that parts of California need over 15” of rainfall to fully relieve the drought conditions. But if all that rain came down at once, most of it wouldn't be absorbed into the ground.
Those involved with the data say it will take many years for California to recover.
