arty chokes, as par gas, advo cardos. the reality is there's a drought in california, it's not going away and it's likely to persist for years. >> everybody turns on a tap, water comes out. they wash hands and drink the water. the day that doesn't happen is the day they'll be as worried as most of the farmers i know. that's where i feel we are at right now. >> as california prepares for what could be the worst drought in modern history and the country prepares for higher food prices, farmers like phil mcgrath can only watch as the family business dries up before his eyes. >> what can be done to help the farmers, and the vendors here at the local farmers market. well, the u.s. da released $20 million to help the farmers. what they need more than money is rain. >> meteorologists say thursday's rain will bring short-term benefits. they need 36 inches of rain at least to end the drought. >> schools closed on thursday after workers in west virginia complained of smelling water. two other schools in charleston closed on wednesd