Times are changing, and these changes require action, like the #WaterCrisis in California. However, it is not the failure of the State Government to act that primarily led to this crisis; it is due to #overpopulation.

Back in 2015, former California Governor Jerry Brown declared mandatory water use reductions for the first time in California’s history to help deal with a severe drought. For example, cities and towns had to conserve 25% of their water supply. Local government also worked to strengthen water recycling and water treatment. The groundwater oversight system was implemented, and ditch irrigation had been put in place. Additionally, $2.7 billion had been set aside to jump-start projects for water storage and $7 billion was allotted for infrastructure.

In March 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom laid out an executive order on water restrictions, which he continues to enforce. In May 2022, Newsom agreed with the State Water Resources Control Board who voted unanimously to implement a statewide ban on watering of non-functional turf in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors, as well as regulations requiring local agencies to implement water use restrictions amid the possibility that water supplies may be up to 20% lower due to extreme weather. 

These are just a few of the actions the Government took to save and conserve water. As you can see, the problem is not the lack or failure of the Government to act; the bigger issue is overpopulation. In the 1950s California’s population was about 10 million, 70 years later, the population jumped to 40 million. It is projected to surpass 50 million by 2050.

Looking at these numbers, it’s no surprise that there is an increase in demand for water to sustain daily needs. #Water is needed for bathing, drinking, and cleaning, but it is not limited to these basic functions. There is also an increasing need to sustain lush gardens and pools. More importantly, farmers need water to produce crops. Due to the increase in population, the demand for food also increased, and whether fruit, vegetable, or livestock, it requires water. The issue points back to the dilemma of the water shortage.

The root cause of the water shortage is overpopulation. The Government can implement water restrictions, put up new dams, cut carbon pollution, etc...but the efforts will always be futile. The population growth, and the need for water to sustain food and living will always be in conflict - whether the Government acts on it or not.