[jkimmel]

CA exports a large portion of its agricultural products, including several top exports that are very water intensive to grow (again, almonds, walnuts, dairy & beef).

Moreover, current irrigation methods in the valley are not ideal for water conservation. Many farmers have water rights dating to the 19th century allowing nearly unfettered access to whatever water they can find, providing no economic incentive to invest in conservation infrastructure.

There is no Californian Malthusian crisis, just a story of poor resource management.

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/statistics/

[wfunction]

Yes but please see my reply on the previous comment saying the same thing: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14305121