After a Thousand Days of Drought, California Has Blocked Millions of Tons of Water and That’s Why

California’s Water Crisis: A Cycle of Drought, Floods, and Solutions

For years, California has been grappling with one of the most complex water challenges in its history. Despite heavy rainfall in recent winters, the state remains locked in a relentless battle between drought and flooding. The question on everyone’s mind is simple: How can California suffer both devastating droughts and severe floods simultaneously?

A History of Extremes

In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom called for a 15% voluntary reduction in water use as California endured one of its most devastating droughts. Reservoirs dropped to critically low levels, prompting mandatory water restrictions in many counties and even declarations of emergencies in some areas. By 2022, scientists confirmed that the 22-year-long drought in the western U.S. was the driest period in the last 1,200 years.

Then, in a seemingly ironic twist, late 2022 to early 2023 saw California inundated with almost daily rainfall caused by atmospheric rivers—massive streams of water vapor. The rains brought catastrophic flooding, landslides, and winds, leaving at least 20 people dead and causing widespread damage. These storms offered some relief to the drought-stricken state, yet half of California still faced severe drought conditions, raising questions about the state’s water management strategies.

The Core Issue: Wasted Rainfall

One of California’s major water challenges lies in its inability to store rainwater effectively. Much of the rain simply flows into the Pacific Ocean, as the state’s aging infrastructure, designed for the 20th century, struggles to cope with modern weather patterns intensified by climate change.

California’s water system relies heavily on snowpack, which replenishes rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. However, with climate change shifting precipitation patterns, the state is seeing more rain and less snow—a trend its water management system wasn’t built to handle.

Aging Infrastructure

The State Water Project (SWP), California’s massive water supply and power system, exemplifies the issue. This network of aqueducts, reservoirs, and pumping stations supports over 25 million residents and irrigates 750,000 acres of farmland, underpinning much of California’s economy. However, many components of this system, like the Colorado Aqueduct built in the 1930s, are now outdated. Designed for a smaller population and less extreme weather, the infrastructure is insufficient for the state’s current and future needs.

Competing Demands and Environmental Costs

California’s water challenges aren’t just about infrastructure. The SWP’s water diversion efforts have negatively impacted the state’s salmon population. Water pumps disrupt natural river flows, hindering salmon migration and spawning. Rising river temperatures, a consequence of dam operations and climate change, have decimated salmon eggs and reduced spawning grounds by 80-90%. The decline of salmon directly affects the $1.4 billion fishing industry and over 23,000 jobs.

Solutions on the Horizon

Recognizing the urgency, California is pursuing innovative projects like the Sites Reservoir, designed to capture and store water during heavy storms. Located west of the Sacramento Valley, this off-stream reservoir will hold water diverted from the Sacramento River and local streams, ensuring minimal impact on fish populations. Unlike traditional reservoirs, Sites will focus on environmental needs, regulating water salinity, preserving cold water for salmon, and supporting ecosystems during droughts.

The reservoir, with a capacity to serve 7.5 million people annually, is also designed to produce and store energy, making it more sustainable. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2032, at an estimated cost of $3.9 billion.

Other Measures

To address the ongoing crisis, California is implementing long-term water restrictions, including reducing water supply by up to 40% over the next 15 years and encouraging the use of water-saving appliances. Some cities, like Los Angeles, are investing in wastewater recycling to turn sewage into potable water, a project expected to serve 250,000 people by 2035.

Additionally, efforts are underway to curb water-intensive practices like lawn maintenance. Lawns, which consume up to 75% of household water, are now subject to stricter watering limits, with experts advocating for drought-tolerant landscaping.

The Road Ahead

California’s water crisis is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and population growth. While projects like the Sites Reservoir offer hope, the state must address systemic issues, from outdated infrastructure to environmental impacts, to ensure a sustainable future. Balancing competing demands for water—whether for agriculture, urban use, or ecosystems—will require innovative solutions, significant investment, and collective effort.