California’s Water Crisis Isn’t a Drought—It’s Bad Policy

California’s Water Crisis Isn’t a Drought—It’s Bad Policy

In late December, winter storms brought rain and snow that modestly improved California’s reservoirs and snowpack. Officials quickly cautioned, however, that this would not solve the water crisis. The message was clear: despite years of restrictions and emergency measures, policymakers still have no path to long-term water security. California’s water shortages are routinely attributed to drought, climate change, and population growth, while res…