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This is a common trope, and while true, it should be mentioned that we need the food produced by this water, too. Perpetually drought stricken California produc

This is a common trope, and while true, it should be mentioned that we need the food produced by this water, too. Perpetually drought stricken California produces more food (by value) than any other state in the country [0]. Sure, some of that is water-intensive crops like almonds and pistachios, but that accounts for less than 20% of the gross receipts. It isn't like people in urban areas aren't responsible for water that goes to farms -- if you eat, you are part of that cohort as well. [0] https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Statistics/ https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Statistics/

HDThoreaun 4y ago
Water intensive crops accounting for just 20% of gross receipts is evidence in favor of agricultural water reform, not against it. These states can continue to have successful agricultural industries without their disastrous water usage. Just switching the most water intensive crops and requiring efficient irrigation would lead to huge water savings.
- s1artibartfast 4y ago
  Water intensive crops is a meaningless distinction. Almonds and pistachio produce more calories per gallon then most fruits and basically all vegetables. Don't even get me started on grapes and wine.
  - John23832 4y ago
    Caloric count isn't a totally meaningful stat either. If it was, we'd all be wolfing down McDonalds with no guilt whatsoever.
bee_rider 4y ago
We need some food which requires some water. It isn’t obvious (to me at least) how it should be prioritized. For example I guess if we were trying to optimize water usage, we’d prefer kale to iceberg lettuce, right? And we could probably get by without a lot of herbs. And we’ll have to pick which fruit is best. Of course this would be kind of unfortunate. We like our diverse diets. But, that’s really more for the enjoyment of flavor rather than necessity. And people also enjoy their lawns… IMO it would be best to slowly increase water costs over time, to induce people to consider the trade offs.

HDThoreaun 4y ago

Water intensive crops accounting for just 20% of gross receipts is evidence in favor of agricultural water reform, not against it. These states can continue to have successful agricultural industries without their disastrous water usage. Just switching the most water intensive crops and requiring efficient irrigation would lead to huge water savings.

s1artibartfast 4y ago
Water intensive crops is a meaningless distinction. Almonds and pistachio produce more calories per gallon then most fruits and basically all vegetables. Don't even get me started on grapes and wine.
- John23832 4y ago
  Caloric count isn't a totally meaningful stat either. If it was, we'd all be wolfing down McDonalds with no guilt whatsoever.

bee_rider 4y ago

We need some food which requires some water. It isn’t obvious (to me at least) how it should be prioritized. For example I guess if we were trying to optimize water usage, we’d prefer kale to iceberg lettuce, right? And we could probably get by without a lot of herbs. And we’ll have to pick which fruit is best. Of course this would be kind of unfortunate. We like our diverse diets. But, that’s really more for the enjoyment of flavor rather than necessity. And people also enjoy their lawns… IMO it would be best to slowly increase water costs over time, to induce people to consider the trade offs.