One major problem that needs to be tackled is that much of California (and the world) is still using flood irrigation[1], which wastes massive amounts of water

One major problem that needs to be tackled is that much of California (and the world) is still using flood irrigation[1], which wastes massive amounts of water to runoff and evaporation. Fortunately this is starting to be tackled due to higher water costs and government subsidies. (But of course it's only part of the problem, and these subsidies carry some moral hazard[2]. Also, it's interesting to note that not all of the water "wasted" in less efficient methods of irrigation is actually wasted.[3]) [1] http://www.mullerranch.com/making_news/sacbee_drip_2_2014.html http://www.mullerranch.com/making_news/sacbee_drip_2_2014.ht... [2] http://www.circleofblue.org/waternews/2014/world/conserve-water-california-not-increase-supply/ http://www.circleofblue.org/waternews/2014/world/conserve-wa... [3] http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5942 http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5942