We have been in multiyear droughts and extended dry periods a number of times in the past, and we will be in the future. In periods like this there will be shortages, of course, but the state as a whole is not going to run dry in a year or two years.The illustrative photo of a greatly depleted reservoir - with houseboats moored in what remains of the lake - appears to be of the Lime Saddle arm of Lake Oroville, a reservoir on the Feather River. Being this low is by no means unusual for Lake Oroville, unfortunately.
Drought is no stranger to the Golden State, it is more the rule than the exception. It is quite rare when any significant rain falls between the end of May and the end of October. November through May doesn't see much rain either. Many places claim an annual average of 18 inches, but often get 10-12.
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Here is environmental heresy: CA should dam every Sierra canyon with significant runoff, as well as many in the Coast Range, and let much less water run into the ocean. While we're at it, we should generate hydroelectric power at those mountain reservoirs when we tap them for drinking and agriculture water.
