While droughts happen naturally, many of the conflicts and problems surrounding the drought are the result of human politics and intervention. Antiquated water rights and laws cause artificial shortages, overuse of groundwater has lowered water tables throughout the state, and human-caused climate change has been linked to worsening drought conditions.
Fortunately, many Californians have become aware that the drought is a serious problem. Communities have started changing their habits, motivated by mandatory water cuts for both urban areas and agriculture. However, debates still rage on about where California’s limited water should go, and who should take the biggest cuts.
Droughts are predicted become more common in California and elsewhere, and this one isn’t going away by itself, even with a huge El Nino predicted to bring lots of rain this year. Innovative policies, programs, and technologies have helped people cope with the drought throughout California, but we need to do more. And that’s where you come in. We will release the official design prompt on the first day of the Design-A-Thon, but on this site we have different questions and resources to get you thinking beforehand about ways you can improve the California drought. You don't have to look through everything, but taking a peek at a few topics that interest you might be helpful.

Useful Links

10 things to know about the drought
Drought Frames Economic Divide of Californians
Great podcast about economics of the drought and why taps are going dry
Quick breakdown of water usage in California