Environmental & Energy
Jul. 18, 2025
Milking California dry of its water supply
California's dairy industry consumes more water daily than the populations of San Diego and San Jose combined, spotlighting a critical choice: reform industrial agriculture or watch the wells run dry.
Chang Kyoung (CK) Choi
Dr. Choi is an Associate Professor
Michigan Technological University
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Roberto Escobar
Email: bobby@elaw.business
Roberto "Bobby" Escobar is general counsel, and an environmental and labor and immigration advisor.
California's dairy industry, a major driver of the state's water crisis, consumes a staggering 142 million gallons of water daily -- enough to supply the combined populations of San Jose and San Diego. This demand is particularly alarming in a state grappling with chronic drought, where over 1,200 wells ran dry in 2022 alone -- a 57% increase from the previous year. The paradox is stark: While reservoirs dwindle and groundwater vanishes, industrial animal agriculture continue...
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