How does the California state government manage droughts?

In January 2015, the state began implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, a landmark law requiring local governments to sustainably manage groundwater in California. read more

The Governor announces a state of emergency when a request is made by local governments to proclaim a state of emergency. The Governor might also announce a state of emergency without a request from local governments, if the conditions of a disaster are extreme and beyond the control of the staff or facilities of any single city or county. read more

Drought planning at the local level in many areas appears to be given a low priority because of the randomness of droughts, the limited resources for planning, the limited jurisdiction (local government might not be able to control streamflow levels), and the programs of the Federal Government to provide disaster relief in time of crisis. read more