California has the worst drought in its history. Water supplies are at dangerously low levels. The state government has done many things to try to prevent water shortages. Yesterday, farmers stepped in to help to conserve water. California's farmers have agreed to cut back on water use by 25 per cent. This will be voluntary. This agreement follows action by California's governor to cut water use in cities by 25 per cent. This was started as an emergency plan but it made many city people angry. They did not want to be the only ones to have to cut back on water.

California's water system serves over 30 million people and waters six million acres of farmland. It is the world's biggest and most productive water system. It also has the most problems because too many people want too little water. Farmers say it is important they get water first because they grow food. However, crops like almonds need a lot of water. People in the cities say they need water to live. There is also demand from golf courses and from rich people in the state for their swimming pools. California's population will be almost 50 million by the year 2020.