What happens to US food production if the groundwater runs out altogether?

The opinion piece by Jay Famiglietti discusses the looming water crisis affecting U.S. agriculture, particularly in California's Central Valley, which produces a significant portion of the nation's food. The reliance on groundwater for irrigation is unsustainable, with depletion rates accelerating due to overuse and climate change. As groundwater supplies dwindle, the possibility of transporting water from the Great Lakes to drier agricultural regions becomes a pressing concern. However, such infrastructure projects would be complex, costly, and politically unpopular. The author emphasizes the need for a national water policy to manage groundwater resources effectively and prevent a future where water must be piped across the country. Current efforts to manage groundwater are insufficient, and without a coordinated approach, the U.S. risks severe food and water insecurity. The piece calls for immediate action to assess and sustain groundwater supplies to avoid the drastic measures of draining the Great Lakes.

- California's Central Valley is crucial for U.S. food production but faces a groundwater crisis.

- Overpumping and climate change are accelerating groundwater depletion.

- Transporting water from the Great Lakes to California is a complex and costly potential solution.

- A national water policy is needed to manage groundwater resources effectively.

- Immediate action is required to prevent severe food and water insecurity in the future.