TIME Environment

The Brief: Who Is Using Up California’s Water?

Three sectors gulp up most of the Golden State’s water supply

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California is stuck in one of the worst droughts in its history. In response, the state—which consumes more water than any other in the U.S.—is cutting back on water usage by 25% under a new plan from Gov. Jerry Brown.

While the Golden State isn’t completely out of water, it’s still using far more than it can replenish.The three biggest consumers are urban users, big agriculture and water allocated to environmental conservation. But who uses the most, and where is it all going?

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