California is at a crossroads when it comes to water management. With a growing population, aging infrastructure, and intensifying wildfires, concerns over water shortages and firefighting capabilities are mounting. Brett Barbre, a board member of a Southern California water district, provides an insider’s perspective on the state’s water challenges, the policy roadblocks, and the urgent need for reform.
The Devastation of Recent Fires
Los Angeles has endured devastating wildfires, reigniting concerns over the reliability of its water infrastructure. Reports of dry fire hydrants in Palisades left residents questioning the state’s preparedness for such disasters. Barbre sheds light on the issue, emphasizing that the problem extends beyond isolated incidents.“When a fire is raging, every second counts. If a firefighter opens a hydrant and no water comes out, that could mean the loss of a home, a neighborhood, or even lives,” he warns.
