By Frank A. Monforte

The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly altered our way of life. One of the most drastic and visible shifts was the mass exodus of employees from commercial office spaces during the lockdown period of the pandemic. This had an impact on numerous industries, including utilities.
There has been significant discussion on energy use during the pandemic, which saw residential demand skyrocket. Now the question is: Was the same true for water consumption? Water usage is of particular (and timely) concern in California as the state is experiencing another deviation from the norm: a severe drought.
Continue Reading
This archived story is available after you provide your email address and accept our Privacy Policy.








Residential vs agricultural water use is a thorny issue. Since most of the residential users live along the coast, how about if California brings nine desalination plants online. Then the agricultural users won’t be bullied away from the water they need to produce food for all the other residents.