"Amid California's Drought, a Bruising Battle for Cheap Water"

"The signs appear about 200 miles north of Los Angeles, tacked onto old farm wagons parked along quiet two-lane roads and bustling Interstate 5.

'Congress Created Dust Bowl.' 'Stop the Politicians' Water Crisis.' 'No Water No Jobs.'

They dot the Westlands Water District like angry salutations, marking the territory of California's most formidable water warrior. Their message is clear: Politicians and environmental laws are more to blame for Westlands' dusty brown fields than the drought that has parched California for the last three years.

In truth, neither is to blame for Westlands' woes so much as the simple fact that the nation's largest irrigation district is in the wrong place."

Bettina Boxall reports for the Los Angeles Times October 21, 2014.