Advanced irrigation technology and practices, such as buried drip systems and deficit irrigation, have helped farmers more efficiently manage their water use and minimize waste. Additionally, about one-third of California's irrigated land is covered under a memorandum of understanding obligating irrigation districts to identify and implement efficient water management practices that are cost effective. The cost of pumping or purchasing water from a supplier, such as an irrigation district, is a significant cost in a farming operation. Although agriculture is often criticized for paying less for water than urban users, agricultural water does not have the same level of quality and reliability as urban water. Also, the delivery distance for agricultural water is usually shorter than for urban water and agricultural water supplies were developed earlier than many municipal supplies when costs were lower.
Agriculture is one of the state's top industries, providing one in ten jobs.
Ensuring a reliable, affordable supply of water for agriculture is key to the industry's continued economic contributions. Californians are constantly reminded to conserve water. Because the water supply in California is so precious, certain crops are often targeted as being wasteful of water. A crop should be evaluated on both its economic contribution and social value. For example, rice, alfalfa, cotton and irrigated pasture, plus the livestock and dairies they support, account for nearly one-third of all agricultural output in the state.