Droughts are too often viewed as local disasters. The historic drought gripping California, which grows more than 90% of the country’s almonds, broccoli, grapes and tomatoes, reminds us that in today’s global economy, the economic repercussions of water scarcity ripple far beyond any single state. In California, as in Texas, drought has provoked a conversation on how to invest in more secure water supplies–but for both states, drought is just a preview of water shortages that are likely to persist, and which are driven by the choices we make around water use. In both states, systemic water scarcity requires a serious examination of how we manage water and how we value it. Read more from HCA Board Member, Sharlene Leurig.